Make your own garter

I have yet to recap any of the DIY projects from our wedding. But I have had some requests on how I made my garter – Tennessee, of course. First I headed to Hobby Lobby to pick up the goods. Here’s what you need:

• 1 yard of semi-thick lace

• A package of thin elastic

• Ribbon of your choice (Note: the ribbon has to be wider than the elastic)

• Any embellishments (I recommend buttons for this because they are cute and really easy to attach)

• Needle and thread

I’ve seen garters similar to mine that go for $30. My cost was around $4 but could vary depending on what fabrics and embellishments you choose. I purchased a cheap throw garter that I used for a reference, very helpful if you are unsure.

First, I stretched out the throw garter to get a better idea of the length I needed, it’s a lot more than you think! Then I cut the lace and the ribbon to the approximate length. Better too long than too short here! Pin the ribbon to the lace and sew them together along the very edges of the ribbon (both sides), do not sew together the ends.

Then attach a small safety pin to the end of the elastic and thread it in between the lace and ribbon.

This next step involves some trial and error and a few safety pins, at least for me. Once you have it all the way through, pin one end of the elastic to the lace. Then scrunch up the lace along the elastic.

Pin the end of the scrunched lace to the elastic. Put the piece around your leg, face down to your skin. Pin the ends together leaving some excess fabric on both ends. Now everything fits according to your liking, sew the elastic to the ribbon and the ends and sew the two ends together. That’s it for the basics.

Then you can add a bow, which I sewed on, and any embellishments. All done! Now you just have to remember to use a throw garter!