Whether you're an aspiring ballerina or just want to dress up this way for Halloween, find out how to make a voluminous tutu with tulle. Keep reading.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Create a No-Sew Tutu
Step 1. Get the tulle
Since it's so sheer, a lot of tulle is needed to make a wearable tutu. If it's small (for a girl), use 2-4m of fabric. For a medium tutu, you will need 5-7m of tulle. For a large one, 7-9 m.
Step 2. Create the waistband
Since you won't have to sew it, just use a long ribbon to tie at the waist. Choose one that is at least 1.5 cm thick, without internal support and in a color that matches the tulle. Wrap it around your waist, where you want to wear the tutu, and allow for another 0.5m allowance before cutting.
Step 3. Cut the tulle into strips
Spread the tulle on a flat surface and cut it into dozens of long strips, 5-10cm wide. For a softer, fuller skirt, use wide stripes. To create a less bulky and more intricate looking tutu, use thin strips of fabric.
Step 4. Fold the strips in half
To add the tulle strips to the ribbon, they first need to be folded in half. You can decide to do this as you go, or take care of it before you begin. One end has 2 tails, while the other has a circular shape.
Step 5. Add the first strip to the ribbon
Place a strip folded in half on top of the ribbon. Make the circular end of the strip overhang the tape about 5 cm upwards, leaving a hole. Lift the tails up, in the opposite direction from the circular end of the strip. Create a Parisian knot by inserting them into the hole created between the strip and the ribbon.
Step 6. Add more strips
Continue this process by tying the strips around the ribbon. Pull the ends of the tulle tightly to minimize the size of the knot and make room for the other pieces. Arrange them and bring them together to organize the tutu and have it in order.
Step 7. Finish adding the strips
The ribbon needs 0.5m length on each end to be able to tie the skirt on the back. Once you have secured enough tulle to completely cover the ribbon, except for these two final ends, the tutu will be finished.
Step 8. Show off your new tulle tutu
Wear it by wrapping it around your waist and tying it with a knot or bow at the back. Gently shake the tulle to add volume to the skirt, so that the tutu is more graceful and has exactly that look you were looking for.
Method 2 of 2: Sew a Tutu
Step 1. Get everything you need
For a tutu to sew, you will first need fabric. For a girl's skirt, 2-4 sts. For a medium sized tutu, 5-7m. For a larger tutu, 7-9m. In addition, you will need elastic for the headband, a thread of the same color and a sewing machine.
- You can sew it by hand, but it will take a lot more effort and time.
- For a short skirt, the tulle must be at least 140cm thick. Find looser tulle for a longer tutu.
Step 2. Fold the tulle
Fold the entire piece of tulle horizontally in half, thus making the 140 cm become 70. Then, fold the skirt in half again in the same direction, thus creating 4 layers of tulle.
Step 3. Cut the elastic
Wrap the elastic around your waist where you want to wear the tutu. Pull it so that there is no space between the band and the skin. Cut it accordingly, without the ends overlapping.
Step 4. Sew the lining for the elastic
Sew directly to the length of the tulle using a straight seam technique; start about 5 cm (or calculating a slightly larger width than the elastic) from the top of the fold. You should sew along the hem of the tulle you folded twice, through its 4 layers.
Step 5. Add the elastic band
Use a crochet hook or long, sturdy object to crumple the tulle along the top of the lining. After this step, let the elastic slide through the wrap. Make sure you keep both ends out of the lining. You can use a safety pin to hold the elastic as you pull it.
Step 6. Sew the elastic band
Pull both ends of the elastic at the same time, and sew them starting about 6mm from the end with a straight seam. Then, fold the loose parts over the elastic band and sew them using the zig zag technique.
Step 7. Sew the skirt
The tutu is almost ready, you just need to sew it on the back, where the two ends of the tulle meet. Join the two edges of the tulle together and sew starting about 6mm from the edge with a straight seam. Make sure you sew the four layers of fabric, not just the top one.
Step 8. Finish the tutu
Separate all the layers of the tutu with your hands to shake it. You can add optional decorations, including small fake diamonds, flowers and ribbons.
