Thread: Fan veils are too long- can I cut them?

I just got a second set, and they are almost 6 feet long, instead of the usual 5 feet. I was thinking I could just try to learn to use them, but I have already spent so much time learning to use the shorter ones.

Can I cut them to make them shorter? And how do I do that? I am scared that I will ruin them.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks!

I made some Voi for my friend. She found that just cutting the silk left an edge that unravelled while she spun them. I think if you cut the end off, you will need to either hand sew, do a rolled hem by hand on a machine, or do a rolled hem on the serger to keep the end from getting messed up.

As for how to do it, you just lay it out, and mark it and cut it with a good pair of fabric shears. Then create a hem.

I've been googling to buy veil fans recently, and it appears many vendors don't hem their fans at all as it interferes with their movement, and instead recommend you use fray-check or clear nail polish.

I'm expecting to have to do that to mine when they turn up.

They are not currently hemmed, so I wasn't planning on hemming them after I cut them. I don't think I would know how to do that anyway.

you need to tear them. I know, scary. :) but that will give you a perfect, straight, smooth raw edge that will be properly floaty. I wouldn't recommend fray check or anything on the edge. just leave them be!

try a practice tear on a piece of scrap silk, or on the fan at 4" or or so. make about a half inch cut, and then boldly yank it. you have to do it like you mean it.

or, you could try taking them to your local fabric store and asking somebody there to tear them for you. they tear fabric all day long.

Is that why my voi ravelled at the edges?! Now I definitely know for next time.

Tear them?! Yes, very scary :)

But would I be able to control the tearing? The edge is not straight, there is a curve in the middle.

Thanks for the fabric store idea too. I may have to check that out.