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A woman wearing tulle boa. | Source: YouTube/athenalawton
A woman wearing tulle boa. | Source: YouTube/athenalawton

How to Make a Boa— DIY Tips to Look Glamorous on a Budget

Christell Fatima M. Tudtud
Mar 23, 2024
06:30 A.M.
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Step into the world of glamour with boas – those whimsical accessories that effortlessly elevate any outfit. But their hefty price tags can leave us feeling less than fabulous. Fear not, for we have a solution on how to make a boa: the tulle boa, combining affordability with elegance.

Traditionally, boas are made from feathers, but with tulle fabric—a budget-friendly alternative commonly used in bridal veils—you can add a touch of opulence to your wardrobe without the financial strain.

Creating your own tulle boa is simpler than you might think! Below, we've outlined a step-by-step guide to help you craft this fashionable accessory, ensuring your piece is as unique as you are. Let's get started and unleash your creativity

Boa made from tulle. | Source: YouTube/athenalawton

Boa made from tulle. | Source: YouTube/athenalawton

How to Make a Boa with Tulle

1. Gather Your Materials

  • Sewing machine (set stitch length to 4.0 and adjust tension high)
  • Shirring foot
  • 25-yard roll of 6” wide Tulle
  • Thread and full bobbin (color matching the tulle)
  • Screwdriver (if necessary, for removing the shank and foot)
  • Scissors

2. Prepare Your Sewing Machine and adjust machine setting

  • Switch the standard presser foot for the shirring foot. The standard presser foot is the default foot attached to the machine used for basic sewing tasks. A shirring foot is a special attachment designed to gather fabric as you sew.
  • Use a screwdriver if needed to change out the shank and foot.
Prepare sewing machine in making a tulle boa. | Source: Shutterstock

Prepare sewing machine in making a tulle boa. | Source: Shutterstock

3. Adjust Machine Settings

  • Adjust the stitch length on your machine to a longer stitch (4.0) and slightly increase the tension.
  • It's wise to experiment with scrap tulle to find the perfect gather before starting on your project piece, ensuring you maintain its full length for the final product.

4. Prepare the Thread

  • Before sewing, ensure you have a strong thread that matches the tulle's color.
  • Leave a bit of excess thread at the start for a clean and secure finish. This preparation is key for a durable and flawless tulle boa.
Practice on spare tulle first to perfect your gathering technique without shortening the final piece. | Source: Shutterstock

Practice on spare tulle first to perfect your gathering technique without shortening the final piece. | Source: Shutterstock

5. Begin Sewing

  • Position the tulle under the presser foot, holding the ends of both the upper and bobbin threads to the back.
  • Start sewing, letting the shirring foot do its magic by gathering the tulle evenly.
  • Keep the tulle centered and smooth to avoid snags in the machine.
  • Sew until you've reached the end of the tulle roll, aiming for consistent gathering. This process should take about 10 minutes for every 25 yards of tulle.

6. Final touches

  • Conclude your sewing with a small thread tail at the end, which can be used for attaching decorative elements if desired.
  • Trim the boa's tail for a neat finish if no embellishments are added. Now you have your own boa tulle!

Creating a tulle boa is an enjoyable and rewarding DIY project that lets you express your personal style. By following these steps and experimenting with various materials and embellishments, you can craft an accessory that will dazzle and become a cherished addition to your wardrobe.

Embrace your inner fashion designer and craft a boa that ensures you're the belle of any ball. Your creativity knows no bounds, and with this project, you're set to showcase your flair and sophistication to the world.

Your journey into DIY fashion doesn't end here. For more inspiration and quick solutions to maintain the condition of your beloved items, such as your shoes, consider exploring easy steps on how to make sneakers white again using baking soda

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