Tutu Tutorial

I love a cute little tutu and I especially love one that I can make myself. 

Now, I know that this isn't my original idea.  I've seen a few out there in blogland but this is my version and I wanted to share a how-to in case there is anyone else who might like to give it a try.  It's very easy and only takes about 35 minutes from start to finish (unless like me, you have lots of little "helpers" wanting to try it too)

Anyway...

First gather up your supplies.  You'll need a roll of tulle, ribbon or elastic and a pair of scissors

See what I mean about the little helpers?  She wanted the blue one.

You can do this one of two ways.  Either with elastic or with ribbon.

If you use elastic, measure the size of your little one and the sew the ends together.

If you use ribbon, measure you little one's waist and then add about 16 inches to that.  The extra 16 inches will be for the ties (8 inches on each side - enough to make a pretty bow)

Measure 8 inches from one end of your ribbon and then tie a knot.  Now go to the other end and measure 8 inches again.  Tie another knot.  If you look in the photo above, you can see where I put my knots.  The space left in between the two knots is the waist and this is where you will put your tulle.

Now, determine the length that you want your tutu to be and double that number.  The number you come up with is going to be the length of your tulle strips.  For example, I wanted my tutu to be 12 inches long so I cut my tulle strips into 24 inch lengths. (sorry I forgot to take a photo of the strips)

Now, for ease of working, I tied the ribbon around my thigh garter style.  This way I can easily tie each piece of tulle to the ribbon.  You will do the exact same thing if you choose to use the elastic.  Take your length of tulle and fold it in half evenly.  Slip it under your ribbon as pictured above

Loop the ends through the folded end like you see here

Pull it tight.

Repeat this with all of your strips.  How full you want your skirt to be will determine how many strips you will need to cut.  I wanted mine to be fluffy so I cut and used 52 strips. 

Continue wrapping all of your tulle around the ribbon until it looks the way  you want it to.  Now pat yourself on the back because you just made a lovely little tutu for your little angel!

Now you can hang it up in her room

 or put it on your little darling and have some camera fun!

xo and God Bless,

Kathleen