How to Make a Bridal Garter

The Bridal garter was a traditional item of clothing originally used to hold up stockings.

Image by Laura Mary

Garters are now a more symbolic fun item that the bride may choose wear on her wedding day.

At the wedding reception the groom will remove the brides garter and toss it to the young bachelors present.

It is thought that whoever catches the garter will be married next.

You may like to have two garters one to toss and one as a keepsake.

When you make your own garter you can make it to match your wedding theme and colors.

What you will need

Lace trim 9cm (3 ¼ inch) wide and 70cm (28 inch) long

Ribbon 2.2cm (7/8 inch) wide and 70cm (28 inch) long

Elastic 43cm (17 inch) long

Thread that matches the ribbon color

Optional: narrow ribbon for a bow or ribbon flower to decorate the garter

 

1.  Center the ribbon on top of the lace, make sure that the ends are even. Stitch the ribbon close to both edges, leaving the ends open which will form a casing.   2.   Insert the elastic through the ribbon casing. 3.   With the right sides together, stitch the ends of the garter in a 1.3cm (½ inch) seam. Trim the seam.         4. Press the seam open. On the outside of the garter, top stitch the pressed seam close to the edge. 5. Finsihed Garter

Optional: If desired you can decorate the garter by adding a small bow or ribbon flower or even beads and charms.

Download a PDF copy of the instuctions here. To read these instuction you will need to have Adobe PDF Reader if you don't have it you can get here for free.

Don't have the time to make your own bridal gater then take a look at the ones below most come in sets of two one for a keepsake and the other for the garter toss.