Choosing the Right Type of Tulle Fabric

What is Tulle?

Tulle is a lightweight, extra-fine netting typically made of silk, rayon, or nylon. This airy fabric is more transparent due to the fineness of the threads it’s woven from. Tulle comes in a variety of colors and types. It is a versatile and romantic fabric that is perfect for creating elegant and dreamy looks. With its delicate and ethereal nature, tulle is commonly used in a variety of garments and decor items, such as wedding dresses, tutus, veils, and petticoats. Whether you're a bride looking for the perfect wedding dress or a prom queen looking for the perfect dress, tulle is a great option. It is also often used to create decorative accents, like bows and flowers, and is a popular choice for making gift wraps and bags.

What are the different types of Tulle?

Tulle fabrics are a true matter of pride at OneYard. You can find tulle in all kinds of colors and there are embellished varieties out there – embroidery, sequins and such like those embellished tulles are great for fantasy and fairy costumes. You can buy online tulle fabrics of the following 8 types:

plain tulle
glitter tulle
stretch tulle
ombre tulle
beaded tulle
polka dot tulle
Printed tulle
3D embroidered tulle

What is the difference between netting, mesh and tulle fabrics?

Netting is a nylon fabric in which the warp and weft yarns are looped or knotted to create open spaces in the fabric. The open weave of the fabric allows light to filter through, making it a great option for light control in windows and doors. Net is also commonly used in the production of bags and other accessories, as the open weave allows for more breathable and flexible material.

Tulle is essentially a special type of netting with a lower denier, which means the individual fibers are finer. Tulle is lighter than netting, and the spaces between threads are smaller. It is often starched to give it more stiffness, which is why tulle is frequently used to add volume.

Mesh is another popular fabric that is often used in various industrial and sporting applications. The fabric is made from a variety of materials, including nylon, polyester, and mesh, and it is known for its strength and durability. Mesh is often used in the production of sports uniforms, athletic shoes, and even industrial filters. The open weave of the fabric allows for maximum breathability, making it a popular choice for activewear.

In conclusion, tulle, net, and mesh are all unique fabrics that have their own properties and characteristics. Tulle is a delicate and lightweight fabric, perfect for creating soft and ethereal looks in bridal and decorating projects. Net is a lightweight and open-weave fabric, perfect for light control and breathability in bags and window treatments. Mesh, on the other hand, is a strong and durable fabric, perfect for industrial and sporting applications. Understanding the difference between these three fabrics can help you make the right choice for your project.

1, Plain Tulle

high quality soft hexagon net tulle fabric — soft net tulle fabric

bridal illusion mesh tulle netting fabric — illusion mesh tulle

ivory sheer and soft 6430 hexagon mesh tulle net fabric — hexagon tulle fabric

Plain tulle is its delicate, ethereal appearance. The sheer, gauzy texture of the fabric gives it a dreamy, romantic look that is perfect for creating a sense of elegance and beauty. This makes it a popular choice for wedding dresses, veils, and other bridal wear.

pink tiered tulle party gown — pink tiered party dress

yellow tulle prom ball gown — yellow tulle ball gown

2, Glitter Tulle

romantic rose pink glitter glued metallic tulle mesh — rose pink glitter tulle

shining silver glitter waves pattern sparkle fabric — silver glitter tulle

ice blue sequin snowflake glitter mesh — snowflake sequin mesh

Glitter tulle is a type of fabric that has become increasingly popular in recent years, particularly in the fashion and wedding industries. This versatile and sparkling material is perfect for adding a touch of glamour and sparkle to any design.

sequinned ice blue tulle dress — ice blue tulle prom dress

3, Stretch Tulle

polka dotted slightly stretch soft mesh tulle fabric — dotted slightly stretch mesh

small dotted lightweight soft mesh lace fabric — small dotted lightweight soft mesh

pleated soft tulle bridal fashion fabric — pleated elastic tulle

Stretch tulle is a type of tulle that has been treated with a stretchy, elastic thread, making it stretchable in all directions. This gives the fabric a comfortable fit and a flattering drape, making it a popular choice for many designers.

4, Ombre Tulle

gold silver hot fixed and pearls adorned red to pink ombre tulle — pearled red ombre tulle

lithe white to multi colors ombre volie mesh fabric — ombre volie mesh

Ombre tulle is a popular trend in the world of fashion and wedding planning. This unique fabric features a gradient effect, with the color fading from one shade to another. The result is a stunning, ethereal look that is perfect for a variety of occasions.

white to fuchsia ombre tulle bridal dress

5, Beaded Tulle

luxury pearls sequins ripple pattern heavy glitter mesh — ripple glitter mesh

pearls gold threads soft mesh fabric — pearled soft mesh

shimmering sequinned soft mesh tulle fabric by the yard — beaded black tulle

Beaded tulle is a type of fabric that is made by attaching beads/sequins/pearls to tulle, a delicate and lightweight mesh-like material. One of the main advantages of beaded tulle is that it adds a touch of glamour and sparkle to any outfit. Perfect for creating eye-catching dresses, skirts, and other garments.

6, Polka Dot Tulle

parallel arranged polka dots flocked sheer tulle fabric — polka dotted white tulle

dotted soft mesh lace fabric — tiny dot sheer tulle

8mm polka dots flocked sheer mesh fabric for sale — polka dots sheer mesh

Polka dot tulle is made by adding small circles of different colors to a base fabric. The dots can be made from a variety of materials, such as ribbon, yarn, or fabric paint. The fabric is perfect for creating full, fluffy skirts, tutus, as well as adding a touch of playfulness to a more formal gown.

polka dotted cocktail dress — polka dottted tulle dress

7, Printed Tulle

chrysanthemum flowers print tulle fabric — flowers printed tulle

iridescent lilac heart tulle fabric — iridescent lilac tulle

glistening colorful feather printed black tulle — colorful feather printed tulle

Printed tulle is a sheer, lightweight material that is typically made from nylon or polyester and is known for its delicate, ethereal appearance. One of the most striking features of printed tulle is its ability to be printed with intricate designs, patterns, and even photographs. This means that designers can create truly one-of-a-kind pieces that stand out from the crowd.

8, 3D Embroidered Tulle

3d flowers polyester mesh tulle fabric — 3d flowers mesh tulle fabric

natural green and white 3d floral embroidery mesh lace fabric — 3d floral embroidery mesh

vividly colorful embroidery 3d flowers couture fabric — embroidery 3d flowers tulle

3D embroidered tulle is a unique and innovative way to add dimension and texture to tulle fabrics. It involves using a specialized embroidery machine to add intricate designs and patterns to the fabric, creating a three-dimensional effect. One of the most popular uses for 3D embroidered tulle is in wedding dresses. Bridal designers have begun to incorporate this technique into their creations, creating dresses that are truly one-of-a-kind. The 3D embroidery adds a touch of luxury and sophistication to the dress, making it truly stand out.

How to sew with Tulle?

Tulle fabric is a popular choice for many different crafting projects, from tutus and wedding veils to decorations and accessories. This delicate, lightweight material is made from nylon or silk and is often used to create a soft, ethereal look. While sewing with tulle can be a bit tricky, with a few tips and tricks, you can master the art of working with this beautiful fabric.

Choose the right needle and thread When sewing tulle, it's essential to use a needle and thread that are appropriate for the fabric. Tulle is a delicate material, and a sharp, thin needle is essential to avoid snags or holes. A size 9 or 11 universal needle is ideal, and you should use a thread that is thin and lightweight, such as polyester or nylon thread.
Use a sewing machine or hand-sew Tulle can be sewn by hand or with a sewing machine, depending on the project and your personal preference. If you're using a sewing machine, set it to a straight stitch and use moderate tension. If you're hand-sewing, use a small, tight running stitch to keep the tulle in place.
Pin and mark your fabric Before you start sewing, it's essential to pin and mark your fabric to ensure that your seams are straight and even. Use straight pins to keep the tulle in place and mark any lines or seams that you need to follow. If you're using a sewing machine, use a fabric marker or chalk to make your marks.
Use a zigzag stitch When sewing tulle, it's essential to use a zigzag stitch to prevent the fabric from fraying. A zigzag stitch will also provide extra strength to the seam and ensure that the tulle doesn't unravel. Be sure to set your sewing machine to a medium-length zigzag stitch, and take your time when sewing to avoid any mistakes.
Layer your fabric When sewing tulle, it's essential to layer the fabric to create a more substantial look. You can layer tulle in different ways, such as stacking multiple layers on top of each other or layering it over a different fabric, such as satin or chiffon.

In conclusion, sewing tulle fabric can be a bit tricky, but with the right tools, techniques, and a bit of patience, you can create beautiful, ethereal projects that will last for years to come. Remember to choose the right needle and thread, use a sewing machine or hand-sew, pin and mark your fabric, use a zigzag stitch, and layer your fabric to create a more substantial look. Happy crafting!