While I was in college I went through a tutu phase. Every Halloween I made my own costume. I always tried to incorporate a tutu into the mix so I got pretty creative. I never liked the tutus at the store I wanted more volume so I had to teach myself how to make them. The video below by BaileysBlossoms gives you a pretty good idea of how to make a no-sew tutu. I used a video similar to this as a starting point when I made my own. However, I use a different technique than that shown in the video.
You will need:
- 1″ Thick Elastic Band (about 1 yard should do).
- Thread and Needle (I used my sewing machine)
- Tulle- I get the bolt style and have the store cut this so it usually is about two feet wide by two yards long. (try to avoid the rolls/spools of tulle)
- For my Mary Jane Costume, I used three different shades of green about two yards each. For my Odette costume, I used three shades of white/silver about two yards each (you get the idea).
Directions:
- Wrap this around your waist and allow it to overlap about two inches. It should be a little tight but you don’t want to ooze around it.
- Mark the band at this length and cut it.
- Use your sewing machine to sew the elastic band together. I did several passes along the two-inch overlap. You really want to make sure this is going to hold
- Roll out your tulle and fold it in half lengthwise (hotdog fold this so it should be long and thin)
- Cut the folded tulle along your hotdog fold so you have two long pieces.
- Now cut the two long pieces (up and down height) into about 2-inch strips. You can measure it out and mark it or eyeball it.
- Once you have all your tulle cut its time to start tying!
- Tie your tulle in a double knot in the middle of each strip on your elastic band.
- Continue this process alternating colors.
- If you like a lot of volume to your tutu like I do slide your tulle together after it’s tied so it’s squished together allowing you to add more tulle to your band.
- Once you have filled your band try your tutu on.
- If you feel the tulle is too long trim it down to your desired length. (Do this in little bits since it can’t be undone!)
- Voila, enjoy your new tutu.
For my Mary Jane costume, I cut out felt leaves in three different shade and used glitter puff paint in green to outline them. I then stitched the leaves all over my tutu for added flair.

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Foodie & Craft Pro
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