Problem Solvin' Mom: Fast and Easy Tutu Tutorial

Sweetpea is starting to really like putting different things on and parading around the house. The other night she was walking around in her pj's with a pair of shorts over top. Growing up we had lots of fun dressing up in different costumes or grandma's costume jewelry and hats. I had a lot of fun this summer picking up different dress up items at garage sales, thinking Sweetpea might enjoy them.

I've also started thinking of things that I can easily make for her to use for dress up. I've had extra tulle tucked away since my wedding (yes, I am a bit of a packrat) and I haven't given it away because I'll use a bit of it here and there for wrapping presents and decoration.

While window shopping for Christmas ideas the other day I came up with the perfect use for the rest of my tulle - I could make a tutu for her to wear! I thought it would be easy, and I was right - it took me about a half hour over the weekend, and I used up the rest of my tulle. It turned out so well that I'll be buying more to make a gift for my niece for Christmas. I thought I'd include the instructions here, for those of you that might be interested.

First, start with non-roll 3/4 inch elastic about a half inch longer than the waistband size that you want. Fold the elastic in half and stitch the ends together.

Fold the ends over in one direction and sew again.

Now you have the waistband fully assembled, and are ready to move on to the tulle and ribbon.

Cut pieces of tulle twice the length you would like the skirt to be. For the tutu shown at the end of this tutorial, I cut 16 lengths of tulle. Fold the tulle in half over the waistband and tie a slip knot, making the knot as close to the elastic as you can - this will help hold each piece in place. Repeat this with as many pieces of tulle as you like, to give you the fullness that you want. When you're done placing the tulle, you're ready for the ribbon.

I used ~5 yards of ribbon, but you can make do with less or add more. Start with one long piece of ribbon and wrap it loosely around and around your waistband, covering the tulle knots. This makes for a more finished look and also helps the tulle knots stay in place. Once you make it all the way around the band, tie a double knot and make a bow. I made a "matching" bow directly across from the first to balance things out. You could also tie extra pieces of ribbon onto the band before finishing it.

I think multiple colors of tulle would look nice, as well as more or different colored ribbons. Just one ribbon tied around the waistband would look nice. The possibilities are endless!

*to make this project even easier, instead of making a waistband with elastic, use a stretchy headband loop - just make sure it's the correct size for your ballerina!*

Please come back tomorrow - I'll be linking up to some great tutorials that would go wonderfully with this tutu for dress up or Halloween.