- elastic
- tulle/ netting in your choice of colour
I originally bought this pink netting on a roll for C’s fairy party to decorate the garden with. The rolls were 25 yards each. I planned to reuse it eventually to make some tutus and the width and length turned out to be just right, which was lucky! I sourced this on eBay and it was very reasonable.
First of all, measure around the wasit using the elastic, making sure it’s quite snug as otherwise the tutu will fall down when dancing! Tie it into a circle.
Then cut the tulle into a pile of roughly equal lengths. Mine were about the length of my forearm, but that’s hardly exact! You can be more precise if you wish. I was aiming for quick and easy 😉
Take one piece and fold it in half. Lay it over the top of the elastic. Tuck the two ends behind the elastic and through the little gap in the middle, pulling it snugly to form a simple knot.
Don’t make it too tight as it will be hard to move the strips around later if you need to adjust them.
Continue adding the pieces in this way, tying them as closely together as possible to give it a really full look.
You can be as inventive or simple as you like at this stage. For one of the tutus I used just one shade of pink. For the other I used mainly pale pink but added in a few darker ones too. You could also add ribbons using the same method to attach them.
Continue tying the pieces on until the elastic is completely covered. This will cover the knot too.
That’s it!! Find some willing volunteers to test them out and have some fun!
C. calls this her “twirling skirt” and I think that’s a perfect description!
It’s not all perfect in terms of matching lengths, but I secretly admit to quite liking that effect! Not too pristine, but still plenty of frothy-girly-goodness for dressing ups, make believe and dancing!
And for looking pretty darn cute with your sister too!
RedTedArt says
Oh my! How cute! LOVE your no sew idea! Brilliant!
Maggy
Anna @ The Imagination Tree says
Thank you Maggy! You know that PipSqueak just have to have one too!
Brianna Mayflower says
So gorgeous! I even want one for ME! =)
Ellie says
You’re girls look SO gorgeous in their lovely skirts and love the simple no sew technique, I think I know a couple of little girls who would like some of these! Thanks
Ellie
Bosliefje says
i love it! thanks, great (cheap)idea for my classroom!
Naomi @Upcycled Creatively says
How wonderful! Such an easy idea and they look VERY pleased with them. Thank you for sharing. If only I had girls 🙂
Cerys @ rainy day mum says
Gorgeous. I love making these. T had one as part of her Halloween costume made out of orange and purple tulle.
I’m thinking of making her a red and black one for her 1st birthday as very likely to have a lady bird themed party.
Sheryl says
Oh my goodness – these are ADORABLE! My little girl is now a teen, but I can see these being a hit in my 2’s and 3’s classes. Thank you for sharing!
MiaB says
Must do this project. My daughter would love this 🙂 And it looks so easy. Thanks for posting.
~MiaB
http://www.mamamiasheart2heart.com
LadyD says
Thanks so much. I will make this for my sweet granddaughter Flora!
Merry Christmas!
Emily Gwilliam says
I adore this idea! So beautiful! I have been wanting to get one for my little girl for a while now, but the people who make them tend to charge quite a lot as far as I can see! Thankyou for this fab technique and making it achievable 🙂
Scented Sweetpeas says
That is fantastic! I have some tule ready to make a tu tu for my little one and you have inspired me to get cracking 🙂
Julia Deering says
These tutus are SO lovely. Your girls clearly love wearing them too – beautiful photographs! x
hpmcq.com says
love it love it not sure my 3 year old would appreciate it though 🙁
Melksham Mum says
Your girls look beautiful in them! I made myself and my daughter tutus in a similar way in the summer for Camp Bestival x x
Emma @mummymummymum says
Stunning photos, and brilliant idea. xx
Anna Ranson says
Thanks!
Unknown says
What width is your tulle? I bought 6″ rolls, but your knots look fuller. Love, love, love this project though.
MamaMelanie says
Sorry my name didn’t show up – I’m the unknown asking about the width of the tulle.
Anna @ The Imagination Tree says
I would say they were about 10″ perhaps? Maybe just use more pieces to fill it out? Hope it works out for you!
Hannah says
Love love this!! my little girl would really love wearing one of these 🙂 how old us your youngest? I’m just wondering if Aniah is too young to do some of the activities on your blog yet, she’s 18 months.
Anna Ranson says
Sorry Hannah! I’m terrible at keeping up! She was about 22 months here. Certainly you can do lots of the projects- most started at around 1 year and are easily adaptable
tutu dresses for toddlers says
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Elizabeth Hart says
A fantastic idea – I made one today in two shades of blue for my little boy. Worn with a Thomas t-shirt all afternoon!
Anna Ranson says
That’s SUPERB!! I would love to see that!
Jennifer Middleton says
My SIL is a dance teacher and my niece is very much a girly girl. I want to make her one for her 2nd bday. How many yards do you think I’ll need? Thank you!
Anonymous says
I love this, a project I can actually do. My three year old granddaughter is going to love it when it comes in the mail for her birthday!!!! Thank you so much!!