Tulle is the fabric that creates volume without weight. If you have ever seen a bridal gown with layers of floating skirt, a dramatic event backdrop that seems to hover in midair, or a veil that catches light like morning fog - that is tulle doing its job. It is one of the most versatile sheer fabrics available, and the one most people recognize instantly even if they do not know the name.
At Secret Spark, we carry tulle in two distinct widths to cover different needs: Clouds Tulle at 59 inches wide for focused applications like veils and bodice overlays, and Spirit Tulle at 108 inches wide for large-scale projects like full bridal skirts, event backdrops, and ceiling draping. Both share the same soft hexagonal mesh construction, but the width difference changes how you work with them.
What Is Tulle?
Tulle is a fine, lightweight netting fabric with a distinctive hexagonal mesh pattern. The fabric is defined by its open weave structure - tiny hexagonal holes arranged in a repeating grid that gives tulle its signature airy, floating quality. It became widely used in European fashion during the 18th and 19th centuries, particularly in ballet costumes and bridal wear, where its voluminous yet weightless properties were unmatched.
The key characteristic of good tulle is softness. Cheap tulle feels stiff and scratchy, like something from a discount craft store. Quality tulle - the kind used in professional bridal work - has a smooth, almost silky hand that drapes naturally and layers without bulk. The difference comes down to fiber type and weave density.
Composition: Polyester vs Nylon
Tulle is made from synthetic fibers, and the choice of material determines how the fabric behaves:
Polyester tulle: Slightly more structured, holds shape well, and is very durable. It resists wrinkling and maintains its form through multiple wearings. This is the standard for most bridal and event tulle because it balances softness with enough body to create volume. Our Clouds and Spirit collections use polyester tulle.
Nylon tulle: Softer and lighter than polyester, with a finer mesh. Often used for illusion panels in bridal bodices and high-end veils. It drapes like silk but costs significantly less. The trade-off is that nylon tulle is more delicate and can snag more easily than polyester.
For most projects - from wedding dresses to event decor - polyester tulle is the practical choice. It gives you the softness you need with enough durability to handle sewing, steaming, and transportation.
Properties and Specifications
Here is what you need to know about our two tulle options:
Clouds Tulle (59" wide): Soft matte finish, hexagonal mesh, lightweight with gentle drape. Ideal for veils, bodice overlays, and smaller decor projects where a narrower width is easier to manage.
Spirit Tulle (108" wide): Same soft matte construction at double the width. The extra width means fewer seams on large projects - a single panel can cover a full bridal skirt or create an uninterrupted backdrop drape.
Weight: Ultra-lightweight - multiple layers add volume without significant weight
Weave: Fine hexagonal mesh, uniform and consistent
Finish: Soft matte - no shine, reads as a natural, romantic texture
Transparency: Sheer - single layer is translucent, layered builds opacity
Stretch: Minimal - tulle is a stable woven mesh, not a stretch fabric
Best Uses for Tulle
Tulle works anywhere you need volume, softness, and a floating aesthetic:
1) Bridal gowns and skirts. The most classic use. Layer tulle to build a full ballgown silhouette or use a single layer as a soft overlay over satin. Spirit Tulle at 108 inches is specifically designed for this - one panel covers the full width of a bridal skirt without seaming. Five to twenty layers create everything from a gentle A-line shape to a dramatic cathedral-volume ballgown.
2) Veils and headpieces. Clouds Tulle at 59 inches is the right width for veils. A single layer at chapel length (90 inches) or cathedral length (120 inches) creates a soft, romantic veil that frames the face without hiding it. The matte finish photographs beautifully and does not compete with beading or embroidery on the gown.
3) Event backdrops and ceiling draping. Spirit Tulle at 108 inches is ideal for event professionals. A single wide panel can drape from ceiling to floor without seams, creating a seamless wall of soft fabric. Layer multiple colors for depth - white over blush, ivory over champagne - and the hexagonal mesh lets light pass through in a way that flat fabrics cannot replicate.
4) Bodice overlays and illusion panels. A layer of tulle over satin or lace softens the underlying fabric and adds a subtle ethereal quality. Use it for modesty panels, illusion necklines, or as a base for applique placement.
Sewing Tips for Tulle
Tulle is delicate but straightforward to work with if you follow these guidelines:
a) Use a sharp needle, size 70/10 or 60/8. Tulle is fine - a thick needle will leave visible holes. A sharp microtex needle pierces cleanly through the mesh without snagging or pulling fibers.
b) Sew with a straight stitch, length 2.0 to 2.5. Tulle does not stretch, so you do not need a zigzag. A standard straight stitch creates a clean, secure seam. For very fine tulle, a slightly shorter stitch length (1.8) prevents the fabric from shifting during sewing.
c) Cut with a rotary cutter on a mat. Scissors can snag the mesh and create pulls. A rotary cutter glides through tulle cleanly. Cut single layers to avoid shifting - tulle slips easily when stacked.
d) Use tissue paper under the fabric when sewing. Tulle can catch on the sewing machine foot. A sheet of tissue paper between the tulle and the feed dogs prevents snagging and tears away cleanly after sewing.
e) Do not use pins - use clips or weights. Pins leave permanent holes in tulle mesh. Pattern weights or binder clips keep layers aligned without damaging the fabric.
f) Steam, do not iron. Direct heat will melt or shrink tulle. Use a garment steamer on low setting, holding the steamer head 2-3 inches away from the fabric. The steam relaxes wrinkles without contacting the mesh directly.
Tulle vs Organza
Both are sheer fabrics, but they behave completely differently. Organza is crisp and structured - it holds its shape and creates sharp, defined silhouettes. Tulle is soft and flowing - it drapes, floats, and creates volume through layering. If you need a fabric that stands away from the body (a structured petticoat, a stiff bow), choose organza. If you want softness and movement (a floating veil, a layered skirt, a draped backdrop), choose tulle.
Tulle vs Chiffon
Chiffon is also sheer and lightweight, but it is a flat woven fabric with a smooth surface. Tulle has an open mesh structure that creates visual texture and allows light to pass through in a different way. Chiffon drapes like silk - it falls close to the body and clings. Tulle creates volume and separation from the body. Layered chiffon adds depth of color. Layered tulle adds physical volume. They are often used together - chiffon as a lining, tulle as the outer volume layer.
Care and Maintenance
Tulle is low maintenance. The polyester construction resists wrinkles and holds up well to repeated use. For garments, hand wash in cold water with mild detergent or dry clean. Do not wring - gently press out excess water and lay flat to dry. Tulle dries quickly due to its open weave structure.
For event decor, tulle can be steamed between uses to remove wrinkles and restore its fresh appearance. Store rolled on a tube rather than folded to avoid crease lines in the mesh. If folded storage is necessary, fold loosely and place tissue paper between layers to prevent the mesh from imprinting on itself.
Tulle Options at Secret Spark
We carry tulle in two collections to match your project scale:
Clouds Tulle - 59" wide: Available in 30+ colors including baby pink, biscuit blush, black, blackberry, ivory, champagne, and more. Perfect for veils, bodice overlays, and smaller decor projects. Sold by the yard in 1-yard increments.
Spirit Tulle - 108" wide: Available in bridal whites, ivory, ecru, pale taupe, blush, and other event-ready colors. Designed for full bridal skirts, large-scale backdrops, and ceiling draping. Sold by the yard in 1-yard increments.
Both collections are in stock at our warehouses in Irvine and Los Angeles, ready to ship same business day. Every roll is inspected before shipping to ensure consistent color and mesh quality.
Need help choosing the right tulle for your project? Our team can advise on layer counts, color combinations, and yardage calculations. Reach out to support@secretsparkfabrics.com and we will help you figure out exactly what you need.
