Tutus are great for so many occasions!
I made this one in particular for a newborn baby girl.
I wanted something small and poofy for her baby pictures.
There are so many different ways to make a tutu,
and generally which way you choose can depend on it’s use.
I tried a lot of different ways and found this way to be the best
for a really full tutu and a good mix of colors.
Ready? Here we go!
Supplies:
Tulle – One spool each of whatever colors you need. If you are doing one color, do two spools.
(Click the link to see our 45 colors of tulle for $2.95/spool! We also carry Glimmer Tulle!)
Elastic – 1/2″ or larger. It really doesn’t matter.
(We carry a variety of elastic! Get 1 1/2 yards of White 1/2″ elastic for only $1!)
Needle and Thread
Scissors
Ribbon (optional)
First, measure, cut, and sew your elastic.
If you have the baby/child there with you, measure the baby/child. I cut 16 inches and then sewed the waist to be about 14 1/2 inches for a newborn. Add about an inch for each size up.
You can sew the elastic by hand or machine. If you use a sewing machine, use a zig zag stitch to secure the elastic.
Next, find something to hold the elastic while you tie on the tulle.
I used a hanger, but you can use anything such as your thigh, a cylinder, just make sure not to stretch the elastic too much.
Now it is time to cut!
For this newborn tutu, I used three different colors of tulle.
I used a little over half of each spool.
The Ribbon Retreat carries a wonderful selection of tulle for a great price! Each spool comes with 25 yards and is approximately 6″ wide for $2.95.
I cut each strip at 16″. After tying, this gives the tutu a length of about 6 1/2-7″ long.
If you want a different length, take the length you want (ex. 9″) and double (ex. 18″). Then add two inches (ex. 20″). So for example, if you want a tutu at 9″ in length, then you need to cut each strip to be 20″ long.
Now for tying!
This technique is a little different than most of the tutorials you will find.
Take one of each of your colors and put them together. Then you will tie a knot around the elastic. Don’t tie it too tight. Make sure you can still move the tulle easily (but not too easily! :)) Then you will tie a knot again in the other direction. Having each tie go a different direction allows for more fluff in the tutu. You can make sure each tie is going in the same direction if that is a look you prefer.
Keep tying knots until you reach the end.
I did stop a little bit before the end and take my elastic off the hanger and move the tulle around. I ended up adding a little bit more, but I wanted to make sure the knots were spread out equally.
After I was finished tying the tulle, I placed the tutu under something heavy. I did this to give the tutu a more unified look with the tulle pointing mostly out and not straight up or down.
I left my tutu under a box for about an hour and it came out great!
If your ends are uneven, you can cut to even them out, or make some shorter for a different look.
You can be done at this point…
OR
You can add lots of embellishments to a tutu.
Now this is where the ribbon is optional.
If you want to add embellishments of bows or flowers, you can sew it right into the elastic OR you can do what I did.
I sewed a small piece of ribbon (Light Pink Solid Grosgrain in 3/8″) around the elastic. I did this by hand. You want to be sure to leave enough room to slip in a clip easily.
Now for the bow!
I used Baby Pink/Pink Pink Passion Dots in 7/8″ and Rose Pink Double Faced Satin in 7/8″ to make a cute bow. The technique for this bow is the same as the Little Bow Technique (the second one in the tutorial). I layered the two ribbons together to make this soft look.
Just slip the bow onto the tutu and you are all finished!
You can also embellish the tutu by adding ribbon onto the elastic, tying knots at the end of some of the tulle, putting bows all the way along the elastic. The possibilities are endless! It is really fun to see what people come up with.
I will be putting up more tutorials using different techniques.
But first! You have to see the other bows and flowers I put together for this tutu. More on that coming soon!
143 Comments
I made one of these last spring. Thank you for your directs.
Putting two colors together at the same time will go so much faster. I love all your tutorials. I have a grand baby girl
10 months. I want to make her a bunch of things before I get to see her again.
Jodie – you are so lucky to have a cute little grand baby girl to make things for. She is lucky too! I’m glad you love the tutorials. 🙂
I am making one of these today, and will be blogging about it sometime in the next week- will share this link for others, as well. 🙂 Thank you so much for your very clear instructions.
Blessings,
Sarah
Thank you! Yours is gorgeous….I liked how you tied the three colors together and then knotted twice. I made a red, white and blue tutu for my three month old grandbaby and it really turned out cute! This was my first one and it was fun, quick and pretty simple. Loved it!
Hey I’ve done my tutu and I’m trying to figure out how to use the tul Bunch up on the arms and to make it real fluffy and stand up and I don’t know how to do this can I get some help
Hi Shelly! Great job on making your tutu! I bet is looks amazing. To get more fullness out of your tutu and to make it more “fluffy”, you can continue to add tulle. The more tulle you add, the fluffier it gets! Cute right?!? I love fluffy tutus! I hope this helps. Have a great day and thank you for your question! Michelle 🙂
great idea, my little girl will love to have a tutu and i was searching for a tutorial. thanks for this
Like Jodie & Erin, I too have a granddaughter, she’s 2 year old. I’ve been making her hair bows for about 8 month now and used this tutorial to make her first tutu. I would love to make a layered tutu, but can’t seem to find a tutorial for making one. I’ve seen pictures of 2 and 3 layers, but I’m not sure how it’s done. Do you have any idea how this is done? I appreciate any help.
Thanks for sharing with us!
Use a stretchy headband to make a layered Tutu. To make a very Fluffy Tutu, tie several pieces of tulle in each hole, several layers.
Hi Debi! Thank you so much for your tips! I LOVE it when readers introduce new tips and tricks. It is so much fun to learn together! Have a wonderful day and thank you again! Michelle 🙂
I Love how u explained everything so simple! This is the best and I’m gonna usr it thanks so much!!!
I made one for my little girl who is due in a couple of weeks and it turned out great! I can’t believe how simple and inexpensive it was so make! The only issue I had was not being able to find “spools” of tulle in any fabric store so I just had them cut me about 2 yards each of the colors I wanted.
I ended up with extra tulle, but I can use it for something else in her nursery. I am seriously considering making another one with different colors! Thanks so much for the easy instructions.
You’re welcome Dawn! I’m so glad it turned out cute! If you are looking for easy to cut tulle make sure to check out the tulle at The Ribbon Retreat! 🙂
Thank you Shirley for posting this!! I know how to make tutus, but mine always turn out…well, not right! Haha! I cant wait to make one for my little one to wear when we go to football games!! I do have one question though. My little one is very sensitive around her thighs, and she says that the tulle is “scratchy”. Any ideas how to solve this?!
My only thought is to wear something underneath the tutu, or to put fabric strips underneath the tulle. Maybe ribbon would work as well. I’ll see if I can find anything else too. 🙂
Allie,
You could easily make a “Slip” out of satin in a coordinating color.Perhaps the same color as the satin ribbon. That way if it happen to show it wouldn’t matter.
I LOVE this! I’ve just ordered my tulle – I can’t find it anywhere in Australian stores 🙁 they don’t do 6″ widths of it in colour, I’ve only been able to find white! I’m hoping my tutu endeavors are successful so I can sell to friends! Thank you for the thorough step-by-step instructions!
Kelly, you’re welcome! 🙂 Good luck!
I also have found a way to make a tutu for a baby by using a crochet headband instead of elastic. You just wrap the tulle around the loops on the bottom of the headband. It looks really cute! I hope to have a tutorial someday! 🙂
Hi Gelia! I tried the technique that you use first and wasn’t really liking the look of mine. I had a hard time with finding the right balance of not knotting it too tight and still having it be tight enough to not come apart. Also the direction the tulle came out after using that technique wasn’t working for me. I think that technique takes talent and a little bit of practice. 🙂 I think yours are beautiful! You definitely have that talent! If it stays put, then it is a great technique, which most people use too. I just wanted to post a different way of doing one. And it definitely stays secure. 🙂
Hi, I think it was Connie in July asking how to make layers – can you help with that – I have two nieces to sew for that I would like to make these – thanks for much. Anna
Hi Anna! I haven’t tried this, but it could work. I am not sure what age it would stop working though. My idea is to use a crochet headband as the elastic. If you want one layer, you put the tulle in the bottom loops. Go up a row to add layers. I think this could work really well, especially for infants and toddlers. For girls, I am not sure how much the crochet headband can stretch to fit around them. How old are your nieces?
well i have a neice who is 5 months and when i get the supplys i will make her one
Thank you for the very clear instructions. I seen these at a craft show selling for $25 and didn’t want to pay that. So I thought I would make one for my daugther myself and didn’t realize how easy it was. The ladies at the craft show said they use ribbon for babies instead of elsatic, so you can just tie it on them. Just another idea, I like the headband one too.
Oh my goodness… SO adorable… Would it be ok if I sold any items I made using this patten??
Hi Lexie! It is definitely okay to sell items using this pattern. You can sell anything using any of our instructions on the blog or website. Thanks! 🙂
By far the best instructions. I was just wondering about the tulle you use. Ive been buying the spools of tulle at Hobby Lobby and it tends to really scrunch up, since it’s so soft. I was wondering if I should use a stiffer type of tulle, but don’t want is to be itchy for the kiddos either. Any ideas?
Hi Lily! Thank you for your kind words! 🙂 The tulle I used is from The Ribbon Retreat. It’s awesome! I believe that tulle is just a type of material that may scrunch up. My idea is to maybe use netting, but like you said, that may be itchy and not the same type of look. The tulle from The Ribbon Retreat is very easy to use and shape. I hope this helps! 🙂
Thank you for the wonderful instructions. there is one part that i don’t fully understand but i am sure you are too busy to clarify. I dont understand the part where you tie the knot in two different directions. I understand the one direction; however, the other direction confuses me. I appreciate your expertise. Thanks
OK. I have worked on this for so long, and still I do not understand the second knot piece of the instructions. if you can, will you please e-mail me at lindaj.sullivan@ky.gov, or post on this site a clarification to this section of instruction? I really love your idea, that is why i am sticking with it. I love the full way the tutu falls prior to you pressing it down. Thanks
I love these tutorials!!! I have 3 daughters that are 9 (10 on Sunday) , 8 , and 6. .. To be perfectly hOnest I am addicted to making tutus! Lol a big problem is they won’t wear them because they scratch their arms.. They wear tops under them and that has solved scratching legs. I have tried different lengths… Please help:)
Hi Angie! Aren’t they fun!! There are a few things that may help with your scratchiness problem. 1. long sleeves will help in winter! (unless you are in a southern state… 🙂 ), 2. You could put fabric around it so then it is kind of like a pettiskirt. Many people use a satin fabric, which hopefully we will be carrying soon at The Ribbon Retreat. We do sell Pettiskirts if you want to take a look at them to see how to go about doing this. Click the link to see them. Unfortunately, that scratchiness is just the nature of tulle. So tell your girls to just get used to it so you can make more! 😉
I just made one for my eleven month old for Halloween and it turned out so cute. She’s going to be a black cat and I wanted something to attach a tail to, and thought a tutu would be great. I made it in all black and tied a black marabou feather boa to the back of it for the tail. It only took me a couple of hours to do it, and that included the time spent running after the baby. Thanks for a great tutorial.
That sounds adorable!!! And I can just see you running after the baby while making it. 🙂 I have that same problem too! You’re so welcome, and thank you for reading!
Thank you so much! I am a first time mom and never had tutus growing up. Your tutorial makes it seem not so difficult! I am difinitely trying this for my lil princess who is almost 4 mo. now!
Thanks!
I love your tutorials! It’s helped me so much! The ribbon retreat offers great products as well! I was very pleased when I received my order in less than 5 days and everything was in perfect condition and great quality! Plus you save ALOT of money. Fabric stores are way over priced. I love the ribbon retreat!!!! 🙂
Lydia – thanks so much for your comment!! I am so glad you love the tutorials. We pride ourselves in the quality of our products and our service. Thanks for reading! 🙂
I just finished making 10 tutus for my daughter’s fifth birthday party with your technique. They all turned out beautiful and it was really a pleasure to make them. It was great fun choosing different color combinations.
I am so happy I found your page.
Thank you.
10 tutus? Wow!!! You are amazing! I am sure they will be loved! Thanks for your comment. 🙂
OMG, I’m SO glad I found this! I have a new neice that is 4 months old. I have boys, so I’m so excited to get into some girly things! I can’t wait to dive into this one!!!
my daughter is about 5 weeks old and by the time we go to get her pictures taken she will be atleast 7 weeks, what length of the tulle would u recommend? i want her to wear the tutu i just dont want it to overshadow her. she is a tiny little thing. she weighs atleast 8 lbs and is probably about 22 inches long. thanks!
Hi Kate! The girl that I gave this to used it in her 9 month pictures as well. There really isn’t one exact length that I would recommend. It is completely up to you. I would probably do the same measurements that are in the post. And you can also use a crochet headband (you can get them for a great price from The Ribbon Retreat!) and tie the tulle onto that, especially if you just want to do the tulle in the back and leave the front blank if she is going to be on her tummy a lot in the pictures. I hope this helps! 🙂
Hi, love your tutu! I just made one for my neice who is fixing to turn 1 next week and it came out really cute but it all scrunched up or matted up which is still cute but I really wanted it to lay flat. You said “spool” I bought the tool by the yard so they are not the same?
I would love to thank you for posting this easy tutorial! I have just completed my very first customized tutu for my preemie daughter’s first birthday. The directions were very simple and extremely easy to follow. Thanks again!
OMG….I was just looking all over the internet for a TUTU outfit for my daughters 1st birthday…I couldn’t find anything I really liked…I am def going to make one…Thank You for the easy step by step instructions!!!! I am going to try multiple colors…I can’t wait!!! Thanks again!
Oh she will be so adorable! This really is such an easy tutu. Let me know if you have any questions! Have fun!
I just spent $58.00 on a tutu ensemble for my daughters 2nd birthday. Well, I just followed your tutorial & made one just as cute for $9.00, yes, $9.00. I chose red, white & light pink for a Valentine’s day tutu & it came out adorable. I got my tulle from Walmart for $2.97/ spool. They have limited selection but was able to find what I needed. Your tutorial was SO easy to follow. I will NEVER spend that kind of money on a tutu again. Thank you so, so much!!!
That is awesome Stacy! And the feeling that you made it is priceless! 🙂 We also carry 45 colors of tulle for $2.95 a spool! We now carry glimmer tulle as well! 🙂
I am wanting to make my daughter a tutu 🙂 I have been looking for a while now. This web page is amazing! and helpful. I am just wundering, is there any certain type of ribbon to use or can you use any.
I am not using elastic as my daughter is only 5 months and i dont want it to be tight round her waist.
If you could email me it would be great
kira_guest@hotmail.com
Thank you
Kira x
I just did this last night after dinner and finished it. It was so simple and it came out ‘BEAUTIFUL’!!! Thanks so much.
So fun! Thanks for your comment! And enjoy your new tutu! 🙂
I have been looking over the internet on how to make a no sew tutu because I have a friend that is a photographer and she is always wanting tutu’s and I had never found one that worked quite so well. This one is super easy and turns out to be a prettier tutu – funny how none of the other tutorials that I have looked at or even purchased suggested putting 2 different colors together at the same time. For anyone that is looking for tulle and a bit afraid of making purchases online – if you have a nearby Hobby Lobby you can find just about any color and even sparkle in the 6″. Thank you so much – my photo friend will appreciate knowing she no longer has to go to boutique’s to find such cute tutu’s and pay an enormous price.
I have a granddaughter who is 7 mos old. My daughter and I want to open a small boutique w/handmade baby girl items. Approx. how long does it take to make a tutu once you get the hang of it?
Hi Carla! That is a great question. I have only made a few, but I can ask around. Thanks!
Thanks so much for this great tutorial! One question (and I see two others have asked as well) – can you re-explain the knotting in different directions part? Pretty please? 😀
Hi Jamee! Basically I tie the knot. One end goes clockwise around the other end of the tulle. Then when you knot again, make the one end of tulle go the opposite way so counter clockwise around the other end of tulle. Does that make sense? That’s the best way I can think of how to explain it. It’s like a square knot. Does that help?
I love this!!! Thank you sooo much for sharing!!! I have been making tutus but have been doing them a different way. I’m going to make my daugther one like this for her 1st Birthday 🙂
MAN THIS IS THE BEST WAY TO MAKE A TUTU MY MOTHER DID NOT KNO HOW TO MAKE IT BECAUSE I WANTED TO MAKE A TUTU FOR MY B-DAY
Costumes are so expensive these days and I am always looking for ideas for my dance company. About how much would it cost me to make these for kids that wear a size child 10/12. We are on a budget and just trying to get an estimate per child. Thanks so much. Your tutu is beautiful!
Hi Kelly! It depends on how full you want the tutus and also how long you want them. Let me know, thanks! 🙂
I guess they would be about 10 inches long. Give or take a couple inches for the varying sizes. Most of them are 10/12 and about 54 inches tall. Does that sound like the right length for a child that size? I would like them to be as full as possible. Thanks!
Hi Kelly! I would probably do 4 spools per child and get a few extra spools for just in case. This method really makes them look full. I always like to err on the side of caution and get more than I might need and have leftovers. There is nothing worse than running out and making do! 🙂 I hope this helps! I’d love to see pictures of all the tutus. How fun! 🙂 – Shirley
Hi there,
I am a little confused, maybe because it is late lol. When you say “Then you will tie a knot around the elastic. Don’t tie it too tight. Make sure you can still move the tulle easily (but not too easily! ) Then you will tie a knot again in the other direction. Having each tie go a different direction allows for more fluff in the tutu. You can make sure each tie is going in the same direction if that is a look you prefer.”
Do you mean for us to tie the same piece of tulle in two knots (one on one side then tie it on the other side) -or- for us to tie one piece of tulle in one direction, then to tie another piece of tulle on the opposite side as the first piece?
I hope this makes sense!
Thanks in advance :))
Yes it makes sense! 🙂 You will tie it in two directions, basically a square knot. Honestly, it probably won’t matter too much if you tie it in the same direction, I just think that a square knot is more secure as well. The knot will be on top of each other in the same place. Hope this helps! Thanks Meagan! – Shirley
Right over left, left over right, makes a knot nice, tidy, and tight. This is a square knot used in macrame, (and Girl Scouts 🙂 Hope this helps those having trouble understanding the knot. To break it down, take the tulle in your right hand, lay it on top of the tulle in your left hand and tie. Then, take the tulle in your left hand and lay it on top of the tulle in your right hand and tie.
And I have a granddaughter that will be here in August. My daughter sent me this link, so I will be making a tutu for baby Ella. Or 2 or 3!
Thank you Jo! Another explanation is so helpful! Congratulations on expecting your new granddaughter! Babies are so precious. I am sure the tutus will be so cute on her! – Shirley
Thank you so much! I appreciate that!
Thank you SO much for the tutorial!! I wanted a tutu for my daughter’s 6 month pictures but didn’t want to pay a lot. It was very quick, about 30 minutes from start to finish, and is absolutely perfect!! Tying the two colors together really makes a big difference!! I can’t wait to get her pictures done!! Thanks again!! 🙂
Hi Lisa! I am so glad that it turned out so perfectly for you! I bet she will be cuter than cute in her pictures!! Thanks for your comment! 🙂 – Shirley
I’m a sophmore in high school and am thinking about making a tutu in my school’s colors to wear to football games and during homecoming. Would this tutorial work for older girls too? If so, would i need more tulle and/or elastic? And if my waist is around 30″ (big hips run in my family 😉 ) how much elastic would I need?
Thank you so much for this easy tutorial by the way! I’ll definitely be making one for my little sister’s birthday! (:
Hi Kat! That would be so much fun! How much tulle really depends on how full you want it to be. If you want it to lay down, 2-3 spools would work great. If you want it really really full, I would probably double that. I always like to stay on the safe side and get more than enough, just in case. Measure where you will be wearing the tutu, add 2 inches for where you will sew it together. The stretch in the elastic will allow you to be able to get it on. And you can also add ribbon to make it even more fun and have more spirit! 🙂 Good luck! – Shirley
Hi….I have a grand daughter on the way and I just made one of your beautiful tutus. It was very simple with your wonderful tutorial. Thank you so much. I cant wait to make more stuff 🙂
Hi Jennifer! That makes me so happy to hear! Congratulations on your new grand daughter! I am sure she will look so cute in her tutu! – Shirley 🙂
This was so much fun and so easy. Just made one for my 5 month old. Thank you for making it so accessible!
http://roxfam.blogspot.com/2012/06/and-this-is-what-happens.html
That is adorable and your daughter is too cute!!! I love the tulle headband too! You do such a great job with your bows! – Shirley 🙂
Cant want to make can some one email me the suplies and how to make them plzz
Hi Neesa! You can see all of the supplies and how to make them right in this post. Thanks! 🙂 – Shirley 🙂
My email is Mylilangle2011@hotmail.com or NeesaLong@hotmail.com
This is so cute!! I just have a question about how it will lay when finished. I am looking for something to lay a little flat, down against her legs (kind of like a poofy skirt). Will this lay down more or come out to the sides more and is there something I can do to get it to lay flatter insead of poofier? Thanks!!
I am looking to make a tutu for my little girl’s first birthday pictures but I don’t want it to be too “poofy”. I would actually like it to hang a bit down around her knees. What would be the best way to accomplish this?
Hi Megan! We have a few other tutu tutorials that would give a less poofy tutu. When you are making your tutu, using less tulle per knot would help as well. Here are the links – Pumpkin Tutu and Tree skirt Tutu. I hope this helps! Let me know if you have any other questions. – Shirley 🙂
Hint for CUTTING TULLE . I find it so much easier to get a piece of cardboard and simply wrap the tulle flatly & smoothly around it for for ever how many strips you want. Wrap wrap wrap….then SIMPLY cut one end through all layers..unfold…WAH LAH….all strips with one cut!! I have a 8.5 x 11 piece of cardboard. I use the short side for little ones and longwise for the longer ones.
Hola tambien soy de Venezuela y le estoy preparando el 3er Cumple de mi Nina y se lo quiero hacer de angelina ballerina, gracias por compartir esta idea le quiero hacer Los tutus a las Nina’s de dos colores y no sabia como hacerlo. Gracias
Hi Maria! You are so welcome! I am sure she will be adorable! Have fun making tutus! – Shirley 🙂
Thank you for the tutorial.. I am a photographer and props are so costing me so much. So I want to learn how to make some of them myself. Plus I love to make things all the time.. So this is great… Dawn 🙂
if i cant buy the tulle in spools how many yards do u usually use for these?
Hi Tabby! We sell the tulle in spools for a great price and many colors and we ship internationally if that is a problem. 🙂 I have never personally used tulle except in the spools, but the spools are 6″ wide and 25 yards long. Take that into consideration when you know how much tulle you can get on the bolt to figure out how much you need. Hope this helps! – Shirley 🙂
I making of these tutus for a black swan Halloween Costume thanks so much for your help
Sounds beautiful!! Have fun! – Shirley 🙂
how do you make the bow so perfect. ive tried a dozen times. it always comes out crooked.
Hi Jane! Are you following this tutorial? – http://www.theribbonretreat.com/blog/how-to-make-a-little-bow.html – Keep trying and you will get it. Practice is the best way to get cute bows. Something that might help is putting a clip on to hold the bow how you want it and then thread your needle through, keeping it in the center. If you have any other questions, let me know. I’m happy to help! – Shirley 🙂
Hi, What a pretty tutu. Can you recommend a tulle color combo for a pumpkin princess tutu? Thanks, Laura
Hi Laura! Thanks for your sweet comment! We have a post of a pumpkin tutu you may be interested in. It lists the color of tulle used. http://www.theribbonretreat.com/blog/pumpkin-tutu-costume.html If you want more than one color, maybe our Melon or Gold colored tulle might work. Let me know how it works! – Shirley 🙂
I love this, I just made one for my little girl and it turned out super cute. I shared your tutorial and linked back to your blog over at welovebeingmoms.blogspot.com.
Thanks!
~Heather
It turned out way cute!!! I love it! Thanks for sharing our link and your comment. I love your blog, I’m a follower now! Thanks Heather! – Shirley 🙂
I like how you made a tutu because it look cute i would were it because pink is a cute color i will make it the same way that you did i will make one for me and my friends to were to school on homecoming week because they are cute i will make one of my family friend she will like it a lot 🙂
This has been so helpful. My only question is how do i know the correct length for a tween? I have 75 yards of the 6 inch spool. I’m thinking if I make it too long at least we can shorten versus too short, out of luck. Do you have any suggestions? Thank you
Do you have a tween that you can measure? I would measure from where the tutu will sit on the hips or waist and then how long you want it to be. Then you add two inches to that measurement and that is the length of each strip. Yes, you can cut it to make it shorter, but it also depends on how full you want the tutu to be. If you want it to be super full like a ballerina tutu, I am not 100% positive that 75 yards will be enough so knowing the length would be helpful so every bit of tulle is used. I hope this helps! and let me know if you have any additional questions. Thank you! – Shirley 🙂
I am wanting to make a rainbow tutu. After reading your instructions, is it best to do red, orange, yellow, green, blue and purple all together or should I limit it to less colors on each knot (I believe you showed using 3 colors together). Please let me know ASAP, so I can get this together for Halloween. Thank you!
Hi Sarah! I would love to help you! Do you have a picture of what you are trying to make? If I can see a picture, I can have a better idea of what you are envisioning. From what I would guess, I would do the same color in each knot for a few knots and then change to a different color. Is this for you or a child? If it’s a small child, you may be able to use a crochet headband and you can get the rainbow colors going up and down as well as around. You can email me at shirley@theribbonretreat.com to send a picture or a link to a picture. Thanks! – Shirley 🙂
Thanks soooo much for this, my little girl is 12 days old and i’m in the middle of making her a tutu! I love it so far. I’m in France now and we can’t get spools of tulle so i had to buy it by the meter, just ran out of my pink color so will have to go cut some more!!! Thanks again I couldn’t be more excited!!!
I have a question on your knots. The others they pull tulle through and cinge it to the elastic but you said you did knots and I don’t understand how you did the knots. How did you tie it to the elastic. Please and Thank you
Hi Amy, You just tie the tulle around the elastic. You do a double knot to make sure it stays put. I have about 4 pictures of the knot itself, so if you can see that hopefully that will help. Let me know if you have any more questions. – Shirley 🙂
I just wanted to say thanks for this amazing tutorial. I made 2 of these tutus for my twin daughters who turn 1 next week, they came out great. Much better than anything I’ve found in stores and much much cheaper than any online seller. Thanks again for the great directions on the cutest tutus and for saving me lots of money.
Hi Melanie! Thank you for sharing! We are so happy to have this tutorial available and show just how easy it is. 🙂 I bet your daughters will be absolutely adorable on their birthday! I am so glad the tutus turned out so cute. – Shirley 🙂
How do you keep the elastic from being twisted when the tutu is finished? Am I tying the tulle too tight? Thank you!
Hi DB! I have never had that problem. I wonder if it is the kind of elastic you are using? The tulle should only be tied with enough leeway to move it around if needed. What kind of elastic are you using and how wide is it? – Shirley 🙂
Thanks so much for a fabulous tutorial – I just made one for my daughter, and she loves it! I’ve linked back to your post on my blog.
Do you find that the tutu gets really squished up when it is being worn? I recently made some and I spent most of the day refluffing it so it didn’t look all matted down. Have you ever experienced that problem? Is stiffer tulle maybe better?
Thanks!
Hi Erin, yes tulle will do that as it is worn. Stiffer tulle may be better, but it may also not be as soft against the skin (like the arms as they are playing.) I will try to look around to see if any one has any tips to help with this. Thanks for the question! – Shirley 🙂
Hi about to make tutu for 12 yr old for out of uniform day – going as a fairy.. Got the tulle, length was great ( no go buying spools here in oz) but am wondering about what width strips to use -6″ ?. Couldn’t see in tutorial where it mentioned width just that 6″ wide spools were used, thanks for your help
Hi Leanne! Thank you for your question. You are exactly right. The width of the strips to use is 6″. Isn’t that so nice that you won’t have to cut a new width? Have fun creating your tutu. She will be a beautiful fairy! 🙂
Hope this helps! Have a good one!
Thanks for the helpful tutorial…I am bookmarking this one, because I have many little nieces to make these for!:)
hi I want to make tutus to sell as extra income, I am a stay at home mom and live in the uk, I have made a few but struggle to find tulle on the spool, also does it make a difference if it is polyester, nylon, or illusion tulle, thankyou x
I need to make tutus for adults. How long do you make the strips? How many rolls of tulle do you recommend?
Hi Cindy! Thanks for your questions. To make sure your tutu is your desired length, I suggest measuring from the waist to the point on the leg you would like the tutu to hit and then add about an inch to the length. The extra inch will accommodate the loop around the elastic waistband. Our tulle comes in 2 different sizes. We have a 25 yard or 100 yard spool. The amount of tulle you use will determine the length of each stripe and how full you want each tutu to be. I am sorry to not be more specific. I hope this helps. Thanks again Cindy!
Hello. Super tutorial. I am making a tutu for an infant – newborn to sixth months and plan to use a crochet headband. ( nice and soft for baby )
What width headband should I use ? Also – I will tie the ribbon on the first row of `holes` but the second row will not be in sinc with the lower one – will this look alright and be puffy ? Thanks. Muriel R
Hi Muriel. Thank you for your comment! The crochet headbands are perfect for all babies. I love them and have used them a lot on my new little one. For a brand new baby I would use the 1.5″ but either is adorable. It just depends on how big you like them. I also love for her to wear our Petite Lace Headbands. I also love our Elastic Headbands for my little girl. They are all fabulous.
Yes, I think your tutu will still look amazing with the ribbon being tied on the first row of holes. If the tutu isn’t as full as you would like, you can always add more tulle. Thanks again for your comment and good luck. 🙂
Hi i am making a tutu for my three yr old sis ter how many yards of tulle am i going to need the measurement is eighteen inches if u could answer please help me it is my first one and i am eleven to know how much i need to buy
Hi. Thank you for your question. Our tutorial is for a newborn baby, and our blogger used 2 spools of tulle. For your cute little sis, I would suggest using anywhere from 5-7 spools. I am sorry I can’t give you a more definite amount, because it all depends on how full you want her tutu to be. I hope this helps you. Good luck making your lucky little sis one of these adorable little tutus. 🙂
LOVE IT! So cute. I made one for my daughter: http://ediblethoughts-stephanie.blogspot.com/2013/09/robots-and-tutus.html.
Hi Stephanie! Oh my goodness…that tutu on your little girl is beautiful! You did such an amazing job! Thank you so much for sharing! I love it! Have a wonderful day and thank you again! Michelle 🙂
hello! im trying to make a tutu for a 12 month old , im trying to figure out how much tulle would i need just to make it one solid color.
Hi Arlene! Thank you for your question. I would suggest you get 4-5 spools of tulle. I hope this helps and good luck! Have a wonderful rest of your day! Michelle 🙂
sounds neat…how much for a 4 year old? Thank you.
Hi Joanne! Thank you for your question. These tutus are so much fun to make, and they look so cute on. Shirley used about 1.5 spools for her newborn tutu. If you add 1.5 spools for each size you will need about 13-14 spools for a 4 year old (size 4T). I hope this helps. Thank you so much Joanne!
Have a wonderful day! Michelle 🙂
My daughter has a first birthday coming up in a month and I am thinking about making a tutu for her. I want it to be kind of a peachy color. I was just going to go with peach and ivory, but I’m afraid if I don’t throw some pink or coral in there it will look orange. What colors would you suggest I order?
Hi Allison! Thank you for your question. Your color choices sound beautiful! I think if you stayed mainly with peach and ivory it will look amazing. However, you could always throw a little coral in there for dimension, but the peach and ivory are both very pastel and the coral will be a little darker. The pink is also a pastel but may get lost in the peach and ivory. This too would create a little dimension but only slightly since the pink is very similar in color to the peach. I hope this helps! Thank you Allison and good luck with your tutu! Happy Birthday to your little girlee! Michelle 🙂
Hello. Thank you for sharing your tutorial on how to make tutu’s. Yours is beautiful! I was thinking about making one using dark pinks, purples, turquoise, etc. Since the elastic is white I am worried about it showing through some. Do you have a tip for something I could cover the elastic with to make it prettier? If you do could you please tell me the steps used to cover the elastic with it? I have heard of some using ribbon but not shure how to go about covering it with it or whether to cover it with it before I start adding the tulle or after. Also could you give me step by step instructions on how you tie your tulle to the elastic? I couldn’t really tell by the picture how you tied it.
Thanks and hope you have a blessed day!
Shelly P.
Hi Shelly! Thank you for your question. I am so glad you love this tutu! We actually have some FABulous fold over elastic in dark colors, designs, and glitter that you could replace the white elastic with. You can find our fold over elastic here. You will love all the different options. 🙂
When you tie the tulle on the elastic, you simply tie a square knot and pull tight. TADAAA…that is it. It is so easy but looks amazing! Good luck Shelly! Michelle 🙂
Hi, I want to make this for my 18 month old. What length would you suggest I cut the Tulle to, including the 2 inches for tying?
Many thanks, a fantastic tutorial !!
Hello just wanted to give you a brief heads up and let you know a few of
the images aren’t loading correctly. I’m not sure why but I
think its a linking issue. I’ve tried it in two different
browsers and both show the same results.
Thank you so much for the heads up with this tutorial. Sorry for the inconvenience. We are currently working on fixing this loading issue! Thank you again! Michelle 🙂
Gorgeous tutu! Great tutorial. I featured your tutorial over on my blog at http://www.nomadmommy.com/2014/03/17/no-sew-baby-girl-tutu/
Thank you again for the clear and easy instructions.
Hi No Mad Mommy! Thank you for your sweet comment and for sharing this tutu on your blog! Have a wonderful day! Michelle 🙂
I plan to make this tutu for my daughter for her 1st birthday outfit. Thank you for the clear instructions. I love diy projects but am not the most crafty person! I am so glad I stumbled upon your blog. Thank you I plan to visit often and will let you know my progress!
Hi Sarah! Thank you so much! I am so glad that you like our tutu tutorial and have found it easy to understand. Your little daughter is going to look so amazing at her 1st birthday party! Good luck with your tutu and yes, please let us know how it goes AND come back and visit us again and again! Have a great day and thank you again! Michelle 🙂
Hi, I was wondering if it would be ok if I sold any Tutus using your tutorial?
Hi Joy! Yes, you are welcome to sell tutus that you create using our tutorials! I appreciate your asking and wish you good luck! The only thing we ask is that if given the opportunity, you give us credit somewhere for suppling the tutorial. Thank you again and good luck! Michelle 🙂
This is so sweet. I’m in love with this blog. Very nice tutorial. I’m going to try this.
Hi there! Thank you so much for your comment! You are awesome, and we appreciate amazing readers like you! Have a great day! Michelle 🙂
I started making one yesterday but from directions from another site and I bought the full tulle not spools…thank you for your directions I will be getting the spools next time…I’m making one for my great Nieace and I have my first grand baby coming in May which is a girl…so I’m excited cause I had 7 boys no girl!!! Your site makes it easier to make!!
Thank you for featuring our tutu tutorial in your post. Those tutus are so much fun and so adorable! Thank you again and have a wonderful day! Michelle 🙂
Thank you for including our tutu in your post. Have a wonderful day! Michelle 🙂
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