How to Make a Tutu: A Tutorial

June 11, 2009

For her second birthday, I made Grace a tutu. It is one of the cutest things I’ve ever seen.

A Special Birthday Skirt

You know we’re anti-princess around here, but I thought a tutu would be a perfect dress up piece. Tutus are all about imagination and whimsy. Tutus can work for ballerinas or fairies or special birthday girls.

Worn for about three minutes, never to be put on again

It was the perfect project for a momma who was injured and lying on the couch. It’s very simple and most of it can be done while lying down.

Homemade Tutu

Materials

Tulle – I used about 10 yards of tulle, sold by the yard. You could get rolls of 4″ or 6″ tulle, but I couldn’t find any. I allowed Grace to choose her colors, and she picked purple and yellow. I bought 5 yards white, 3 yards purple, and 3 yards yellow, but if I was starting over, I’d just do half purple and half yellow. The white diluted my colors more than I would have liked.
A length of 1/2 inch elastic or ribbon
Spools of matching grosgrain ribbon (I omitted mine at the last minute because Grace hates her tutu, but if she decides to like it some day, I’ll add them.)

Measure Your Child

Waist – If you’re going to use elastic, cut a length of 1/2″ elastic that is 2 inches shorter than your child’s waist. If you’re using ribbon, you will need to cut her waist measurement plus 2 feet or so, enough to tie the tutu onto her body.
Waist to knee – This one is simple. How long do you want the skirt to be? I think Grace might have hated her tutu less if it was shorter. I’m thinking about cutting it off at the bottom.

Instructions

Joe did this part for me. Cut the tulle into strips that are 4″ to 6″ inches wide and twice the finished skirt length. I made my tutu 18″ long, so my strips needed to be 4″ by 36″ wide. I had more strips than I thought I’d ever need. That’s just about the right number.
If you’re using elastic, overlap the ends and sew. I couldn’t use my sewing machine, so I did it by hand. I would have preferred my machine. No matter.
Grab 3 pieces of tulle and stack it nicely.
Fold it in half. Loop the center point under your waistband

then pull the ends down over the waistband and tuck them into the loop. Pull the ends so that the top makes a loose knot.
If you pull the knot too tight, it will curl and stretch the elastic, be difficult to work with, and need to be loosened later. I’m just saying.
Good. Not too tight and not too loose.

Too tight. I had to pull these all out a bit.
Repeat that process another thirty or thirty-five times. I started out with a pattern, but I abandoned it in favor of whatever looked nice. I ended up with 38 knots, and my tutu is sufficiently fluffy.
If you’re going to use ribbons, you can tie them over top of the tulle in the same way. Alternately, you can tie them in shoelace-type knots over top of the tulle. Either way would look nice and leave long tails hanging down in the tulle.
That’s it. Your tutu is finished.
I considered a waistband to finish off the top and make the whole thing less scratchy. I also considered gluing some little flowers or some glitter onto some of the pieces. I’m not doing either of these things since Grace hates her tutu, but I might some day.

Alternate uses for a homemade tutu

If your husband spends two hours cutting tulle, and then you spend four or five hours tying knots in tulle, and your child refuses to even put her feet in her tutu, you will find alternate uses.

Tulle makes nice scrubbies for the shower. I didn’t take it apart. I’m hoping that some day, she’ll change her mind.
All of those panels would work nicely for dusting knick-knacks.
You can play peek-a-boo with a tutu around your neck.

Project Cost

I bought tulle at 99 cents a yard.
I bought two small rolls of ribbon, each for 99 cents.
I had elastic in my sewing stash already.
Total cost – Under $13

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Jen L. said:

Oh, my word, that is adorable! I’ll bet Grace never wants to take it off. I especially enjoyed the alternate uses.

# 11 June 2009 at 8:49 pm

Tara (author) said:

Jen – Actually… Grace won’t touch it. She refuses. Joe put it in her closet today because I finally resigned myself to her tutu avoidance.

# 11 June 2009 at 9:12 pm

Flowersbyfarha said:

I wonder if it was too scratchy for her overall?

Or, if she never even put it on, maybe it was just scary to her?

Or, maybe she just didn’t get it.

I bought my g’toddler an apron when she was going on two and she wouldn’t put it on. She wanted everyone else to put it on. Finally realized since she couldn’t see it on her, she just didn’t “get it.” So, trotted her over to a mirror and held it up to here and bingo! Now she doesn’t cook until she puts on an apron (and washes her hands).

And some kids just don’t enjoy play-acting or dress-ups. (Is she a Taurus by chance?)

# 11 June 2009 at 9:22 pm

Mum-me said:

Maybe if you borrow some classical ballet videos from the library and show Grace some of the scenes with the pretty ballerinas she might like to try it out for dancing?

Isn’t is frustrating when your child dislikes something you’ve spent ages making just for them?

Mum-me’s last blog post..Sun Sparkles

# 11 June 2009 at 10:44 pm

Tara (author) said:

Mum-me – That’s a great idea! I think I’ve even seen episodes of Sesame Street where Zoe wears a tutu, too. I’m going to look for both.

[WORDPRESS HASHCASH] The poster sent us ’0 which is not a hashcash value.

# 12 June 2009 at 6:17 am

JoAnne said:

Really enjoyed your tutu post–it was not only helpful to prospective tutu-making Moms, but hilarious–especially the alternative uses for a tutu. Would it be OK for us to use a couple of photos to let our readers know about it, with full credit and links to your blog? Thanks for getting back to me! Just adorable!!

# 12 June 2009 at 12:50 pm

Celebrate with Style » A Tutu for a Ballerina, Princess, or Fairy’s Birthday Party said:

[...] first of Tara’s posts that I saw (I’ve since read many!) was called How to Make a Tutu: A Tutorial. Since we’ve included “Parties for Future Ballerinas” among our special birthday [...]

# 15 June 2009 at 4:06 pm

Twitspiration: Tara from Feels Like Home (Harrisburg) | handmade in PA said:

[...] know you all love great tutes, too! So here’s a link to one of Tara’s – all about how to create a fabulous child’s tutu (above). Welcome to the home of PA arts & crafts on the web! Whether you’re from PA or Timbuktu, [...]

# 2 July 2009 at 12:02 am

Mariana said:

So cute! A year or two from now, Grace will be wearing that tutu everyday. Just wait
Mariana´s last blog ..The day the music died…

# 11 July 2009 at 5:56 pm

nicole said:

OH MY GOODNESS. You are a godsent for posting this. I am going to make my 3 yro daughter a tu-tu & a long sleeve leotard w/ my little pony on the front. This is exactly what I need to walk me through the process. I love how you put this together. Grace is so lovely.

Thank You so much for the tutu tutorial & info. I hope I can do this. (my daughter will probably put it on & try to go out to play basketball.)

# 27 July 2009 at 7:28 pm

Christine said:

Thank you so much for this wonderful tutorial! I used your directions to make my 3-year-old a tutu for her new dance class. The tutu came out beautifully and she loves it!

# 13 August 2009 at 3:13 pm

Danielle said:

Thanks for the great tutorial! Made making the tutus so easy. I tackled my first one last night and my dd loves it. She just happened to pick the same colors are you daughter. Now, I have 7 more to make. They are going to be party favors. The girls are going to love them.
Thanks!
Danielle´s last blog ..DSC_0058 – Copy

# 17 August 2009 at 8:22 am

Tara (author) said:

I’m so happy to hear it! They are so easy, and they’re not expensive at all. You’ll have to take pictures of all of them together.

# 17 August 2009 at 2:03 pm

DeAnna said:

Thank you so much for posting this! I’m actually going to use this technique for myself for a Halloween costume at work (I’m going as the Tooth Fairy)! This is so easy and so cost effective. Thanks again!!!

# 13 September 2009 at 2:04 pm

Leigh Ann said:

ahhh!!! I’m so excited!!! I wanted to make my daughter one so bad but was NOT sure where to even begin! This is absolutely adorable and looks fairly simple!!! She’ll be so excited! The ‘toothfairy’ made her a fairy wand with a tulle tutu…that was a little different than a child size tutu though. So she hasnt quite gotten that yet…she’s waiting to lose that first tooth but it’s the only thing she wanted from her!! I thought it reasonable considering it’s the first one! So yes!!! Thank you sooo much for posting this! You’re amazing!!! Absolutely fabulous!!!

# 18 September 2009 at 12:36 am

Tom McComb said:

Wow! You just saved us!!! 6 grown men, going out for halloween together. None of us sew, and you just saved our lives. Our tutus will be fabulous with our tights!!!

Happy Halloween!

# 18 October 2009 at 9:19 am

Grace's Homemade Tutu | Feels Like Home said:

[...] you remember the tutu I made for Grace’s second [...]

# 20 October 2009 at 7:56 pm

Grace’s Homemade Tutu Gets a Second Chance | Feels Like Home said:

[...] her second birthday, I made Grace a beautiful beautiful fluffly tutu. You can make your own by following my instructions. It’s [...]

# 21 October 2009 at 8:35 pm

Homemade Hand tied Tutu said:

[...] Here’s a tutorial showing you how to make a tie on tutu. The more tulle you use the fuller it will be. [...]

# 21 October 2009 at 10:03 pm

Jessica said:

These steps are so simple..and your pictures are great! I may not be 3 years old….but me and my best friend are 21 and are making tu-tus as part of our Halloween costumes! Thanks so much for the help!

# 25 October 2009 at 12:46 pm

Marcella said:

Is the tulle secure or do you to need to keep tightening it. I am trying to find a no sew tutu with secure attachments on elastic. I don’t want to have to keep going back and putting fallen off peaces and/or tightening the tulle. Thanks for your help!

# 26 October 2009 at 2:45 pm

Tara (author) said:

Marcella – I haven’t had to tighten any of Grace’s tutu. I tied them pretty tight to start, so that might be part of the success.

# 26 October 2009 at 10:01 pm

Marcella said:

Thank you so much for your insight Tara. I am making tutus for an orphanage foundation my mom is in charge of and have all proceeds go to “children to children” to help. So looks like I know what I am doing tonight. THANKS!

# 27 October 2009 at 1:23 pm

Heather said:

I used your instructions and I just wanted to THANK YOU! My daughter ADORES her Tutu which she refers to as her “skirt” lol Here is a picture of her wearing it. [IMG]http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o37/ZenMama83/DSC01583.jpg[/IMG]

# 10 November 2009 at 7:46 am

FeelsLikeHomeBlog (author) said:

Thank you so much for sharing your photo! She's gorgeous!

# 10 November 2009 at 4:59 pm

Loliimi said:

What happens if it's too tight?

And it says that it was never worn again.. Does that mean that it can't be worn again, or your daughter just not wear it?

I love the idea! ;D

What other types of cloth could you use along with it?

Thanks!~
Felicia

# 28 November 2009 at 9:09 pm

FeelsLikeHomeBlog (author) said:

If it's too tight, I would take it apart and add another couple of inches of elastic at the seam.

Grace didn't wear it again because she was afraid of it. She's recently become interested in it again, and she wears it several days each week.

I think you could do it with any type of cloth, as long as you can tie the knot. You would have to cut it into strips and tie it on. I'd love to see pictures of whatever you come up with!

# 29 November 2009 at 4:24 am

Katie said:

My daughter and a classmate are sugar plum fairies in the upcoming school program. I am so glad I came across this blog. THANK YOU…the tutu's were super simple and absolutley fabulous!

# 5 December 2009 at 10:05 am

Jessica said:

I love your tutu. I am looking for one for my daughter's first pic's and I was about to spend about $75. Now, I can have Grandma make it with love!! You just made my day:) P.S. My first child is Grace, too!!

# 5 December 2009 at 1:11 pm

Melissa said:

Wow, thank you! I am trying to make a tutu right now and your picture for the slip knot was just what I needed! Thanks!
And your tutu is really pretty

# 14 December 2009 at 1:52 pm

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# 26 December 2009 at 12:22 am

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[...] the sun on Etsy. The yellow pettiskirt pictured above is from here, and the pink tutu from here. Here’s a tutorial for easy no sew [...]

# 28 January 2010 at 7:55 pm

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[...] Anyway, this is a great, easy, year-round project. Every girl needs a tutu. And my niece, the Gator, needed a “purple and hot pink” tutu, to be exact. I used the knotted method of tutu-making. [...]

# 16 February 2010 at 6:18 pm

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[...] How to Make a Tutu – A Tutorial [...]

# 3 March 2010 at 11:08 pm

eb said:

we used our first one as a window valance, just snip the elastic to open it up it is really cute

# 5 March 2010 at 8:29 pm

Yasmeen said:

Thanks so much! I hope this will be easy for my friends and I, for Spirit Day this coming up Friday!
The theme is “Color Wars in Purple”, do you think you have any ideas ?

# 15 March 2010 at 10:35 pm

FeelsLikeHomeBlog (author) said:

I would get a couple different shades of purple. You can get dark purple, lavender, and probably even a medium purple. Try a local fabric store or a craft store. You should be able to find lots of different tulle, maybe even some with glitter or sparkles.

Good luck! I'd love to see them when you're done.

# 16 March 2010 at 3:26 am

hterice said:

I love your instructions. My friend showed me how to do the one I made my little girl. I am going to make tutus for all the girls at my Effys 1st B-day. I have already made wands and fairy tiaras. It is a fairy party.
http://hterice.blogspot.com/

# 20 March 2010 at 4:28 pm

hterice said:

# 20 March 2010 at 11:28 pm

Self Doubt | Feels Like Home said:

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# 22 March 2010 at 8:26 pm

Rachel White said:

This is pretty awesome and funny! Love your sense of humor!

# 10 April 2010 at 10:00 pm

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[...] Feels Like Home [...]

# 4 May 2010 at 11:49 pm

Kayla Glenn said:

I am also making my daughter a tutu for her 2nd birthday and i am making her 2 for two diffrent parties. Your instructions are very good thank you.

# 9 June 2010 at 6:37 pm

bluegrassmom said:

Funny! I made my daughter a tutu to wear at her 2nd birthday party and she was scared of it too. Now that she's two and a half and very much into “looking pretty” I'd like to try it on her again, but I got rid of it already because it was just getting in the way.

# 25 July 2010 at 8:25 pm

FeelsLikeHomeBlog (author) said:

We buried Grace's in the bottom of her toy box. We were cleaning her room just this week (she's a little past 3), and she found it. She wore it almost all day yesterday and all morning today. It seems for us, 3 is much more into the tutu than 2 was.
They're so inexpensive that you could make another one pretty easily. Good luck!

# 25 July 2010 at 10:20 pm

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# 27 July 2010 at 6:46 pm