DIY Wedding Garter: How to Make Your Own Toss Garter
By Personalized Gifts, Wedding Favors, Stationery | Weddingstar | Published: 2026-10-24
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to make your own toss garter with this simple step-by-step tutorial. Create a custom bridal garter for a fun wedding tradition.
Quick Answer
You can make your own toss garter in under an hour with elastic, lace, and a few basic supplies. This DIY wedding garter is perfect for a personalized toss tradition.
Why Make Your Own Toss Garter?
A toss garter is meant to be thrown, not kept as a keepsake. Making your own lets you choose colors and details that match your wedding theme without spending much. A store-bought option like the Toss Bridal Garter offers a ready-made elasticized ribbon with a rhinestone bow, but a DIY version gives you full control over the fabric and fit.
Choosing Materials That Work
Use ½-inch to 1-inch wide elastic for comfort and stretch. Satin or lace ribbon adds a bridal look. Avoid thick or scratchy trims that might irritate skin during wear. A small embellishment like a rhinestone or pearl can be sewn or glued on, but keep it flat so the garter sits smoothly under a dress.
Step-by-Step Tutorial: Make Your Own Toss Garter
- Measure and Cut Elastic: Wrap a soft measuring tape around your upper thigh where the garter will sit. Add 1 inch to that measurement, then cut your elastic to that length. Common mistake: cutting the elastic too short—it should be snug but not tight enough to leave a mark. Check the fit before sewing by holding the elastic ends together.
- Sew the Elastic Ends Together: Overlap the two ends of the elastic by about ½ inch and sew them together using a zigzag stitch or a sturdy hand stitch. Make sure the seam lies flat. Common mistake: using a straight stitch that can break when the elastic stretches. Reinforce the seam with a second pass for durability.
- Attach the Lace or Ribbon: Cut a piece of lace or ribbon that is 1.5 times the circumference of the elastic band. Gather one edge of the lace slightly and pin it around the elastic, then sew it in place using a straight stitch. Common mistake: pulling the lace too tight, which puckers the fabric and makes the garter uncomfortable. Use a hand basting stitch first to check the gather before final sewing.
- Add an Embellishment: Sew or glue a small rhinestone, bow, or pearl onto the seam area to hide the join. Keep the embellishment flush against the garter so it doesn't snag on your dress. Common mistake: using a large or heavy charm that makes the garter droop or feel lopsided. Test the garter by wearing it briefly to ensure the embellishment stays secure.
Product Facts
- Toss Bridal Garter: Elasticized coloured ribbon with delicate bow detail with rhinestone centre. This pre-made toss garter saves time if you want a polished look without sewing, but making your own lets you personalize the color and embellishment style.
Toss Bridal Garter
