How to Make a Ballet Tutu for a Party
- 1). Wrap a flexible tape measure around the lower waist of the wearer. The lower waist is located between the waist and hips. Elastic waistband measurements will subtract 2 inches from the measurement, whereas ribbon waistbands will add 20 inches. Cut the elastic or ribbon to match the measurement.
- 2). Lay the elastic or ribbon on a flat surface. Measure downward from the edge of the waistband to determine the length of the tutu. Most ballet tutus are slightly shorter than a standard tutu. The tutu should hit right around the mid-thigh area. Double the length measurement.
- 3). Cut the tulle the doubled length measurement by 6 inches. For instance, if the desired length measurement is 10 inches, the cut measurement of the tulle will be 20 inches by 6 inches. Cut several strips of tulle.
- 4). Sew the elastic waistband ends together with coordinating thread. Use either a sewing machine or needle and thread to create a straight stitch along the edges. The tulle will cover the entire elastic area. Ribbon waistbands will measure inward from one end of the ribbon 7 inches. Repeat with the other end. Tie a knot at the 7 inch mark on either end. The tulle will fit between the two knots on the ribbon.
- 5). Fold a strip of tulle in half to create a loop. Insert the loop on the backside of the elastic or ribbon and wrap around the waistband. Insert the tail end of the tulle through the center loop and pull snug into a slip knot. Avoid pulling tight. Repeat the process until the entire space between the ribbon or the elastic circle is filled.
- 6). Push the tulle knots snug against each other when the space is filled. Ballet tutus typically flare outward. The more tutu strands that will fit on the waistband, the more the tutu will flare outward.
- 7). Step into the elastic waistband and pull upwards to wear. Ribbon waistbands will tie around the waist with the extra ribbon at the end of the skirt. Trim the ribbon at an angle to prevent fraying.
