Tuesday 21 February 2017

DIY Vegan Tulle Boa for Burlesque

(UPDATE: I suggested that you could throw some stitches in the center of the knot before cutting your bows. After using my boa for a few shows, I would DEFINITELY add those stitches next time. It will prevent the strips of tulle slipping out over time.)

I'm completing a new costume and I decided I wanted to add a feather boa... but I wanted it to be vegan/ cruelty-free. I researched and asked around. Then I took my accumulative knowledge and came up with this method that I found surprisingly easy and the results are FABULOUS! In fact, I prefer it to a feather boa.
If you can't be bothered to make this yourself, there are few places you can buy a vegan boa on Etsy.com.

Please Note: I used a wide net tulle and did find that it would easily catch and tangle on beads. So take that into consideration with your costuming. Perhaps using a finer tulle or experimenting with this same method using a different fabric would prevent this issue.

What you will need:
-Tulle. There are so many different types to choose from! I chose a wide net stiff tulle, and a finer, soft tulle for some texture variation.
I bought a total of 16 yards from JoAnn Fabrics. However, 20 - 25 yards I think would have been better.

-Cord, in a matching color. I also found this at JoAnn Fabrics. I bought 2 1/2 yards.

Total cost: around $25 for me.

STEP 1: Measure the length you want your boa to be. Tape the cord to prevent fraying and cut to size.

STEP 2: This is the hardest step. You want your strips of tulle to be about 6-8 inches in width. So, fold your tulle and cut it so you end up with that.

STEP 3: Have you ever seen those puff balls used for decoration usually at weddings and baby showers? That's what you're going to make! Watch this youtube tutorial to learn how: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3qWhBOrO_VQ&t=104s

 

STEP 4: Above you can see that I am making the tulle balls but not cutting them until I attach it to the cord. The photo on the right is what it will look like once it's cut.


STEP 5: Above are a few varying photos illustrating what i'm doing. I'm tying the bows of tulle onto the cord with just one knot, so I can easily undo and redo it, and make adjustments till I feel they are in the right spot. I'm also varying the direction and angles i'm tying them on. There is a bow on each side of the cord. Once you have them in the place you like, tie them on tight. You could even throw a stitch in there, with a thick thread, in the center of your knot for extra security.


 

STEP 6: Cut the bows and fluff you balls (tee hee) eh' viola! I could have trimmed the access tulle sticking out, but i liked the organic look of it. I mentioned I could have done with a bit more tulle to fill in some sparse areas, which I can do later.
I also finished the ends of the cord by hot gluing a white trim around the tips. You can add whatever embellishments you like.




10 comments:

  1. Can you make one of the organza ones people are selling now?

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    1. This method was an experiment that turned out very well so I decided to share it. I know there are instructions out there for the organza boas you are talking about. Which seems to be sewing a tube, making a channel in the middle and then scrunching it. Good luck on your burlesque crafting!

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  3. Yours turned out absolutely fabulous. I am attempting to create my own as I type lol I am using a finer mesh and finding I need much more to add volume. I am using 30 yards of glitter fine mesh tulle and a mesh cord that will light up. I'm excited to see the final product and THANK YOU so much for this inspiration!!

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    1. Sorry i'm just seeing this now! So glad this helped you! Happy burlesque crafting :)

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  4. This is awesome wished I'd seen it sooner! My daughter needed one for her Junie B Jones costume tomorrow lol and I have purple tulle from halloween last year but not the cord and she doesnt need it as puffy but I could have maded it work.....oh well there's always next time! ;) Thanks for sharing!

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    1. I bet this would be a fun project to do with her :) Thanks for sharing Jennifer!

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  5. Hi, this is lovely!
    Do you know actually if fake ostrich/fake marabou feathers exist?
    I found some on the web but Im not sure if they are natural or artificial :/
    like this ones:

    https://it.aliexpress.com/item/50pcs-30-35cm-Artificial-Ostrich-Feathers-Decoration-Feathers-for-Holiday-Party-Dress-Home/32802074107.html?spm=a2g0y.10010108.1000016.1.114558827n5Lpp&isOrigTitle=true

    I cannot contact the owner to ask if they're actually artificial...Can you help?
    I would like to create my own boa and fans.

    Hugs_
    from Italy

    Roberta

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    1. Hi darling! I don't believe those feathers are fake. I would be really surprising. I found an excellent fake marabou boa in a fabric store, but for the life of me i cannot find a supply of them online. I've been trying. The best realistic fake feathers i've seen are pheasant feathers: https://www.floralsupply.com/birds-butterflies/feathers/artificialfeather.html
      Bettina May has made some beautiful fans with these (although i don't know if from this supplier).
      Hope this helps.

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