How to Make a Tutu Prom Dress

Tutu prom dresses have a tight fitted top with the tutu bottom.

A tutu prom dress is a type of dress inspired by ballet. They are relatively simple to make provided the appropriate materials are available. The top of the dress should have a corset or bodice in any preferred color to give a nice shape to the body and improve the look of the tutu. The tutu is made out of tulle in a matching color for the dress.

Things You'll Need

• Tulle
• Corset or bodice or halter top
• Elastic or ribbon
• Scissors
• Needle (optional)
• Thread (optional)

Instructions

1. Obtain a corset, bodice or similar top for the dress. Corsets are difficult to make and often cost the same as purchasing a corset through a store or online. Corsets are available in a variety of styles and colors. If a corset is not preferred, obtain a form fitting bodice or a similar top in any preferred style and look. This will form the top of the prom dress, so select a top which is formal in appearance.

2. Measure the elastic or ribbon to the waist or the area directly beneath the corset or bodice. This will form the waist of the dress and keep the appropriate measurements for the tutu. If using elastic, cut the elastic to the exact waist. If using ribbon, cut it about three to five inches longer than the waist. Tie a bow at the waist measurements for easier skirt making. If using elastic, overlap the elastic to about one inch and sew it closed.

3. Cut the tulle in strips. The length of the strips should double the preferred length of the dress skirt. For example, if a ankle length dress is preferred, cut the strips so the length of the tulle is double the measurement from the waist to the ankle. The width should be between 4 and 6 inches.

4. Pull the tulle over the elastic or ribbon so the middle of the tulle ends up at the elastic or ribbon. Tie the tulle in a firm knot around the elastic or ribbon. Repeat until the elastic or ribbon is completely covered and the tulle forms a skirt.

5. Attach the skirt to the corset or bodice as preferred. If sewing is preferred, using elastic is better than ribbon. Sew the skirt to the inside of the bodice, halter or corset along the elastic, taking care not to damage the bones of the corset if using a corset. If not preferred, either pull the skirt over the corset for the prom and tie the ribbon into a bow or pull it so it is under the corset to look like a dress.

References

• How to Make a Tutu: How to Make a Tutu Dress Without Sewing
• How to Make a Tutu: How to Make a Tutu Dress
• Tutu Today: The Bodice
• Tutu: Dress and Tutu Patterns