How to Make a Ballerina Tutu Without Sewing

The tutu is the hallmark of a ballarina's standard attire and can be made without any complicated sewing or needlework.

A simple tutu is an instantly recognizable addition for any aspiring ballerina. Without ever touching a needle and thread, you can make a no-sew tutu in less than an hour. A tutu is a versatile fashion piece that adds an eccentric flair to any bold attire or can be a gift for a delighted young dancer.

Things You'll Need

• 5 Yards of tulle
• Spool of 1 1/2 to 2 inch wide ribbon

Instructions

1. Measure the material. Tulle is a fine, thin, mesh material that is essentially a small netting. Five yards should be an adequate amount for any sized Tutu, totaling at 180 inches in length. The ribbon length is determined by the circumference of the waist of the individual who will be wearing the tutu, then tripled. For example, a girl with a 20-inch waist needs a ribbon at least 60 inches long.

2. Measure and tie the ribbon. Using a ruler, measure the ribbon into three even sections, based on the wearer's waist size. Tie two knots in the ribbon to separate the three sections.

3. Lay out the tulle by rolling it length wise into a single column. Using your scissors, cut the tulle into three-inch long segments.

4. Unravel the tutu sections one at a time. Take your scissors and cut in half the tulle at the fold line. Fold each smaller piece in half. If you prefer a longer tutu, do not fold the final piece in half.

5. Tie the tulle strips to the ribbon, making sure to only tie them on the center section of the ribbon between the knots you tied earlier. Continue this until the tulle completely fills the circumference of the waist along the ribbon.

6. Take the end sections of the ribbon and tie them together in a large bow. Depending upon your preference, this bow can be in the back or the front of the tutu, as the tutu can be worn either way.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are unsure how much ribbon you need, it can usually be bought by the spool at craft stores.

• Use different colors of tulle in a single tutu, creating a striped or rainbow effect.

• Decorate and customize your tutu with such embellishments as sequin beads and trimmings.

References

• Mommy Blessings: No Sew Tutu Tutorial
• Cut Out And Keep: No Sew Tutu
• TutuToday: No Sew Tutu