Tutus are too cute for wearing in ballet class alone. They're also fun attire for parties and other special occasions, and for dress up, of course! If your little girl dreams of being a ballerina (or at least dressing like one), the world's simplest tutu project is literally at her fingertips. Don't worry if you aren't good with a needle—this no-sew tutu is as easy as tying your shoe!
What You Need:
- 1-2 yards tulle (netting fabric) in your choice of color or colors (you can make a multi-colored tutu by combining different colors)
- 20-25 inches of elastic
- Sewing needle
- Thread
- Scissors
What to Do:
- Measure how much elastic you'll need by wrapping it around your child's waist, letting the ends slightly overlap.
- After you have cut the elastic, sew it into a circle with the needle and thread to create the waistband.
- Help your child lay the tulle flat and fold it in half neatly, longwise.
- Next, take the folded end and roll it up like you're rolling up a carpet (it's easiest to cut this way).
- Have her hold the rolled up fabric while you measure and cut it into strips about as wide as your hand.
- Working together, tie each strip onto the waistband.
- For a fluffier tutu, push the strips close together once they've been tied (more strips make the skirt fuller).
- Continue tying on the strips until the waistband is completely covered. Trim to desired length, if necessary.
What a fun way to help your child practice tying while making something fun to wear.
By Grier Cooper
Grier Cooper is a California-based writer, photographer and dancer. She writes fiction and non-fiction for both children and adults and has many years experience as a child educator and a mother.
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