DIY
Frugal-nomics DIY: No Sew TuTu
I live near a ballet studio that caters to kids, and as I pass by the window while the little girls are often rehearsing…I can’t help but to admire how absolutely adorable they look in their tutus. While I personally never took up ballet as a kid….doesn’t every girl wanna twirl around in a big poofy skirt? So, go ahead….channel your ballerina — an homage to Carrie Bradshaw if you will. I wore mine with my Chanel Safety Pin Shirt that I made here. Here’s a no sew tutu tutorial that will help you get the look in no time!
SUPPLIES: Tulle (I used about 20 yards…but feel free to use less, just depends on density of skirt you are looking for), scissors, 1/2 yard of jersey knit, needle and thread, 2 yards of satin ribbon, tape measure, and a rotary cutter.
HOW-TO:
1. Wanting my skirt to be knee length, I folded the tulle in half because it was too wide. I then opted to stretch it out and cut off about 9 inches off the open bottom (not the folded side) all the way across.
2. After you do this….you are all ready to cut your folded tulle into 4-5 inch strips — feel free to eyeball it. (Note: I didn’t know I’d need so much tulle. I first bought 8 yards and cut it up into strips, but wound up going back for about 14 more yards just to be safe).
3. Cut a piece of ribbon about 4 feet long and tie it around your mannequin (Note: Don’t have a mannequin? No problem, just take a seat and stretch it around your knees).
4. Take each one of your strips and pull it up through your ribbon and mannequin to create a loop.
5. Pull the loose ends of the ribbon up through the loop you’ve created with the ribbon, and pull taught.
6. After you’re done adding tulle, now it’s time to create a faux skirt to go underneath. (Note: I cut a piece of my jersey knit about 13 inches wide and 45 inches long). Flip your tutu over and re-tie it to your mannequin, and begin stitching the “lining” to the waist band of the tutu.
7. I started my “lining” right at the ribbon closure, so I could end there as well. Once, I got back around where I started, I hand stitched the “lining” only half way up the back– that way I can get in and out of the skirt. Voila! You are all done — no sewing machine needed.
10 COMMENTS
I absolutely love this tutorial! Thank you! I’m making a Saint Patty’s Day tutu for myself and my sister. But, I’m definitely going to make one for everyday wear now!
My daughter is turning 6 next week she has said she wants to be a “Real Princess” I love this look I can’t wait to recreate it
love this. you make it look fun and super easy to make.
This was a super easy project Abena…and I truly get a kick out of making my own stuff. Nothing makes me happier than when someone says they like something I have on that I’ve created with my own two hands
I think this is epically awesome! I love how your DIY pieces speaks to who you are. You can do this stuff in your sleep! Madd inspirating and completely breathtaking! Keep it up hun!
That’s one of the best compliments I’ve gotten…thank you so much for taking the time to share.
This is super cute! I really want to give it a try… Thanks for sharing!
You should….super easy Lynn!
I LOVE THIS!!! You’ve inspired me to be a ballerina for Halloween!
Ooh…I’m sure you’ll make a pretty ballerina. I wanna see pics 🙂 LOL