What is Tulle? (And why do we use tulle to make our bows?)

If you've seen a kid's tutu or you've read about recent fashion trends, you probably already know what tulle is.

But if you're puzzled when I ask you to choose your "tulle color"—or when I talk about our tulle bows—please keep reading to learn more about this popular material. 

1. What is tulle?
Dictionary.com says that tulle is "a thin, fine, machine-made net of acetate, nylon, rayon, or silk." Tulle looks like very fine netting, sheer and see-through. The tulle we use is made of nylon.

2. How do you say it?
No fancy pronunciation necessary...it sounds just like "tool."

3. Where does tulle come from?
The name "tulle" comes from Tulle, France, which was a center for lace-making way back in the 1600s. The machine-made tulle (or bobbinet tulle) that we're familiar with today came from the UK, where John Heathcoat created a machine in the early 1800s to duplicate the complicated handwork of lace makers. Tulle is still made in the UK using similar machines, but it's also made in China and North America. Most of our tulle colors are made in the U.S.

4. Who uses tulle?
Tulle netting is used in weddings for dresses and veils as well as decorations. It's also used in the ballet, for theater costumes, and more recently for whimsical and adorable children's clothing. It has practical, non-decorative applications too: it can be used in the garden or yard to protect plants (or yourself) from insects.

5. Why do you use tulle instead of other ribbons?
We use tulle for lots of reasons: it's reasonably priced, comes in lots of colors, can be tied in several ways to make substantial, dramatic bows, and holds its shape without wrinkling (which is important for shipping).

Tulle is a perfect fit for wedding-related events, since it's so frequently used for wedding fashion and decor. Its use in ballet and theater costumes makes it ideal for certain kids' party favors, too (think perfectly girly favors that look like tutus or princess dresses!).

6. How many tulle colors do you have?

We currently offer 45 colors, including two metallic shimmer shades. 

7. Do you offer anything other than tulle?

Yes! If tulle is not appropriate for your favor design or event, we do have several other types of ribbons or trimmings, including satin, gingham, polka dot grosgrain, and organza. Talk with us if you'd like a custom embellishment.

Ballet Party favors with tulle bows

Read more about tulle here:
swisstulle UK Ltd
All about bobbinet
Trendy tulle in bridal fashions