Tutus are beautiful costumes and can be a fun accessory to many outfits. Buying a pre-made tutu is very expensive, especially since making it yourself is very cheap and easy. Try both of the following systems.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Making a No-Sew Tutu
Step 1. Choose the tulle
A classic tutu is made of tulle or another lightweight fabric. Choose it in the color you want, but it measures 120-200 cm in width and 1- 3 meters in length, depending on the size of the wearer. You will also need a spool of ribbon that matches the color of the tulle.
Step 2. Take your measurements
Use a tape measure around the waist (the narrowest part of the back) or a little lower. Take the measurements well because that's where the tutu will rest.
Step 3. Cut the fabric
Cut the ribbon according to the measurements you took. Keep 15-20 cm more to finish the tutu. Roll out the tulle and cut strips 5-15cm long. To make a fuller tutu, cut thicker strips. If you want a lighter tutu, make some less thick strips. The number of strips will depend on the size you took and how thick you will make them.
Step 4. Join the tulle and ribbon
Take each strip of tulle and fold it in half, forming a loop with two loose ends. Lay the folded strip on top of the tape, leaving the ring protruding from the tape by a few centimeters. Then pass the two ends inside the ring making a knot on the ribbon.
Step 5. Continue adding the tulle strips
Work around the ribbon, tightly joining the tulle strips to create a shirred effect. Add all the strips in the same way until all the ribbon is covered, apart from a few centimeters at the end: this will be used to tie the tutu at the end.
Step 6. Embellish your tutu
Tie the leftover ribbon around your torso and that's it! Your tutu is now finished. Enjoy your new skirt or use it as a costume accessory.
Method 2 of 2: Sew the Tutu
Step 1. Choose the tulle
To make a sewn tutu, you can use a pre-cut tulle or a roll of tulle. You can choose any color and the quantity will depend on your waist size. You will also need a rubber band that is about 5cm or smaller.
Step 2. Take your measurements
Use a tape measure around your waist or wherever you want the tutu to go. Take the measurements well because the too loose elastic would appear not aesthetically graceful.
Step 3. Cut the fabric
If you are using pre-cut tulle, spread it out and cut it into 7-15cm strips. The wider they are, the fuller the tutu will be. If you use a roll instead, cut it into long strips of the same length of about 120-200 cm. The strips should be folded in half and that will be the length of the tulle from the belt. Cut the elastic to fit the waist.
Step 4. Sew the tulle
Fold each strip of tulle in half on the elastic. Choose a straight stitch on the sewing machine to sew the two ends under the elastic.
Step 5. Continue adding the tulle
Add the various strips of tulle around the entire length of the elastic belt, curling them together.
Step 6. When you get to the end of the elastic, sew it together with the tulle with a zigzag stitch
Arrange the tulle so that it is evenly distributed around your waist, and you are done! Enjoy the new tutu and show your seamstress skills.
Step 7. Finished
Advice
- An alternative could be to sew the tulle directly to the belt of a pair of trousers or to the final part of a t-shirt.
- Use lots of colors and alternate them to create a better effect.
