How To: Make your own ballet style tutu

How to Make your own ballet style tutu

Tutus are not just for ballerinas anymore! Anyone who feels like twirling, dancing or just running around with a little extra poof can wear one! Follow this tutorial and make a tutu for yourself, your daughter or anyone else looking for a little fluff!
You Will Need
• Measuring tape
• Non-rolling 3/4" elastic
• Needle and thread
• 75 yd. of 6" tulle
• Sewing machine (optional)

Step 1: Measure the waist
Measure the waist of the person receiving the tutu.

Step 2: Cut elastic
Cut a piece of elastic 2 inches shorter than the person's waist measurement.

Step 3: Sew the elastic into a circle
Overlap the raw edges of the elastic and sew them together to form a circle.
You can use a sewing machine to sew the elastic together. Use a zig-zag stitch to allow the elastic to stretch at the seam without breaking the stitches.

Step 4: Determine length and cut the tulle
Determine how long you would like the tutu to be. Cut the tulle into strips that are double the length.
The number of tulle strips you will cut depends on the waist size of the person wearing the tutu. A good rule of thumb is one strip for every ½-inch of the waist measurement.

Step 5: Fold the strip in half and loop ends
Fold a strip of tulle in half and place the looped end behind the elastic. Then pull the ends in front of the elastic through the loop and pull it tight.

Step 6: Repeat process
Keep folding and looping until you have completely covered the elastic with tulle strips. Give the tutu to that special someone and enjoy their happy dance.