Dear Costume Goddess,
How do you make a circular veil? Would this be similar to a semi-circular
veil?
Answer:
A "semi-circular veil" is a half-circle shape.
A "circular veil" is a FULL circle made of two half-circles
seamed to the middle of each straight edge.
Either type is grasped by the straight edges to manipulate
it. Because it has fewer corners than a standard rectangular veil,
the veil's movement is smooth and swirly rather than fluttery.
FRENCH SEAM
Since the seam of the full-circle veil will be visible as you move the
veil around, it should be as tiny as possible: a self-enclosed "French"
or "silk" seam. This is the neatest and least visible seam. To make
a French seam, sew the two pieces wrong sides together, trim the seam
closely, press to one side, then sew again RIGHT sides together with
a eighth-inch to quarter-inch seam. Now there
are no raw edges showing.
Clip the seam at the center point where the stitching
ends, and machine-stitch the hem of each OPEN side as an eighth-inch
to quarter-inch narrow-hem (folded over twice).
SIZE
use the full width of a 45" or 54" inch fabric for each half-circle.
The former size will result in a diameter that spreads to two and
a half yards, the latter three yards. The larger circle veil might
be suitable for a taller person, but it takes more skill to manipulate.
FABRIC AND DECORATION
As always, featherweight 3-5mm silk is best, although a sheer fabric
like chiffon will work.
The best decoration
for a floaty veil might be a few sequins or paillettes, as anything
else will add enough weight to change the way the veil moves. I've seen
male dancers like Amir Thaleb and Horatio use heavier fabric, so the
circle looked more like a cape, but it takes a lot of energy to whirl
it around.
~Dina Lydia
