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

[sarah goldthorp]

this is the easiest way i have seen it done i made one a few years ago for a costume party for myself it took me three hours of stitching and unpicking and restitching etc before i got it done but i will try your way you genius you

[Alissa]

I learned an easier way to cut the tulle; Measure a piece of cardboard for how long you are going to be cutting the strips (maybe add an extra inch) and than unwind the tulle from the spools on to the cardboard & secure with rubberbands & cut towards the end on one side, than flip the cardboard & cut towards the end on the opposite side, than you have a nice pile of evenly cut strips!!

[Melia]

Cutest tutus! Going to try one tonight :-)

[JENNY COURET - { from : bronx new york }]

I LOVE THEM ALL , IM GOING TO MAKE SOME FOR ALL MY PRINCESS GRANDAUTHERS AND GREATGRANDAUTHERS OF MINE. THEY ARE SO PERFECT FOR THEM TO PLAY AROUND THE HOUSE .. THANK YOU VERY MUCH.