How to Make a Ballerina Tutu Style Skirt

Ballerina tutu skirts evoke whimsy and beauty.

Tutus are a favorite with little girls all over the world but can also serve as a unique skirt for adult women. Tutus, made with tulle, a filmy, lightweight and affordable fabric, express the romantic image of ballerinas. They can evoke the whimsy of childhood as well as a more stunning gothic style. In either case, a ballerina tutu skirt can be created at home with a few hours and a bit of patience.

Things You'll Need

• 6-8 yards of tulle
• 1 yard non-roll elastic
• 2 yards satin ribbon
• Sewing machine
• Scissors
• Measuring tape

Instructions

1. Measure the waist of the child or adult who will be wearing the tutu skirt. Cut a piece of non-roll elastic in the corresponding length and attach the two ends either by hand or with a sewing machine.

2. Measure how long you would like the tutu skirt to be from the waistline. Add an inch onto this measurement. Take the measurement of the waistline and double this amount. If the waist measurement was 20 inches then the final measurement will be 40 inches.

3. Cut out a piece of tulle corresponding to the double waist measurement and the skirt length measurement.

4. Run the top of tulle, or the double waist measurement side, through the sewing machine on a loose stitch setting about a half-inch from the edge. Pull the end of the threads on each end to achieve a gathered look on the tulle.

5. Attach the gathered edge of the tulle skirt onto the elastic waistband using a sewing machine or by hand.

6. Attach the satin ribbon on top of the tulle and elastic to cover the unfinished edges, leaving two even ends of ribbon on each side. Tie these two ends together to create a pretty bow for the back of the skirt.

Tips & Warnings

• Add additional layers of tulle for a fuller and more opaque look following steps 3-5.

• Use bright colors for a modern look and pale pink for a more classic look.

References

• Craftser:How to Make a Black and Red Tulle Tutu Skirt
• Skirt.com: How to Make a Tutu