Tulle is a netlike transparent fabric that is commonly used to decorate weddings. The fabric is used for overhead canopies, centrepieces, chair decorations, pew decorations, favours, table decor and more. Usually tulle is tied like a ribbon because the netting characteristic of the fabric makes it more susceptible to coming unglued. You can glue small decorations like gemstones or paper-thin flowers to tulle with a fabric glue or hot glue gun.

1

Tulle

Tulle ranges from thin to thick with many colours to choose from.

Tulle is sold in a wide variety of colours and size of netting. Some tulle is already embellished with sparkly elements, glitter or small items. The thicker the tulle is, the easier it will be for the material to hold items or to be glued to itself. When selecting tulle for your event, purchase practice swatches and test out your glues and items to be glued to see how well they hold up. Your choice should also depend on how much movement or strain will be put on the glue during the event.

  • Tulle is sold in a wide variety of colours and size of netting.
  • When selecting tulle for your event, purchase practice swatches and test out your glues and items to be glued to see how well they hold up.
2

Rhinestones

When selecting gemstones to attach to tulle, look for flat-backed stones.

Rhinestones are flat-backed, mirrored and faceted glass that are designed to be attached to fabric, paper or other surfaces. The rhinestone has mirror paint that creates the shiny reflection. The mirror paint will separate from the glass part of the rhinestone fairly easily. When gluing rhinestones use enough glue to cover the back and the sides of the rhinestone so that the glue actually adheres to the glass surface and not just the mirror paint. Because tulle is porous, the fabric may need to be stretched on a hoop so that as the stone dries it doesn't attach to anything under the fabric at the same time. Use a rhinestone-to-fabric glue for gluing rhinestones.

  • Rhinestones are flat-backed, mirrored and faceted glass that are designed to be attached to fabric, paper or other surfaces.
  • When gluing rhinestones use enough glue to cover the back and the sides of the rhinestone so that the glue actually adheres to the glass surface and not just the mirror paint.
3

Quick Grab Glues

Wedding favours wrapped in tulle with pearl decorations.

Test out clear quick grab glues for gluing other objects onto tulle. Quick grab glues are clear and sold in small tubes. The label will indicated the glue is fast-acting and what surfaces it can be used on. Apply the glue in small drops to one or both surfaces being glued. Again, it is probably necessary to elevate the fabric so that the glue doesn't attach to anything on the back side of the tulle. You can place the fabric over a clothes drying rack to keep the glue from touching anything but the object you are attaching. Try to keep your flowers, ribbons, butterflies, angels or other small objects very light in weight if your tulle is thin.

  • Test out clear quick grab glues for gluing other objects onto tulle.
  • The label will indicated the glue is fast-acting and what surfaces it can be used on.
4

Hot Glue

Draped and glued tulle is often used for event decorations.

The easiest way to glue tulle to itself is by using a hot glue gun. Hold the tulle open and add glue, folding the tulle onto the glue in layers if you are gathering a large group of tulle together. Hold the tulle in your hand for five minutes to allow the glue to dry completely so that it doesn't pick up other things while the glue is wet. When possible, compress the tulle during the drying process to gain as much surface for the glue to stick to as possible.

  • The easiest way to glue tulle to itself is by using a hot glue gun.
  • When possible, compress the tulle during the drying process to gain as much surface for the glue to stick to as possible.