Tutu Tutorial Time.... say that three times fast!

 

*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!)

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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**

1. This is a no sew project that could certainly be done with your little girly person.
2. This should only take about 30 minutes from beginning to end and makes a great last minute birthday present.
3. Sell 'em.  Just don't come crying to me when you get an order for 14 batrillion like it just did!  Ack!
4. 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!
5. 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.
6. 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!).
7. Have fun with your girl........ make one for yourself and have fun with the DAD!

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Supplies:

1.   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.
2. 1" elastic........ enough to go around the girl tummy.
3. Scissors or rotary blade/cutting mat.
4. Your thigh.
5. T.V with Magnum P.I. playing
6. Strawberry Crystal Light with lots of ice.

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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

Comments

[Kat]

Thank you Judi! One little girl who will be sporting some tutu style at dance class sends hugs xxx

[Tifany]

Can you do it with a ribbon instead if elastic?

[Tifany]

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!!! =(

[Jasmine King]

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.

[Stephanie]

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

[Melissa]

http://untilwednesdaycalls.blogspot.com/2009/07/tu-tu-for-two-year-photos.html

Thanks for the help!

[Buzz Moody]

Does anyone know how to keep the tulle from "bunching up" when your little girl is wearing her tutu?

[Autumn]

thanks! I posted a link to the tutorial at autumnliketheseason.blogspot.com

So awesome. thanks.

[Annie Von Rott]

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!

[Halie]

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

[Jen]

Thank you for your instructions! I especially like the part about Magnum PI! Looking forward to my daughter's new tutu.

[starr]

this is cool im going to make 1

[rojalka]

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

[Gemma Griffiths]

The tutorial made me laugh!lol! Brill design and thanks so much for freebie xxxxx

[Maria Gonzalez]

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.!

[Rosalynn]

Thanks for the awesome tutorial! I'm sharing it on my blog tomorrow.

[Cammie]

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!

[caroline munoz]

You are awesome! Your idea is awesome! Thank you for sharing!!

[Amanda Douglas]

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!!

[Jeni]

How do you keep the Tutu from looking like a rat's nest when worn? Am I doing something wrong?

[Moana Kidd]

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.

[Perrine]

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

[Riahna Seccombe]

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.

[Hollie B]

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)

[Judi Music]

I'm so glad you like the tutorial! Thanks so much!!