Tulle Good to Be True: Dreaming of April’s Fabric of the Month

A dreamy wedding veil, a fluffy petticoat, a sweeping tutu skirt… What do all these have in common? They’re made of Mood’s March Fabric of the Month for April: tulle. Tulle fabric provides pure elegance at a budget-friendly price, making it a perfect choice for stepping into the sheer trend without a big investment. Whether you’re looking for a special occasion or to add a unique touch to your everyday wardrobe, tulle comes in every color of the rainbow to ensure you’ll meet your perfect match. Plus, tulle is easier to sew than you’d think, making it a perfect fabric choice for advanced beginners looking to level up their skills.

What is Tulle?

Tulle is a net fabric, meaning it’s composed of threads twisted together, instead of woven. It typically features hexagonal openings and offers a sheer look with excellent strength. Most commonly made from nylon, polyester, or silk, tulle ranges in feel from ethereally floaty with a soft drape to stiff and voluminous (and perfect for petticoats!) The open construction of tulle means it offers some natural stretch, mostly through the width of the fabric, though some tulle is made with elastic fibers to provide more dynamic stretch that’s great for costumes, illusion necklines, and closer-fitted garments.

In addition to a stunning variety of solid colors and even printed tulles, tulle is a perfect ground for a range of adornments, including embroidery, beading, and flocked patterns. Glitter can add a touch of metallic flair, too!

If you’re intimidated by this unique fabric, fear not—you’re in the right place to learn the tulles of the trade.

Tips and Tricks for Sewing with Tulle:

• As tulle can quickly develop static cling that makes working with it a little sticky, use a light misting of water to keep it in check.
• Tulle is delicate! Don’t iron it directly—use a pressing cloth between the tulle and your iron, or just steam the tulle.
• Prevent slipping and shifting while cutting by using a rotary cutter and self-healing mat.
• Clips or even safety pins will be your best friends for holding pieces together, as tulle’s open nature means straight pins can fall out very easily.
• A universal machine needle and polyester thread are more than qualified for the task of sewing tulle.
• Use a short straight stitch or narrow zig zag stitch for sewing, but use caution with wider zig zags, as they can cause tunneling.
• Sew your tulle with tissue paper underneath to prevent it from becoming wrapped in your machine, and use a piece of tape around the bottom front of your presser foot to keep the fabric from catching as it moves.
• Tulle doesn’t fray, so don’t be afraid to leave hems and seams unfinished for an airy look!

What to Make with Tulle + Free Sewing Patterns

Tulle fits itself easily into plenty of designs, but, of course, it’s a special occasion staple. Many-layered gowns and skirts, illusion necklines, and sheer statement sleeves are a perfect place to start, and bridal wear—whether it’s a veil or an entire dress—will absolutely stun in tulle. Plus, you can’t forget the understructure: stiffer tulles, like cancan tulles, are perfect for creating petticoats without adding too much weight or giving structure to puffed sleeves. Here are a few free sewing patterns perfect for special occasion sewing with tulle:

The Hydrangea Gown

The Cicely Dress

The Edith Dress

The Elderberry Dress

The Zenobia Dress

The Nightshade Dress

Lingerie is another perfect place to show off tulle’s sheer nature, whether you’re making bodysuits, corsets, nighties and rompers, or dramatic robes. Try tulle for these free lingerie sewing patterns:

The Adenia Bodysuit

The Hibiscus Robe

The Parker Corset

But tulle also has a place in your everyday wardrobes. Skirts are a perfect place—whether overlay skirts or gathered tutu-style skirts, tulle skirts can be styled with a blouse or a tee depending on the day. Sheer sleeves and layering pieces aren’t just for fancy formal occasions, either! These sewing patterns would look spectacular in tulle:

The Fiorella Top

The Valli Sleeve Pack

The Tarragon Skirt