Tutus are all the rage for parties, dress up and photography props.
As a former boutique owner, I've made my fair share of tutus. Below you will find a tutorial for a hand knotted tutu that I put together for you. I know there are numerous ways to make tutus, this is the way I make mine. They are pretty easy once you get the hang of it!
What You'll Need
Tulle Ribbon (6x25)
1 inch wide elastic
Needle and Thread
Cutting tool/Ruler
Ribbon/Embellishments
Step 1
Measure out the proper amount of elastic needed. The best way to do this is to measure the waist of the tutu recipient. Do not stretch the elastic.
Step 2
Sew the elastic waist ends together, overlapping the ends about 1/2"-1'
Step 3
Decide how long your want the tutu to be. Double the amount and add 2-3 inches.
For example if you wanted a 8 inch tutu you would measure out 16 inches of tulle and add a couple of inches, for a tulle cut of 18 inches.
Step 4
Cut a pile of tulle for the tutu. For this tutu I used about 3 spools of tulle. It just depends on how fluffy you want the tutu and the size of the waist.
Step 5
You will now tie on the tulle to the elastic waist. I use two pieces of tulle at a time. Place the tulle pieces under the elastic.
Tie one simple knot and pull the tulle ends in the direction of the waist band.
Make a second simple knot, pulling the ends as shown in the opposite direction of the waist band.
Push/pull the knot and tulle downwards. The knot will should be a schmincy (not a technical term...haha) bit loose, if it's too tight the elastic will not stretch. I do not recommend the "slip knot" method of tying the tulle, it could potentially come loose and fall off.
Step 6
Continue using two pieces of tulle and knot the tulle all the way around the elastic. You can then go in and tie one piece of tulle in between where there are gaps. Remember the tutu can be as fluffy as you want, the more fluff, the more tulle.
Step 7
If desired, add ribbon or embellishments to accent the tutu.

I hope you find this tutorial useful, please let me know if you have any questions. Feel free to post a link if you create a tutu using the tutorial.
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super cute! great tutorial
oh my gosh, FAB tutorial!!!
thank you, i allllways wondered how you make tutus!!!
SO easy to understand, loved all the pictures!
Hi, I actually have a question for you.. I'm making a tutu dress for my daughters halloween costume.. And I need to know if the measurments for the chest is the same for around the waist, cause I was told to take 2 inches off the original measurments cause the elastic will stretch... Is this true????? Please get back to me as soon as you can Thank you
Krystal
e-mail address is:
krystal_gallegos06@hotmail.com
Wow, this is amazing I am sooooooo in love with this tutorial, thank sooooo much!
Thank you!
I just finished a tutu for my 8 month old using this tutorial, it turned out AMAZING!! I am so in love with it, and cannot wait to put it on her tomorrow. Thank you so much!!!
So glad to hear it Kristen!!
I have a question, does it have to be the stiff tulle or can you use the softer tulle? I don't want it scratchy.. but I don't want it to flop either. TIA :)
any kind of tulle will work!
Could you please tell me where you get your tulle?! It looks much easier than the tulle I use!
There are several places- this is a good place: http://angelbabestutus.com/category_2/Supplies.htm
Hi there, I loved your tutu tutorial. I've been searching for a easy to following tutorial, i've even bought some, but yours seemed the best. So congrats. I love reading your blog, and all your info, would you be kind enough to take a look at mine, and maybe email me some feedback? Im new at this and would love some helpful info! my blog is: www.stayathomemommy09.blogspot.com and my email is x.peytons.mommy.x@hotmail.com.
It would be soo appreciative. Thanks!
What are the names for the colors you used in this tutorial?
Sarahcopelandcbc@gmail.com
What are the names of the colors you used for this tutorial?
Thanks
I think paris pink- hot pink and baby pink but I can't remember exactly.
Hi Amy,
I just adore the look of your tutus and am hoping to make some for my daughter's Enchanted Fairy and Wizard birthday party coming up. You mentioned in your tutorial that you use 3 rolls per tutu. Does that mean that you are using 75 yards of 6" wide strips?
You got it Joanne! Glad you like it!
Amy,
I'm assuming from the pictures that this tutu is made for a child. I am running a half marathon soon, and of course I want to run in a tutu! Do you know how many spools of tulle I would need for (roughly) 36" hips?
Thanks!
-Stephanie
Ahh...good question...yes the one in the pic is for a child. It certainly depends on how long you make it. You're probably going to need around 10 spools but I'm just guessing.
How long did you make your strips? I want to make one for my half marathon too!
Mel- depends how long you want it...measure down your leg. Double the amount and add 2-3 inches for the knot.
I just made a tutu for my daughter's 1st birthday! Thanks so much for the easy peasy directions. I actually used a headband that the bow had fallen off of so it was a no sew tutu :) I am so excited to have her wear it. Hopefully she doesn't try to pull it off or apart. She refuses to wear headbands. Took me around 30 minutes (my 1st time making a tutu here). The most time consuming part was cutting the tulle. I cut it as I went so I didn't cut too much. I did red/black for her ladybug theme. Seriously have permasmile here as I can't wait to show everyone. Oh and btw, I pinned your tutorial so hopefully you get some new visitors :) If I get a chance I'll take a pic. Thanks again!
-Chelle
Happy to hear it Chelle!