• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Feels Like Home™ logo

  • Shop
    • Christianity Downloads
    • Family Downloads
    • Food & Cooking Downloads
    • Hobbies & Crafts Downloads
    • Learning Downloads
  • Blog
  • Family
    • Parenting
    • Holidays & Celebrations
    • Marriage
    • Kids activities
      • Kids Crafts
      • Christmas Crafts for Toddlers & Preschoolers
      • Christmas Crafts for Kids
      • Christmas Crafts for Tweens & Teens
    • Learning
      • Reading & Writing
      • STEM
  • Faith
    • Bible Study
    • Encouragement
  • Recipes
    • Comfort Food
    • Eating after Bariatric Surgery
    • Gluten-Free
    • Recipes for Foodie Kids
    • Quick & Easy Weeknight Meals
  • Health
    • Mental Health
      • Hobbies & Crafts
      • Self-Care
    • Physical Health
      • Bariatric Surgery
  • Subscribe
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • SHOP
  • RECIPES
  • FAMILY
  • FAITH
  • HEALTH
    • Facebook
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ×
    See More:   Adult crafts Crafts & Hobbies Elementary Aged Kids Preschoolers Teens & Tweens

    Last Modified: May 24, 2022 by Tara Ziegmont 101 Comments

    How to Make a Tutu: A Tutorial

    542FacebookMessenger154PinterestTwitterWhatsAppEmail
    696
    SHARES

    My easy tutu tutorial was originally posted it in 2009, and it has been viewed and shared all over the world as parents make tutus for their little princesses, fairies, and ballerinas. This easy tutu tutorial will help you to create your own No-Sew Tutu skirt for children or adults! Check out the step by step instructions with lots of photos below.

    A little girl wearing a big tutuPin

    For her second birthday, I made Grace a no-sew tutu. It was one of the cutest things I've ever seen.

    You know we're anti-princess around here, but I thought a tutu would be a perfect dress up piece. Tutus are all about imagination and whimsy. Tutus can work for ballerinas or fairies or special birthday girls.

    A little girl wearing a big tutuPin

    It was the perfect project for a momma who was injured and lying on the couch. It's very simple and most of it can be done while lying down.

    How to Make a Homemade No-Sew Tutu

    Tutu Materials

    • Tulle - I used about 10 yards of tulle, sold by the yard. You should be able to get rolls of 4" or 6" tulle, but I couldn't find any. I allowed Grace to choose her colors, and she picked purple and yellow. I bought 5 yards white, 3 yards purple, and 3 yards yellow, but if I was starting over, I'd just do half purple and half yellow. The white diluted my colors more than I would have liked.
    • A length of ½ inch elastic or ribbon
    • Spools of matching grosgrain ribbon

    Measure Your Child

    1. Waist - If you're going to use elastic, cut a length of ½" elastic that is 2 inches shorter than your child's waist. If you're using ribbon, you will need to cut her waist measurement plus 2 feet or so, enough to tie the tutu onto her body.
    2. Waist to knee - This one is simple. How long do you want the skirt to be? I think Grace might have liked her tutu even more if it was shorter. I made it knee-length, but I'm thinking about cutting it off at the bottom.

    Instructions

    1. Joe did this part for me. Cut the tulle into strips that are 4" to 6" inches wide and twice the finished skirt length. I made my tutu 18" long, so my strips needed to be 4" by 36" wide. I had more strips than I thought I'd ever need. That's just about the right number. (Note - 18" is far too long. Go with 12" or even 8" instead. The longer tutu got really scraggly over time and overwhelmed my little girl.)
    2. If you're using elastic, overlap the ends and sew. I couldn't use my sewing machine, so I did it by hand. I would have preferred my machine. No matter.
      Sew the ends of the elastic together A waistband of elastic
    3. Grab 3 pieces of tulle and stack it nicely.
      Lay out the strips of tulle, one on top of the otherPin
    4. Fold it in half. Loop the center point under your waistband.
      how to make a tutu without sewingPin
      Next, pull the ends down over the waistband and tuck them into the loop. Pull the ends so that the top makes a loose knot.
      Tie a knot with the tulle around the waistbandPin Tighten the knot but not too tightPin
    5. If you pull the knot too tight, it will curl and stretch the elastic, be difficult to work with, and need to be loosened later. I'm just saying.
      A close up of the tied knotsPin

      Good. Not too tight and not too loose.

      A closeup of the tulle knotsPin

      Too tight. I had to pull these all out a bit.

    6. Repeat that process another thirty or thirty-five times. I started out with a pattern, but I abandoned it in favor of whatever looked nice. I ended up with 38 knots, and my tutu is sufficiently fluffy.
      The tutu beginning to take shapePin
    7. If you're going to use ribbons, you can tie them over top of the tulle in the same way. Alternately, you can tie them in shoelace-type knots over top of the tulle. Either way would look nice and leave long tails hanging down in the tulle.
    8. That's it. Your tutu is finished.
    9. I considered a waistband to finish off the top and make the whole thing less scratchy. I also considered gluing some little flowers or some glitter onto some of the pieces. Both would be nice additions.

    Alternate uses for a homemade tutu

    If your husband spends two hours cutting tulle, and then you spend four or five hours tying knots in tulle, and your child refuses to even put her feet in her tutu, you will find alternate uses.

    • Tulle makes nice scrubbies for the shower. I didn't take it apart. I was hoping that some day, she would change her mind (and she did!).
    • All of those panels would work nicely for dusting knick-knacks.
    • You can play peek-a-boo with a tutu around your neck.
      a woman with the tutu around her neckPin

    No Sew Tutu Cost

    • I bought tulle at 99 cents a yard.
    • I bought two small rolls of ribbon, each for 99 cents.
    • I had elastic in my sewing stash already.
    • Total cost - Under $13

    Try these other simple and easy crafts:

    • Washi Tape Butterfly Magnet Craft
    • Washi Tape Heart Suncatchers
    • How to Make No Sew DIY Lavender Sachets
    • Step by Step String Art Tutorial for Beginners

    This easy no-sew tutu was a huge hit for years after I made it! I made many more using this same tutorial, and they all came out wonderfully puffy and full of fun. I did make the tulle 16" long in subsequent tutus so that the finished piece was only about 8" long. That was a lot less overwhelming for my little girls.

    542FacebookMessenger154PinterestTwitterWhatsAppEmail
    696
    SHARES

    More Adult crafts

    • No Sew DIY Gnome Christmas Ornaments
    • How to Make a DIY No Sew Sock Gnome
    • How to Get Started Bible Journaling - The Basics
    • How to Sew a Lined 2 Zippered Baby Yoda Pouch for Beginners

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      Leave a Reply Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




    1. Jessica says

      October 25, 2009 at 12:46 pm

      These steps are so simple..and your pictures are great! I may not be 3 years old....but me and my best friend are 21 and are making tu-tus as part of our Halloween costumes! Thanks so much for the help!

      Reply
    2. Marcella says

      October 26, 2009 at 7:45 pm

      Is the tulle secure or do you to need to keep tightening it. I am trying to find a no sew tutu with secure attachments on elastic. I don't want to have to keep going back and putting fallen off peaces and/or tightening the tulle. Thanks for your help!

      Reply
      • Tara says

        October 27, 2009 at 3:01 am

        Marcella - I haven't had to tighten any of Grace's tutu. I tied them pretty tight to start, so that might be part of the success.

        Reply
    3. Marcella says

      October 26, 2009 at 2:45 pm

      Is the tulle secure or do you to need to keep tightening it. I am trying to find a no sew tutu with secure attachments on elastic. I don't want to have to keep going back and putting fallen off peaces and/or tightening the tulle. Thanks for your help!

      Reply
      • Tara says

        October 26, 2009 at 10:01 pm

        Marcella - I haven't had to tighten any of Grace's tutu. I tied them pretty tight to start, so that might be part of the success.

        Reply
    4. Marcella says

      October 27, 2009 at 6:23 pm

      Thank you so much for your insight Tara. I am making tutus for an orphanage foundation my mom is in charge of and have all proceeds go to “children to children” to help. So looks like I know what I am doing tonight. THANKS!

      Reply
    5. Marcella says

      October 27, 2009 at 1:23 pm

      Thank you so much for your insight Tara. I am making tutus for an orphanage foundation my mom is in charge of and have all proceeds go to “children to children” to help. So looks like I know what I am doing tonight. THANKS!

      Reply
    6. Heather says

      November 10, 2009 at 7:46 am

      I used your instructions and I just wanted to THANK YOU! My daughter ADORES her Tutu which she refers to as her "skirt" lol Here is a picture of her wearing it. [IMG]http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o37/ZenMama83/DSC01583.jpg[/IMG]

      Reply
    7. FeelsLikeHomeBlog says

      November 10, 2009 at 4:59 pm

      Thank you so much for sharing your photo! She's gorgeous!

      Reply
    8. Loliimi says

      November 28, 2009 at 9:09 pm

      What happens if it's too tight?

      And it says that it was never worn again.. Does that mean that it can't be worn again, or your daughter just not wear it?

      I love the idea! ;D

      What other types of cloth could you use along with it?

      Thanks!~
      Felicia

      Reply
    9. FeelsLikeHomeBlog says

      November 29, 2009 at 4:24 am

      If it's too tight, I would take it apart and add another couple of inches of elastic at the seam.

      Grace didn't wear it again because she was afraid of it. She's recently become interested in it again, and she wears it several days each week.

      I think you could do it with any type of cloth, as long as you can tie the knot. You would have to cut it into strips and tie it on. I'd love to see pictures of whatever you come up with!

      Reply
    10. Katie says

      December 05, 2009 at 10:05 am

      My daughter and a classmate are sugar plum fairies in the upcoming school program. I am so glad I came across this blog. THANK YOU...the tutu's were super simple and absolutley fabulous!

      Reply
    11. Jessica says

      December 05, 2009 at 1:11 pm

      I love your tutu. I am looking for one for my daughter's first pic's and I was about to spend about $75. Now, I can have Grandma make it with love!! You just made my day:) P.S. My first child is Grace, too!!

      Reply
    12. Melissa says

      December 14, 2009 at 1:52 pm

      Wow, thank you! I am trying to make a tutu right now and your picture for the slip knot was just what I needed! Thanks!
      And your tutu is really pretty 😀

      Reply
    13. eb says

      March 05, 2010 at 8:29 pm

      we used our first one as a window valance, just snip the elastic to open it up it is really cute

      Reply
    14. Yasmeen says

      March 15, 2010 at 10:35 pm

      Thanks so much! I hope this will be easy for my friends and I, for Spirit Day this coming up Friday!
      The theme is "Color Wars in Purple", do you think you have any ideas ?

      Reply
    15. FeelsLikeHomeBlog says

      March 16, 2010 at 3:26 am

      I would get a couple different shades of purple. You can get dark purple, lavender, and probably even a medium purple. Try a local fabric store or a craft store. You should be able to find lots of different tulle, maybe even some with glitter or sparkles. 🙂

      Good luck! I'd love to see them when you're done.

      Reply
    16. hterice says

      March 20, 2010 at 4:28 pm

      I love your instructions. My friend showed me how to do the one I made my little girl. I am going to make tutus for all the girls at my Effys 1st B-day. I have already made wands and fairy tiaras. It is a fairy party.
      http://hterice.blogspot.com/

      Reply
    17. hterice says

      March 20, 2010 at 11:28 pm

      I love your instructions. My friend showed me how to do the one I made my little girl. I am going to make tutus for all the girls at my Effys 1st B-day. I have already made wands and fairy tiaras. It is a fairy party.
      http://hterice.blogspot.com/

      Reply
    18. Rachel White says

      April 10, 2010 at 10:00 pm

      This is pretty awesome and funny! Love your sense of humor!

      Reply
    19. Kayla Glenn says

      June 09, 2010 at 6:37 pm

      I am also making my daughter a tutu for her 2nd birthday and i am making her 2 for two diffrent parties. Your instructions are very good thank you.

      Reply
    20. bluegrassmom says

      July 25, 2010 at 8:25 pm

      Funny! I made my daughter a tutu to wear at her 2nd birthday party and she was scared of it too. Now that she's two and a half and very much into "looking pretty" I'd like to try it on her again, but I got rid of it already because it was just getting in the way.

      Reply
    21. FeelsLikeHomeBlog says

      July 25, 2010 at 10:20 pm

      We buried Grace's in the bottom of her toy box. We were cleaning her room just this week (she's a little past 3), and she found it. She wore it almost all day yesterday and all morning today. It seems for us, 3 is much more into the tutu than 2 was.
      They're so inexpensive that you could make another one pretty easily. 🙂 Good luck!

      Reply
    22. Tara S says

      August 15, 2010 at 8:37 pm

      Awesome tutorial! I was able to make the cutest little tutu for pictures that we took of my daughter!
      http://sewandtellbytara.blogspot.com/2010/08/tulle-tutu-no-sewing.html

      Reply
    23. sarah says

      September 26, 2010 at 3:39 am

      this is so cute - i am going to make one for my daughter for halloween (and playtime) this year. but i was wondering, would you call this a tututorial? 😉

      Reply
    « Older Comments
    Newer Comments »

    Primary Sidebar

    Hi, I'm Tara.

    Harrisburg PA mom blogger Tara Ziegmont
    I am passionate about helping women to care for themselves and their families physically, emotionally, and spiritually by making time for what matters most through a combination of delectable recipes, Christian inspiration, and family fun. If you're tired of feeling so weary and uninspired, you're in the right place. I'm so glad you're here!
    Read more about me...

    Facebook Twitter Pinterest Instagram LinkedIn email me subscribe

    Popular Recipes

    • Cheeseburger Soup from Taste of Home
    • Cracker Barrel Copycat Fried Apples
    • Sweet Balsamic Pork Roast in the Instant Pot
    • Couldn't Be Easier Cherry Pie

    Food with an Instant Pot in the background

    AS SEEN ON

    a list of the websites where Tara Ziegmont has been featured

    Popular Bible Studies

    • A Grateful Heart - 2 week printable study
    • 10 Bible Verses on Anger
    • 13 Bible Verses on Disappointment
    • 50 Bible Verses Every Christian Should Know
    • 10 Bible Verses to Overcome Worry

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclaimer
    • Terms & Conditions

    As seen on

    a list of the websites where Tara Ziegmont has been featured

    Contact Tara


    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Read my full disclosure policy.

    Copyright © 2022 Feels Like Home Blog

    We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
    Do not sell my personal information.
    SettingsAccept
    Privacy & Cookies Policy

    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
    Necessary
    Always Enabled
    Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
    Non-necessary
    Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
    SAVE & ACCEPT