How to make a tutu

Making a basic tutu can be fun and easy! Even your child can help. Follow the steps below to make a basic tutu. Minimal sewing involved with needle and thread for waist building. No sewing involved in the actual portion of tulle when making a tutu.

Necessary material:

Tulle from The Bolt (fabric stores sell tulle by the yard of a bolt, which is usually 54 “wide) or a roll of tulle 6” by 25 yards

If you use bolt tulle, You will need to purchase at least 5-6 yards of tulle for a baby or toddler size. Ages 4 and up will need at least 8-10 yards of tulle.

If you use tulle from the roll, buy 6 “rolls of tulle by 25 yards. You will need 2-3 rolls for an infant / toddler size and 3-4 rolls for kids ages 4 and up. Personally, I love using single roll / spool tulle tape Usually used for wedding decoration and wrapping paper, it is easier to work with and faster to cut.

Fabric scissors

1/2 “-3/4” wide roll of unrolled elastic (quantity determined by waist size) or elastic waistband

Needle and thread

Step 1:

Measure the child’s waist and cut the elastic 2 “smaller than the measurement to allow for stretching. Sew both ends of the elastic together by hand or with a sewing machine.

Step 2:

You will need 4-6 yards of tulle for the baby / toddler tutu if you cut from the bolt. Cut into 6 “strips. Buy 6” by 25 yard rolls to make it easier for you. The reel is already 6 “wide, so all you have to do is cut the length.

Let’s say you want the tutu to be 14 “long. Fold that length to 28” and cut each strip to 28 “long. You determine the length.

If you are using bolt tulle, the best way to cut strips is to leave the tulle folded as it came from the store and cut it into 6 “strips to cut multiple layers. Saves you time. Or buy 6” per 25 yard spools to avoid cutting the tulle in strips. You will need between 1 and 3 rolls. The average toddler tutu will use between 1.5 and 2.5 rolls.

Some strips may not come out completely even, but it’s really okay once all the strips are tied. Any mistake can be hidden.

Step 3:

Fold the strip in half and tuck it behind the elastic waistband to form a bow.

Step 4:

Pass the ends of the tulle strip through the bow. Pull down to tighten. Make sure you don’t over-tighten it.

Step 5:

Continue tying slip knots or regular knots around the entire waistband. You will probably use 40-60 strips of tulle for a baby or toddler tutu. A good rule of thumb is to tighten at least 3 knots per inch of your waist measurement.

And there you have a finished tutu!