How to Create a Tulle Skirt

Tulle skirts are often worn by ballerinas.

Tulle is a net-like fabric that is most often used to make tutus, a fluffy type of skirt. It is available at fabric and craft stores in a variety of colors, allowing you to mix and match to create unique skirts in all sizes. Tulle is type of material that doesn't require a hem to prevent fraying; making it an ideal fabric to work with if you are a novice sewer. Making skirts out of tulle is more economical than purchasing them at the store.

Things You'll Need

• 4 to 20 yards of tulle, in your choice of colors
• 1/4-inch elastic
• Scissors
• Ribbon (optional)
• Embellishments (optional)
• Fabric (optional)

Instructions

1. Cut a piece of elastic about 2 inches smaller than your waist. It will stretch a little as you attach the tulle, and cutting the elastic too long will result in a skirt that is too large.

2. Cut the tulle into strips. The width of the strips helps determine how fluffy the tutu will become. If you cut the strips thin, you will need more to cover the elastic, creating a skirt with more volume. Strips that are about 4 inches wide work well. If you are making a tulle skirt for a child, you will need fewer strips than if you are making one for an adult.

3. Trim the strips to the desired length of the tulle skirt. Each strip should be double the desired length. For example, if you want your finished tutu to be 24 inches long, the tulle strips should be 48 inches long.

4. Tie the strips to the elastic. Center each strip on the elastic and tie it in a knot, leaving the two sides hanging down. Repeat until the elastic is covered with tulle. Use a double knot to prevent the tulle from becoming loose.

5. Sew the elastic closed. Firmly stitch a seam to close the elastic. The skirt will be slipped on over the head or feet.

6. Embellish your tulle skirt. Sew a strip of coordinating fabric around the bottom or top. Add a wide ribbon belt that is tied in the front or back. Try spraying the tulle with glitter fabric spray.

Tips & Warnings

• Tulle doesn't work well on a sewing machine, so adding decorations to your skirt will likely be easier with a needle and thread.

• Layer several colors of tulle to create a unique skirt that is also less revealing than a single layer of tulle.

• The more tulle you use, the wider and fuller your tulle skirt will become. Some instructions call for up to 150 yards per skirt. Experiment to find the right amount for you.