DIY Infinity-Style Chapel Veils!

Hey guys! So, as most of you know, I ascribe to the ancient tradition of veiling in mass. 

I started about four years ago, all on my own. I just randomly decided that I liked the look of lacy mantillas in mass, and so I got one and wore it. Eventually, my mom and sister Isabel joined me in wearing mantilla veils to mass. Only one problem- veils are such a niche market, that it’s very hard to find good ones in Vail, Arizona. You can buy online, but you can’t be sure if the color will be flattering to your outfits, coloring, and face shape. For the fashion-conscious Catholic teenager, this is a big deal, obviously. Then, last year, my mother gave me what’s called an infinity veil! If you’re familiar with the concept of an infinity scarf, it’s pretty much the same thing (a loop of fabric, pretty much) but made out of lace. I loved it instantly, but I thought “hey! I bet I could make something like this!”

Well, readers, after months of trial and error (and I’m sure more months to come, as we perfect the technique even more!) my family and I have learned how to make infinity veils! And, because Jesus loves it when we share, we have decided to give you guys the exclusive how-to, right here on Surrender the Brownies!

What You Need:

• A piece of lace 72″ long by 19″ wide for a double loop, or 36″ by 19″ for a single loop. You can use stiff or stretchy lace. Stiff is easier to sew, but stretchy is more comfortable and stays on your head better. It’s up to you. We used both for this tutorial.
• fine embroidery or quilting thread in a color that matches your lace. We used white quilters thread in 30 wt. You can use normal thread, but quilters thread is more heavy duty, and if you have small children who will be tugging on your veil, you’ll appreciate the strength! 
• toilet paper or tissues
• needles and pins
• sewing machine that can make a scalloped stitch
• small sewing scissors

Step One: Prepping your lace

Cut your lace to the desired specifications, if you have not already done so. If you have stretchy lace, be aware that it is very hard to make a straight cut, so take it slow. You should be left with a piece of lace that has one factory finished edge (if your lace is scalloped, this is the scalloped edge!) and one unfinished, or selvage, edge. To this selvage side, pin toilet or tissue paper, extending the paper a bit beyond the selvage edge. Do not worry if it’s even, it doesn’t matter at all, you’ll be taking the paper off later anyway. Go from one end to the other.

Keep hydrated. This is thirsty work.

 

Step Two: Sew ‘er up!

Set your machine up with thread according to the manual’s direction. Then, choose a scalloped stitch, again according to manufacturers direction. The scalloped stitch will hold the lace better than a straight stitch, even when trimmed.

I have no idea what those numbers mean. I just know they make a nice stitch that looks pretty.

When that’s done, you can start sewing the selvage, toilet-papered side. Take it slow, don’t rush, or the threads in the lace will gather and may cause knots in your thread. Not fun, and very time-consuming to fix. Remove pins as you go, try to keep your line straight, though that is not all that important- this side will be buried in folds of lace when worn, and will be all but unnoticeable.

 

 

Step Three: Remove toilet paper and trim the selvage edge.

This part should be easy to figure out. When you are completely done with sewing the selvage edge, gently remove the tissue, moistening it with water if necessary to make it easier to remove. When that’s done, take your sewing scissors and ever so carefully, trim the selvage edge around the outside of the scallops. This part is very time consuming, and it’s not totally necessary, but it really makes the veil look more professional.

The selvage edge, post-trim

Step Four: Sew the loop.

So now you have a lovely piece of lace, and all that’s left is to make it into an infinity veil! Start by arranging the 19″ edges like so, folding roughly in half with the bottom half protruding under the top by about a centimeter (the edge may not be entirely straight, so exact measurements don’t matter overly much, but make it protrude roughly a centimeter and you’re good! 

Now, fold the protruding edge over the top edge, like folding the top flap of an envelope. Then, fold it again. You should be left with something like this. 

Pin!

Now, you can do this part on a machine if you’d like, but it’s easier to hand-sew it. Work along the fold as evenly as you can, using a hemming stitch. Finish and knot your thread, and you’re done!

 Step Five: Look fabulous!

 

So there you have it!

Love to all!

-Tani