How To Make A Tutu: 14 Steps (with Pictures) - WikiHow

Home » How To Make A Tutu » How To Make A Tutu: 14 Steps (with Pictures) - WikiHow

Maybe your like

Skip to ContentQuizzes
  • Home
  • Random
  • Browse Articles
  • Quizzes & Games
  • All QuizzesHot
  • Love Quizzes
  • Personality Quizzes
  • Fun Games
  • Dating Simulator
  • Learn Something New
  • Forums
  • Courses
  • Happiness Hub
  • Explore More
  • Support wikiHow
  • About wikiHow
  • Log in / Sign up
Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Make a Tutu PDF download Download Article Explore this Article parts 1 Preparing Your Tulle and Elastic 2 Attaching the Tulle Strips to the Elastic 3 Customizing Your Tutu Other Sections Questions & Answers Video Things You'll Need Related Articles References Article Summary Co-authored by Lois Wade

Last Updated: February 19, 2026 Fact Checked

PDF download Download Article X

This article was co-authored by Lois Wade. Lois Wade has 45 years of experience in crafts including sewing, crochet, needlepoint, cross-stitch, drawing, and paper crafts. She has been contributing to craft articles on wikiHow since 2007. There are 13 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 749,381 times.

Tutus are great for young children involved in dance or who want to dress up as ballerinas for fun. Tutus can even be a fun addition to an adult’s wardrobe. However, buying a pre-made tutu can be expensive, and you may not be able to find the exact color and style that you want. To save money and create the tutu of your child’s (or your) dreams, you can easily make a tutu with some tulle and elastic. Try making a tutu for your child, for yourself, or as a unique homemade gift!

Steps

Part 1 Part 1 of 3:

Preparing Your Tulle and Elastic

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Purchase tulle in a fabric bolt or on a spool. 1 Purchase tulle in a fabric bolt or on a spool. You will need a lot of tulle to make a tutu, so buying it by the bolt at a fabric store may be your best bet. However, you can also use tulle that is on a 6” spool if desired. The spooled tulle requires less cutting because it is already in the correct width for making a tutu, so you will only need to cut this kind of tulle once to get the right length.[1]
    • If you decide to use tulle that is on a bolt, then you will need about 5 yards (5 m) for a child’s size tutu, 10 yards (9.1 m) for small or medium adult sizes, and about 20 yards (18 m) for large or extra-large adult sizes.[2]
    • If you decide to use tulle that is on a spool, then the amount you will need will depend on the size of the tutu. Tulle spools usually contain about 25 yards (23 m) of tulle.[3] Therefore, 2 or 3 spools of tulle may be enough for a child’s size tutu, but you may need 4 or 5 spools for an adult’s small or medium tutu, and 7 to 8 spools for a large or extra-large. Buy more tulle than you think you will need to ensure that you have enough.
  2. Step 2 Purchase some ¾” (1.9 cm) to 1” (2.5 cm) elastic. 2 Purchase some ¾” (1.9 cm) to 1” (2.5 cm) elastic. You will also need a ¾” (1.9 cm) to 1” (2.5 cm) strip of elastic for the waistband of your tutu. The 1” (2.5 cm) wide kind is better for child and adult size tutus, and the ¾” (1.9 cm) size is better for a tutu meant for a baby.[4] To determine how much elastic you will need, measure the person’s waist and buy that amount of elastic.
    • For example, if the person’s waist measures 28” (71 cm), then you would need to buy a 28” (71 cm) strip of elastic.
    • Elastic is often sold in packages that include more elastic than you might need, but you can always cut it to your desired length and keep the extra elastic for another project in the future.
    Advertisement
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Tutu 3 Measure and cut tulle strips if you are using a bolt. If you are using tulle that is on a fabric bolt, then you will need to measure and cut your tulle first. Use a ruler or measuring tape to measure and cut your tulle into 7” (18 cm) wide strips.[5]
    • Make sure to lay the tulle out so that it is completely flat before you cut it and make your cuts straight and even.
    • You may find it helpful to lay your tulle out on a lined cutting mat and use a rotary cutting tool instead of scissors.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Tutu 4 Cut your tulle to the desired length. Your tutu skirt length will be about half of the length of the strips you make, so decide how long you want the tutu skirt to be. Then, cut your strips or the spooled tulle to the desired length.[6]
    • For example, if you want your tutu to be 18” (46 cm) long, then you would need to cut tulle strips that are 36” (91 cm) long. The finished skirt will be roughly 18" (46 cm) minus about 1" (2.5 cm) from attaching the tulle. However, you can always add 1" (2.5 cm) to your strip length to make up for this loss.
    • Keep cutting strips until all of your tulle is the same size. Stack your strips to help keep them organized.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Tutu 5 Tie or sew together the elastic. After you have finished preparing your tulle, you will need to prepare your elastic piece. Cut the elastic to the length of your waist measurement. Then, you may either tie the ends of the elastic piece together or sew the ends together. Either option will reduce the total size of the elastic waistband, which is desirable to ensure that the tutu fits snugly on the person’s waist.[7]
    • To sew the ends together, thread a needle with about 12” (30 cm) of thread. Then, overlap the ends of your elastic, making sure not to twist the elastic. Sew through the ends several times pulling the thread taut after each stitch. Finish stitching back where you started, and then tie the ends of the thread together a few times and snip the excess thread.
    6. Advertisement
Part 2 Part 2 of 3:

Attaching the Tulle Strips to the Elastic

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Place your elastic on a mannequin or other object. 1 Place your elastic on a mannequin or other object. It is helpful to have your elastic stabilized on a mannequin or object while you work. Using a mannequin is ideal, but you can also use an object that is roughly the same size as the person’s waist.[8]
    • For example, placing the elastic waistband on a full roll of paper towels may work if you are making a tutu for a baby or small child, or you could also use a pillow if you are making a tutu for an older child or an adult.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Tutu 2 Pick up a few strips and fold them in half. Your tutu will look fuller if you use a few strips at a time, so pick up 2 or 3 strips and then fold the strips in half lengthwise. Make sure that the edges are all lined up and insert one finger through the folded end of the strips.[9]
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Tutu 3 Tuck the fold under the elastic. Next, tuck the folded ends of the tulle underneath the elastic coming from below the elastic band. Bring the folded part of the tulle up through the elastic band by about 2” (5 cm) to 3” (7.5 cm).[10]
    • Use your finger to keep track of the area under the folds and to prevent the tulle pieces from slipping or coming apart.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Tutu 4 Insert the ends of the tulle strips through the opening. Next, take the ends of the tulle and bring them up in front of the elastic waistband. Insert all of the ends through the loop that has been created by the folded ends of the strips. Pull the ends of the tulle through the loop completely to form a tight knot around the elastic band.[11]
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Tutu 5 Repeat this all the way around the elastic. You will need to attach all of your tulle strips in the same fashion until you have covered the entire waistband. Make sure to slide the knots together as you go to ensure that your tutu is nice and full.[12]
  6. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Tutu 6 Scrunch and fan out the tulle as desired. After you have attached all of the elastic to your waistband, you can use your fingers to scrunch and fan out the tulle as desired. Scrunching the tulle will give the tutu a crinkly, poofy look, while fanning out the tulle will help to make it look fuller.
    7. Advertisement
Part 3 Part 3 of 3:

Customizing Your Tutu

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Use ribbon in place of elastic. 1 Use ribbon in place of elastic. One easy way to customize your tutu is to use a long piece of ribbon instead of a piece of elastic. Cut a piece of ribbon that is about 18” (46 cm) longer than your waist size and tie it around your mannequin or other object. Then, create the tutu by making knots with the tulle around the ribbon instead of around elastic. When you are done, you can secure the ribbon tutu by tying the ribbon in a bow around your waist.[13]
    • Using ribbon in place of elastic is best for older children or adults because young children may easily undo the tutu before you want them to remove it.[14]
  2. Step 2 Add an embellishment. 2 Add an embellishment. Adding an embellishment is another fun way to customize a tutu. You can add a flower, a bow, a decorative button, a brooch, or something else that sets off the colors of your tutu. You can either sew or pin your embellishment in place.[15]
    • Try placing the embellishment on the waistband of your tutu. This way the embellishment won’t weigh down the tulle.
  3. Step 3 Experiment with different color combinations. 3 Experiment with different color combinations. You can use color combinations to customize your tutu as well. Try combining colors to match a specific onesie, top, or leotard. Or, consider how the tutu might be used to decide which color combination to use.[16]
    • For example, if the tutu will be part of a ladybug costume, then make the tutu in red and black. If the tutu is going to be paired with a blue and green t-shirt, then try making a blue and green tutu to match it.
    4. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search Add New Question
  • Question Can I make a no-sew tutu with elastic? Katrina Grant Katrina Grant Community Answer Yes! Measure the tulle and elastic exactly as stated above. Using a fabric glue, or super glue, generously apply the glue to both ends of the elastic. Making a circle with the elastic, press both ends together firmly until set. Continue to make the tulle skirt by folding your tulle strips in half and looping them around the elastic exactly how you would if using ribbon. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 11 Helpful 23
  • Question Can I get all of this at Hobby Lobby? Community Answer Community Answer Yes, you should be able to get all of it at any craft store. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 3 Helpful 19
  • Question Where can I find tulle? Community Answer Community Answer Most fabric stores carry tulle. You can also buy it online. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 5 Helpful 21
See more answers Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Video

Tips

Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

Things You’ll Need

  • Tulle
  • Elastic or ribbon
  • Scissors
  • Needle and thread (optional)
  • Embellishment such as a bow, button, brooch, or silk flower (optional)

You Might Also Like

How toMake a Tutu Skirt Make a No Sew TutuHow to Make a DIY No-Sew Tutu How toMake a Tulle Tutu Add Tulle to a Prom DressHow toAdd Tulle to a Prom Dress Make a Fairy CostumeHow toMake a Fairy Costume How toMake a Ruffle Skirt Make a PetticoatHow toMake a Petticoat Sew a Tiered SkirtHow toSew a Tiered Skirt Make a Loofah CostumeHow toMake a Loofah Costume How toSew a Skirt with an Elastic Waistband Make a Wedding VeilHow toMake a Wedding Veil Make a SkirtHow to Make a Gathered, Circle, or Maxi Skirt How toSew an A‐Line Skirt Make a GarterHow toMake a Garter Advertisement

References

  1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WplOYuPC0QI
  2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WplOYuPC0QI
  3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZrzpKrU4Nw
  4. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZrzpKrU4Nw
  5. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3JEYabgnS6Y
  6. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6pBgrXU365Y
  7. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cmQ_TRis9fo
  8. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pzGbTWubEEw
  9. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pzGbTWubEEw
More References (7)
  1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nK-YhXfwGcE
  2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nRFWPvigQuk
  3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k8uQvPqPjZo
  4. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G3WmB0IlAys
  5. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G3WmB0IlAys
  6. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yrhycq5hw88
  7. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s5aeL8CbHSI

About This Article

Lois Wade Co-authored by: Lois Wade wikiHow Crafts Expert This article was co-authored by Lois Wade. Lois Wade has 45 years of experience in crafts including sewing, crochet, needlepoint, cross-stitch, drawing, and paper crafts. She has been contributing to craft articles on wikiHow since 2007. This article has been viewed 749,381 times. 44 votes - 76% Co-authors: 29 Updated: February 19, 2026 Views: 749,381 Categories: Featured Articles | Dresses and Skirts Article SummaryX

To make a tutu, start by getting some tulle and cutting it into strips that are twice the length you want your tutu to be. Then, cut a piece of elastic to the same length as your waist measurement and tie or sew the ends together. Next, slide the elastic onto the waist of a mannequin or other object that's about the size of your waist. Once the elastic is secure, take a tulle strip, fold it in half, and slide it under the elastic. To secure the tulle to the elastic, take the end of the tulle and slide it through the loop at the top. Finally, repeat with the rest of the tulle strips until the entire band is covered. To learn how to add fun decorations to your tutu, scroll down! Did this summary help you?YesNo

In other languages Russian Italian Chinese Indonesian Thai Arabic Vietnamese Korean Japanese
  • Print
  • Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 749,381 times.

Reader Success Stories

  • Anonymous

    Anonymous

    Jan 28, 2017

    "Looked up how to make a tutu, your directions were so easy to follow. Thanks, I really enjoyed making them, they..." more
More reader stories Hide reader stories Share your story

Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Lois Wade Co-authored by: Lois Wade wikiHow Crafts Expert 44 votes - 76% Click a star to vote Co-authors: 29 Updated: February 19, 2026 Views: 749,381 Anonymous

Anonymous

Jan 28, 2017

"Looked up how to make a tutu, your directions were so easy to follow. Thanks, I really enjoyed making them, they..." more Kimberly Beasley

Kimberly Beasley

Jun 9, 2016

"Your video was simple to follow. Thanks for sharing! I'm getting started this weekend for the Fourth of July!..." more Anonymous

Anonymous

Sep 21, 2016

"The moving picture clips helped give a more visual tutorial. Thanks! Now I am ready to make my own tutu." Anonymous

Anonymous

Sep 17, 2016

"The instructions were conveyed in a clear manner. They were very easy to follow!" Jamel

Jamel

Aug 24, 2016

"I love this article. The step by step guide and pictures really helped me out." Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories

Quizzes & Games

Halloween Costume Idea Generator: Find the Perfect Trendy or Classic CostumeHalloween Costume Idea Generator: Find the Perfect Trendy or Classic CostumeGenerateWhat Makeup Should I Wear QuizWhat Makeup Should I Wear QuizTake QuizWhat Instrument Should I Play QuizWhat Instrument Should I Play QuizTake QuizPizza CalculatorPizza CalculatorWhat Should I Be for Halloween QuizWhat Should I Be for Halloween QuizTake QuizWhat Should I Wear Today QuizWhat Should I Wear Today QuizTake Quiz

You Might Also Like

Make a Tutu SkirtHow toMake a Tutu SkirtMake a No Sew TutuHow to Make a DIY No-Sew TutuMake a Tulle TutuHow toMake a Tulle TutuAdd Tulle to a Prom DressHow toAdd Tulle to a Prom Dress

Featured Articles

Make a Paper AirplaneHow toMake a Paper AirplaneLearn Morse CodeHow toLearn Morse CodeFold an Origami Star (Shuriken)How toFold an Origami Star (Shuriken) Fold and Use a Paper Fortune TellerHow to Fold and Use a Paper Fortune Teller

Trending Articles

What Female Body Shape Are You? How to Identify YoursWhat Female Body Shape Are You? How to Identify YoursWhat Emojis Mean Sex?What Emojis Mean Sex?What Pokémon Am I QuizWhat Pokémon Am I QuizDo I Have Brainrot QuizDo I Have Brainrot QuizSigns a Woman is Sexually Attracted to YouSigns a Woman is Sexually Attracted to YouFinish the Lyrics QuizFinish the Lyrics Quiz

Featured Articles

What Animal Am I QuizWhat Animal Am I QuizAm I Gay QuizAm I Gay QuizHow Well Do I Know My Best Friend QuizHow Well Do I Know My Best Friend QuizAm I an Alpha, Beta, or Omega QuizAm I an Alpha, Beta, or Omega Quiz

Featured Articles

160+ Good Roasts to Burn Your Friends & Family Members160+ Good Roasts to Burn Your Friends & Family Members Play the Snaps Guessing GameHow to Play the Snaps Guessing Game140+ Wavelength Game Categories & Questions to Extend Your Play140+ Wavelength Game Categories & Questions to Extend Your PlayThe Ultimate Collection of Funny, Cheesy, & Romantic Rizz LinesThe Ultimate Collection of Funny, Cheesy, & Romantic Rizz LinesVirtual Truth or Dare Questions to Keep Things InterestingVirtual Truth or Dare Questions to Keep Things Interesting180 Good Comebacks & Savage Roasts to Win Any Argument180 Good Comebacks & Savage Roasts to Win Any Argument

Watch Articles

Eat GuavaHow toEat Guava Get Yellow Stains Out of White ShoesHow to Get Yellow Stains Out of White ShoesLeft Eye Twitching for Females: What Astrology Says About Eye TwitchingLeft Eye Twitching for Females: What Astrology Says About Eye Twitching50 First Date Conversation Starters to Spark a Connection50 First Date Conversation Starters to Spark a Connection Make a Mask Out of Paper (for Kids or Adults)How to Make a Mask Out of Paper (for Kids or Adults) Put Jibbitz on CrocsHow to Put Jibbitz on Crocs

Trending Articles

Do You Agree with These "Hear Me Out" Character Hot Takes?Do You Agree with These "Hear Me Out" Character Hot Takes? Read Face Moles: Lucky and Unlucky PlacementsHow to Read Face Moles: Lucky and Unlucky PlacementsWhat JJK Character Am I QuizWhat JJK Character Am I QuizFade Hairstyle Types for Men: A Complete GuideFade Hairstyle Types for Men: A Complete GuideRecessed Maxilla (Upper Jawbone): Symptoms & TreatmentRecessed Maxilla (Upper Jawbone): Symptoms & TreatmentCan Your Finger Length Tell Your Personality?Can Your Finger Length Tell Your Personality?

Quizzes & Games

Impossible English TestImpossible English TestTake QuizHow Tall Will I Be QuizHow Tall Will I Be QuizTake QuizWhat Would My Cutie Mark Be QuizWhat Would My Cutie Mark Be QuizTake QuizWhich Taylor Swift Era Am I QuizWhich Taylor Swift Era Am I QuizTake QuizCan We Guess How Tall You Are QuizCan We Guess How Tall You Are QuizTake QuizEngagement Ring QuizEngagement Ring QuizTake Quiz wikiHow
  • Categories
  • Personal Care and Style
  • Clothing
  • Clothes by Type
  • Dresses and Skirts
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.
  • Home
  • About wikiHow
  • Experts
  • Jobs
  • Contact Us
  • Site Map
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Info
  • Not Selling Info
  • Contribute

Follow Us

×

Get all the best how-tos!

Sign up for wikiHow's weekly email newsletter

Subscribe You're all set! X --690

Tag » How To Make A Tutu