How to Make a Tutu Easily

Turn a leotard into a ballerina costume with a simple tutu.

Make a quick tutu for a dance recital or costume. This short tutu is easy to slip on and off, so it is perfect for dress-up play. The style and length are appropriate for a child. If you are costuming a dance performance, such as the "Nutcracker," pair white tutus with white leotards to costume "The Dance of the Snow Flakes." Use pastel tutus for "The Dance of the Flowers." A tutu can also add feminine flair to a plain costume. A yellow and black one can dress up a bee costume and a lavender one with spangles creates a "Fancy Nancy" outfit.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure
• Elastic, 6 inches wide
• Scissors
• Sewing machine
• Matching thread
• Nylon net

Instructions

1. Measure the distance around the wearer's hips.

2. Cut a length of 6-inch-wide elastic 1/2 inch longer than the hip measurement.

3. Sew the ends of the elastic together to make the hip band of the tutu.

4. Cut four strips of nylon net 16 inches wide and three times as long as the hip measurement.

5. Machine baste down the center of each strip.

6. Stitch another row of basting stitches 1/4 inch from the first row.

7. Pull the bobbin threads to gather the fabric to the same length as the elastic band.

8. Sew the ruffed strips to the elastic by stitching through the gathers in the center of the strip. Sew them every 1 1/4 inches, starting 1/2 inch from the edge.

Tips & Warnings

• Vary the width of the net strips to vary the length of the skirt. The strips should be twice as long as the desired length of the tutu