How to Make a Ballerina Costume
- 1). Use a very easy formula to make a tutu pattern. Measure the waist and hips of the person who will be wearing the skirt. Measure how long you want the skirt to be. If making a long skirt, have the person take a large step and measure the space between the legs. The finished skirt needs to be as wide as that space. Draw the body outline of the subject. Draw the skirt shape that you want over the body using the measurements that you took already. Add ½ inch to allow for seams. Cut out the skirt shape.
- 2). Purchase twice as much tulle as the pattern shows. Buy more if you want the skirt to be really puffy. Buy a length of elastic that is the same size as the subject’s waist measurement. Purchase thread in a coordinating or matching color. Buy the slippers and leotard (if you don’t already have these).
- 3). Fold the tulle in half. The folded edge is the bottom of the skirt. Pin the pattern to the tulle and cut out. You will need to cut out two of these. Pin the elastic ½ inch from the top of the skirt.
- 4). Sew the ½ inch of tulle down over the elastic band. You should have a tube that the elastic can slide through. Sew the two sides of the skirt together. Slide the skirt around the elastic until there is an equal amount of material on all sides. Make a couple of stitches to the elastic so that it won’t slide around any more. Don’t add too many however, or the elastic won’t stretch.
- 5). Decorate the skirt with sequins, beads or patches. You can also place similar coordinating items on the leotard to make a complete outfit.
- 6). Have the subject put on the tights and the leotard. Place the skirt over the leotard. Have the subject put on the ballet slippers. If she has long hair, place it up in a bun. You’re finished! You now have a star ballerina of your own making.
