*Shop closing sale 01-24-09 .... see update below*
Here's the scoop! I've started a Flickr Group for everyone who has made a tutu using my tutorial! I can't wait to see everyone's creations! Here is the link:
http://www.flickr.com/groups/plumtickledtutus/
(Note: I'm a moron and am not even sure if I did the Flickr thingy right..... please let me know if I didn't!)
:::: :::: :::: :::: :::: :::: ::::
Here's the tutorial I promised on how to make a tutu for the little girly person you love.
**Please read the entire tutorial before beginning.... this way you won't have any surprises**
- This is a no sew project that could certainly be done with your little girly person.
- This should only take about 30 minutes from beginning to end and makes a great last minute birthday present.
- Sell 'em. Just don't come crying to me when you get an order for 14 batrillion like it just did! Ack!
- Use more than one color per tutu if you'd like. I really love how they look when you do this! Just alternate the colors!
- Please note that the hands that are captured within the photos of this here tutorial are mine and not some fat old lady with age spots....... I have freckles. I do.
- Please note that if any "spots" see on the carpet that is also captured in this here tutorial have been contributed and donated by Spoodles McCarpet Crapper. (I rented a Rug Doctor last week and it worked wonders!).
- Have fun with your girl........ make one for yourself and have fun with the DAD!
**********************************************
Supplies:
- Two rolls of 6" tulle in any color or color combination you'd like. You could certainly use more if you'd like. Two rolls takes care of any size up to probably a 4T-6. (I think anyhoo.) You could also have it cut from the bolt if you can't find the rolls....... it's cheaper but I soooo hate working with tulle for cutting. It's slippery and a pain sometimes. Cut it in 6" widths and then in half lengthwise...... you have less options with length but still works great. Do what you wish...... my Angel of a Husband says I whine too much...... maybe he's right. Uh, Maybe.
- 1" elastic........ enough to go around the girl tummy.
- Scissors or rotary blade/cutting mat.
- Your thigh.
- T.V with Magnum P.I. playing
- Strawberry Crystal Light with lots of ice.
***********************************************
On to the tutorial......... here we go:
- The first thing you need to do is measure your girl. You need to measure her tummy. I measured Amelia's tummy and then deducted about 3" from it and cut my elastic to this measurement. So, if her tummy was say 20" around then I would cut my elastic to 17". Got it? Good. After it it cut, you want to sew in with a zig zag stitch on your machine to make it a circle. (It can totally be done by hand too). Like this:
- Next, you need to decide how long you wish your tutu to be. Do you want it short and poofy or long and puffy. Take your measuring tape and measure from her waist to where you want the tutu to end. Double this measurement. For instance, in this tutorial I wanted this tutu to go down to about 15" when it's done. So, I cut the tulle at 30". I like to lay the two rolls together and cut them at the same time. I also would rather cut it on my mat with my rotary cutter but I didn't want to go out in the dark and get mauled by frogs so, I used my scissors! Like this:
Then this:
Then I pile it up neatly like this:
Okay ...... this is how I do it. This is just a suggestion as you can figure out your way if you'd like but so far........ this is the easiest!
- I like to have a seat on the couch and prop my foot up on the coffee/Dr. Pepper/Tea table. I slip the elastic on and pull it up to my thigh........ like a garter. Here's the picture:
- Now the fun. If'n you can tie a knot, then you can make this part. Take one piece of the cut tulle and slip it under the elastic and even up the ends so that each side has equal amounts of tulle........ now tie a double knot. (This is why we doubled our length earlier before cutting the tulle.) That's all there is to it from here on out. Just take them one by one and tie it on the elastic in a double knot until it fills up. Like this:
Then just keep adding:
Try to aim the knot part towards the bottom so it will lay nicely. Fill it up as much as you wish or as little. This is all up to you. You're girl could sooooo do this for herself or a little friend! Here are some pictures of them in different colors!
January 24th, 2009:
All remaining fabric in my Etsy shop is now $5.00-$6.50 per yard! Mention my blog in the comments section at checkout and I'll deduct 15% off of your total before shipping!!
Thanks so much! Judi
Thank you Judi! One little girl who will be sporting some tutu style at dance class sends hugs xxx
Posted by: Kat | May 20, 2009 at 05:36 PM
Can you do it with a ribbon instead if elastic?
Posted by: Tifany | June 06, 2009 at 01:59 PM
Where can I purchase Tulle at a low cost? I am looking for 6" spools. Most sites are charging $6-$9 for shipping of 1 spool!!! =(
Posted by: Tifany | June 09, 2009 at 05:54 PM
I just made one for my 4 yr old! Itr was so easy and she loves it! I wish I had known how to do this for my other 2 daughters when they were small.
Posted by: Jasmine King | June 16, 2009 at 12:53 PM
These are so cute, Ireally want to make them for my 2 year old and my nieces. I hope they turn out right,because I get confused easily haha
Posted by: Stephanie | June 16, 2009 at 03:07 PM
http://untilwednesdaycalls.blogspot.com/2009/07/tu-tu-for-two-year-photos.html
Thanks for the help!
Posted by: Melissa | July 16, 2009 at 01:54 PM
Does anyone know how to keep the tulle from "bunching up" when your little girl is wearing her tutu?
Posted by: Buzz Moody | July 20, 2009 at 12:47 AM
thanks! I posted a link to the tutorial at autumnliketheseason.blogspot.com
So awesome. thanks.
Posted by: Autumn | July 26, 2009 at 11:40 AM
I just finished making my tutu for my cyberpunk style outfit. So thankful for this tutorial (And a chance to use all the tulle I bought back in April)
I'm part of a cyberpunk troupe and I'll definitely be sharing this tutorial with all my girls!
Posted by: Annie Von Rott | August 09, 2009 at 03:21 PM
Wow this is great im really wanting to start making these and selling them. I found your tutorial well doing research on them. I was also wondering how i could add sequins and things like that to them and like another reader how did you get that many orders? I would love some ideas and feedback if you have time. my emails godsangel4e@yahoo.com. Thankyou
Posted by: Halie | August 15, 2009 at 11:33 PM
Thank you for your instructions! I especially like the part about Magnum PI! Looking forward to my daughter's new tutu.
Posted by: Jen | August 26, 2009 at 02:45 PM
this is cool im going to make 1
Posted by: starr | August 29, 2009 at 06:49 PM
Thak You!!Love this project!I just used it to make a tutu for my baby.
You can see it here: http://rojalka.blogspot.com/2009/08/tutu.html
Posted by: rojalka | August 30, 2009 at 03:42 AM
The tutorial made me laugh!lol! Brill design and thanks so much for freebie xxxxx
Posted by: Gemma Griffiths | September 05, 2009 at 01:27 PM
Wow! that was great I love your tutorial ,this was the easiest thing I will make I always wanted one for my granddaughter Thank you so much God Bless you.!
Posted by: Maria Gonzalez | September 18, 2009 at 09:18 AM
Thanks for the awesome tutorial! I'm sharing it on my blog tomorrow.
Posted by: Rosalynn | September 21, 2009 at 08:08 PM
I am a photographer and was looking for an easy way to make these tutus for infants and toddlers! Thank you so much for posting this!
Posted by: Cammie | October 02, 2009 at 11:37 PM
You are awesome! Your idea is awesome! Thank you for sharing!!
Posted by: caroline munoz | October 07, 2009 at 03:55 PM
This is exactly what I've been looking for! My plan is to get my girl's pictures taken. Jenna is 9 and Kailyn is 16 months. They will have big fluffy tutus (thanks to you) and feather boa's oooooo soooo adorable! Thanks again!!
Posted by: Amanda Douglas | October 19, 2009 at 12:52 PM
How do you keep the Tutu from looking like a rat's nest when worn? Am I doing something wrong?
Posted by: Jeni | October 27, 2009 at 10:54 PM
You are insanely brilliant!!
Marvelous stuff, I'm working on an exhibition with a friend called "little girls are made of..." and this will be just perfect.
Thanks so much.
Posted by: Moana Kidd | October 31, 2009 at 02:28 AM
Hello!
I really like your how to. I was wondering if I could translate it in French and add it to all the how tos as explained in my french article (http://www.petitcitron.com/index.php/form_howto.html)
Of course, your website would be quoted and there would be a link!
Thank you,
Perrine
Posted by: Perrine | November 02, 2009 at 05:18 AM
I add ribbon to mine. Just the same as the tule. In between every few peices I use a range of different kinds of ribbon. Very pretty.
Posted by: Riahna Seccombe | November 03, 2009 at 11:02 PM
Your instructions I found were the BEST. I tried it a different way from a different site and now I have to re-do that one and use the 1 inch elastic. I also found that using my leg was easier than a prop...other than the fact that my leg started to fall asleep so I get what you are saying about the Dr. Pepper ;o) anyways, thank you again, I am off to make my 3rd one (they are so easy to make, I think I might have put one together in a 1/2 hour)
Posted by: Hollie B | November 24, 2009 at 09:47 PM
I'm so glad you like the tutorial! Thanks so much!!
Posted by: Judi Music | December 01, 2009 at 09:12 AM