How To Make a Tutu

Every little girl loves a tutu! And since they are so easy (and inexpensive) to make, every little girl should have one!

The supplies needed are minimal and most can be purchased at a discount department store such as Wal-Mart. Supplies that would be cheaper (or have a larger selection such as color) purchased online, I have recommended a supplier's website.

Now let's get started on that tutu!

Materials Needed:

• 50 Yards of tulle (visit Idea Ribbon for best prices and selection)
  
• Elastic
  
• Scissors
  
• Stapler & Staplers OR Liquid Stitch
  
• Yard stick or measuring tape
  
• 7/8 inch ribbon in matching tulle color (visit Discount Ribbon for best prices and selection)

PREP TIME: Approximately 1 hour.

CREATE TIME: Approximately 2 hours.

TOTAL COST: Approximately $10 (varies, but this is an average)

For the purposes of this demonstration, the Tutu size we will be making is a two color, size 2T with a 19 inch waist and, upon completion, measures approximately 12 inches in length. Make adjusts to the following steps as needed with younger or older children (ie. shorter lengths for infants or longer lengths for teens).

STEP 1: Gather all the items listed in the Materials List above in one central location. (All items not shown in photo.)

STEP 2: Prepare Tulle for cutting. In this example, the tulle was purchased on spools 6" in width. I measured the tulle for cutting at 20 inches length. (Due to size restrictions, the length in cut in photo is shown at 12 inches.) Don't worry about perfectly straight edges.

After cutting the Tulle, measure and cut your elastic to the size needed. I cut my elastic for this project at 19 inches. You will need approximately 55 6" x 20" strips for this size project. Larger sizes will need more while smaller sizes will use less.

STEP 3: Once you have your elastic cut to the appropriate size, use a common household stapler to staple together the elastic. Be sure to check the back side of the area with staples to ensure that are bent inward to hold your elastic firmly in place.

STEP 4: Place the tulle in a "U" shape underneath the elastic. Try to keep the ends as close to even as possible to one another. Again, though, don't worry about perfection because slight variances actually add flair.

STEP 5: Bring the two upper portions of the tulle "U" over the elastic. Together, pull them underneath the curved bottom of the "U" for the beginnings of a knot. Pull tightly, securing the tulle against the elastic.

Repeat this step until you have went all around your elastic. There should be no elastic visible when completed. If you wish to make a 2 or more color Tutu, simply alternate colors as you continue this step.

STEP 6: When completed, your tutu waistline should like the one in this photo. As you can see, there is no elastic showing.

STEP 7: (optional) To add a little style to your tutu, adorn the finished product with a satin bow. You can do this by cutting 48 inches of 7/8" satin ribbon. Tie in a bow, allowing for long streamers to lay against the tulle. Attach it to your tutu, using a clothespin to hold in place, and allow to dry for 24 hours.

STEP 8: Remove the clothespin after 24 hours, and your tutu is ready to wear!

Find More Great Make It Monday Projects at
http://www.jollymom.com/ or http://www.gograhamgo.com/