Lightweight, thin, fine netting made of nylon, silk, rayon or sometimes cotton. It is sometimes starched to make it stiff. Tulle is a very strong and durable, as well as versatile fabric.
The term tulle originated in Tulle, France. During the 18th century the Tulle region was known for making silk and lace fabrics and tulle netting was widely used in ballet costumes in France. Tulle is a form of bobbin et, which came from Britain in the 1800s. The fabric won't twist out of shape since it remains stiff due to the way the cloth is weaved into a horizontal pattern.
Uses for Tulle
Clothing, especially that used in weddings or dancing, is one of the major uses for tulle netting. It is often used to make petticoats that go under a skirt to puff it up and make it stand out. For instance, square dancing outfits have circle skirts that are puffed up with colourful tulle petticoats to swish and float around the circle.
Tulle is very popular in wedding gowns and other nuptial garments. It can be used to make beautiful, filmy looking wedding veils that are lightweight and easy to wear. It is also used on the bottom of wedding dresses to cover the satin material and add some fancy trim.
Tulle can also be used to make insect netting to protect sleepers or to keep bug out of plants. In these cases it is stretched over the bed of the sleeper or over the top of the garden area. The starched fabric prevents the tulle from sagging, so it doesn't fall and the tiny holes in it allow the sleeper to breathe.
Decorations are also often made of tulle. It works well and is quite fancy when used in place of wrapping paper for party favours or gifts, especially in showers and weddings. Tulle can be found in many different colours so is quite versatile. It is also used in crafting to add some decoration to the items. It is sometimes used to tie up bags of candy to put at each plate at parties, thus adding a bit of colour to the table.
Tulle is inexpensive and since it comes in so many colours, it can be used in many different ways in clothing and decorations. For instance, you can use it for party decorations by wrapping it around stairway banisters, doors, windows and chairs or tables.
