Children who are involved in dance or want to dress up as ballerinas can wear tutus.Adults can wear tutus as a fun addition to their wardrobe.Buying a pre-made tutu can be expensive, and you may not be able to find the exact color and style that you want.If you want to save money and create a tutu for your child, you can easily make one with some elastic and tulle.It's possible to make a tutu for your child, for yourself, or as a unique homemade gift.
Step 1: You can purchase it in a fabric bolt.
If you want to make a tutu, you'll need a lot of tulle, so buying it by the bolt at a fabric store may be your best bet.If you want, you can use a 6” spool.If you want to make a tutu, you'll only need to cut this kind of tulle once, because it's already in the correct width.You will need about 5 yards (5 m) for a child's size tutu, 10 yards (9.1 m), for small or medium adult sizes, and about 20 yards (18 m).The amount you need depends on the size of the tutu.25 yards of tulle is the average size of a tule spool.If you want an adult to wear a small or medium tutu, you will need at least 4 or 5 spools, and 7 to 8 for a large or extra-large tutu.You should buy more than you think you need.
Step 2: Purchase 34” to 1” elastic.
34” to 1” strip of elastic is needed for the waistband of your tutu.If you want a tutu for a baby, the 34” size is better than the 1” wide one.Measure the person's waist and buy the amount of elastic you need.If you want to buy a strip of elastic for the person, you need to know their waist measurement.If you buy elastic in packages that include more elastic than you need, you can always cut it to your desired length and keep the extra elastic for another project.
Step 3: Measure and cut if you are using a bolt.
Measure and cut your tulle first if you are using it on a fabric bolt.Measure and cut your tulle into wide strips with a ruler or measuring tape.Make sure to lay the tulle out so that it is completely flat before you cut it.If you want to use a rotary cutting tool instead of scissors, you may find it helpful to lay your tulle out on a lined cutting mat.
Step 4: Cut it to the length you want.
Decide how long you want the tutu skirt to be because it will be half the length of the strips you make.Cut your strips to the length you want.If you want your tutu to be 18” (46 cm) long, you need to cut the strips that are 36” (91) long.The skirt is going to be about 18 inches (46 cm) in length, minus about one inch from the tulle.You can always add 1 cm to your strip length to make up for the loss.Keep cutting until you get the same size.Keep your strips organized by stacking them.
Step 5: Tie or sew the elastic.
You will need to prepare your elastic piece after you have finished preparing your tulle.Attach the elastic to your waist measurement.You can either tie the ends of the elastic piece together or sew them together.To ensure that the tutu fits on the person's waist, either option will reduce the total size of the elastic waistband.To sew the ends together, thread a needle with thread.Make sure not to twist the elastic by overlaping the ends.The thread is pulled taut when you sew through the ends.After stitching back where you started, tie the ends of the thread together a few times and then cut the excess thread.
Step 6: Put your elastic on an object.
It's a good idea to have your elastic stable on a mannequin while you work.If you want to use an object that is roughly the same size as the person's waist, you can use a mannequin.If you are making a tutu for a baby or small child, you can place the elastic waistband on a full roll of paper towels or use a pillow.
Step 7: Pick up some strips and fold them in half.
Pick up 2 or 3 strips and fold them in half to make your tutu look bigger.Put one finger through the folded end of the strips to make sure the edges are lined up.
Step 8: Put the fold under the elastic.
Under the elastic band, tuck the folded ends of the tulle.The folded part of the tulle should be brought up through the elastic band.You can keep track of the area under the folds by using your finger.
Step 9: The ends of the strips need to be inserted through the opening.
Take the ends of the tulle and put them in the elastic waistband.The loops were created by the folded ends of the strips.To form a tight knot around the elastic band, pull the ends of the tulle through the loop completely.
Step 10: All the way around the elastic.
If you want to cover the entire waistband, you will need to attach all of your strips in the same fashion.As you go to get your tutu, make sure to slide the knots together.
Step 11: Fan out the tulle by crunching it.
You can use your fingers to fan out the tulle after you have attached all of the elastic.The tutu needs to be crunched and fanned out to make it look bigger.
Step 12: In place of elastic, use ribbon.
One easy way to modify your tutu is to use a long piece of ribbon.Tie a piece of ribbon that is 18” (46 cm) longer than your waist size around your mannequin or other object.The tutu can be created by making knots with the tulle around the ribbon.The ribbon tutu can be secured by tying the ribbon in a bow around your waist.If you want young children to remove the tutu before you do, use ribbon instead of elastic.
Step 13: Add something to it.
Adding an adornment is a fun way to personalize a tutu.Adding a flower, bow, button, brooch, or something else that sets off the colors of your tutu is possible.Either sew or pin it in place.The tutu's waistband should have the embellishment on it.The tulle won't be weighed down by the embellishment.
Step 14: Try different combinations of colors.
You can change the colors of your tutu.To match a specific onesie, top, or leotard, try combining colors.The tutu could be used to decide which color combination to use.If the tutu is part of a costume, make it in red and black.You can make a blue and green tutu to match the t-shirt.