How to add rhinestones to a veil

What to know first

Everything about a veil is the opposite of a tumbler. Tulle is open mesh, so glue has almost nothing to grip and soaks straight through onto whatever is underneath; it is also so light that stones change how the fabric hangs. That is why bridal work scatters small stones rather than covering, and why the heavy sparkle usually comes from an applique or sew-on stones attached at the edge, where the hem can carry it. The veil also has to survive a day of hugging, a car and a dance floor, then be kept. Work on baking paper, let it cure completely flat, and store it rolled rather than folded.

What you need

• Tulle veil
• Glass flatbacks, SS6–SS12, plus a few larger accents
• Flexible clear-drying glue, applied with a toothpick
• Sew-on stones or a bridal applique for heavier detail
• Baking paper and a flat board
• Tweezers

Step by step

1. Lay the veil flat on a board covered with baking paper.
2. Plan a scatter: dense at the hem, thinning upwards, nothing near the comb.
3. Put a tiny amount of glue on the back of each stone, not on the tulle.
4. Press through from above with tweezers and leave it untouched.
5. Stitch any applique or sew-on stones at the hem rather than gluing them.
6. Cure completely flat, then store the veil rolled in tissue.

Avoid

• Glue straight onto tulle, which soaks through
• Heavy stones high up, which drag the drape
• Ironing or steaming a stoned veil
• Folding it for storage