I made my daughter a DIY baby tutu as part of her first birthday outfit thinking I would be lucky if I could get one photo of her in it before she ripped it off. To my delight she not only kept it on but still absolutely loves running around in it (pairing it with her favourite baseball hat of course).
I was quite surprised how simple it was to make the tutu so I have put together below TWO different very easy no sew options for making a DIY baby Tutu. This could also be easy made larger if you want to make an adult halloween costume as well.
Design #1: AKA the easier option – this one you can bang off in less than half an hour.
Design #2: AKA the professional looking one – this one takes closer to an hour to make but it is a very polished look and arguably will last longer if the plan is to wear it often
Below I have listed what you need and how to make each of them.
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Design #1:
The super quick tutu (20-30 min)
What do I need?
- A roll of Tulle: I like to use rolls of 6″ Tulle in whatever your kids favourite colour is. I have been lucky and gotten it at dollarama but they sometimes are limited in colours they carry
- How much do you need? That depends on how full you want to make it and the size of the skirt but typically 1-2 rolls is sufficient.
- Elastic: I find 1/4″ elastic the easiest to work with
- Scissors: Craft scissors
- Optional: A yoga mat or something similar to put the elastic around to make it easier
How do I make it?
- Measure your child’s waist and cut the elastic to that length
- Sew the elastic together to form a circle by overlapping the ends by half an inch (I know I said no sew but this is only a few stiches so almost doesn’t count. the next option you DO NOT need a needle)
- Cut the tulle. Choose your length (8″ long for 1 yr old, add 1″ per year to a maximum of 12″) and then cut lengths that are DOUBLE the that size (Mine was 8″ finished so I cut my lengths to 16″
- TIP: Wrap the tulle around a piece of foam core or cardboard that is the size you want the skirt, mine was 8″, as many times as you need it cut and then cut down one side
- Add tulle to skirt: Fold the tulle in half. The side that has the loop pull up under the elastic then thread the bottom side through the loop and pull tight (Born in the 80s? Its exactly the same as a topsy tail ponytail – remember those?). REPEAT.
- TIP: use a single layer for a lighter skirt (like the one pictured) or double it up for a fuller look)
Design #2:
AKA the professional looking one
What do I need?
- A roll of Tulle: I like to use rolls of 6″ Tulle in whatever your kids favourite colour is. I have been lucky and gotten it at dollarama but they sometimes are limited in colours they carry
- How much do you need? That depends on how full you want to make it and the size of the skirt but typically 1-2 rolls is sufficient.
- A mesh side baby headband
- Scissors: Craft Scissors
- Optional: A yoga mat or something similar to put the headband around to make it easier
How do I make it?
- Cut the tulle. Choose your length (8″ long for 1 yr old, add 1″ per year to a maximum of 12″) and then cut lengths that are DOUBLE the that size (Mine was 8″ finished so I cut my lengths to 16″
TIP: Wrap the tulle around a piece of foam core or cardboard that is the size you want the skirt, mine was 8″, as many times as you need it cut and then cut down one side
2. Add tulle to skirt:
- Fold the tulle in half.
- The side that has the loop pull through one of the holes from the front to the back (start at the bottom) then weave it back through to the front through the hole next to it.
- Thread the end of the tulle through the loop and pull tight.
- Complete this step all the way around and then start on the row above. (the one pictures had two rows completed)
- Watch the video above for more details!
Have fun making these super easy Tutus for everyday dress-up or for a costume!
Happy Crafting!
Jo
