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.

24 comments

  1. Rhee Dunn // Monday, April 26, 2010  

    super cute! great tutorial

  2. Party Box Design // Monday, April 26, 2010  

    oh my gosh, FAB tutorial!!!

    thank you, i allllways wondered how you make tutus!!!

  3. ChanGers // Thursday, August 26, 2010  

    SO easy to understand, loved all the pictures!

  4. Krystal Gallegos // Monday, September 20, 2010  

    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

  5. Exclusive Events // Monday, February 21, 2011  

    Wow, this is amazing I am sooooooo in love with this tutorial, thank sooooo much!

  6. Amy // Monday, February 21, 2011  

    Thank you!

  7. Kristen // Tuesday, March 15, 2011  

    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!!!

  8. Amy // Wednesday, March 16, 2011  

    So glad to hear it Kristen!!

  9. T.Teapot // Sunday, June 19, 2011  

    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 :)

  10. Amy // Monday, June 20, 2011  

    any kind of tulle will work!

  11. Alicia // Friday, July 08, 2011  

    Could you please tell me where you get your tulle?! It looks much easier than the tulle I use!

  12. Amy // Friday, July 08, 2011  

    There are several places- this is a good place: http://angelbabestutus.com/category_2/Supplies.htm

  13. Chelsea // Saturday, October 29, 2011  

    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!

  14. Unknown // Friday, March 02, 2012  

    What are the names for the colors you used in this tutorial?

    Sarahcopelandcbc@gmail.com

  15. Unknown // Friday, March 02, 2012  

    What are the names of the colors you used for this tutorial?

    Thanks

  16. Amy // Friday, March 02, 2012  

    I think paris pink- hot pink and baby pink but I can't remember exactly.

  17. Joanne // Sunday, March 11, 2012  

    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?

  18. Amy // Sunday, March 11, 2012  

    You got it Joanne! Glad you like it!

  19. SLNovak // Saturday, March 31, 2012  

    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

  20. Amy // Saturday, March 31, 2012  

    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.

  21. mel // Wednesday, April 18, 2012  

    How long did you make your strips? I want to make one for my half marathon too!

  22. Amy // Wednesday, April 18, 2012  

    Mel- depends how long you want it...measure down your leg. Double the amount and add 2-3 inches for the knot.

  23. The NEW Mommiez Blend // Sunday, April 22, 2012  

    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

  24. Amy // Monday, April 23, 2012  

    Happy to hear it Chelle!

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