Tutu #2!

On Friday, I showed you how to make an easy, cute no-sew tutu. This one isn't as easy the first, but don't be intimidated. If you can sew a straight line, you CAN make this tutu!

Here's what you'll need:

* A sewing machine

* Scissors

* 4 continuous yards of tulle

* Ribbon (optional)

* Ruler

* Matching thread

* Pins

* 1/4 wide Elastic

The measurements for this tutu work best for a 3-4 yr old. If you are making an infant's tutu or a tutu for an older child or adult, adjust the measurements appropriately. If you need help deciding the measurements you need, just leave a comment and I'll get back to you : )

For this tutu, I cut my tulle to 4 yards long and 20 inches high.

(Out of 4 yards of tulle, you should be able to make 3 tutus!) Try and be as precise as you can when cutting. An eye for detail will really pay off in the end!

Now it's time to add the ribbon edge. Adding ribbon is an optional step, but I couldn't resist doing it because I found this AWESOME ribbon at Hobby Lobby!

I love me some glitter, but I hate when it rubs off on everything! This ribbon is called "Metallic Velvet" ribbon, and it's found in the fabric section. It looks extremely glittery, but it isn't really glitter, so it doesn't rub off!

In the end, this tutu will have 2 tiers. I sewed the black glittery ribbon on the bottom tier and a white ribbon on the top tier--so I needed 4 yards of each color. Place the ribbon you want on the bottom tier on the edge of the tulle, and stitch in place. Make sure to sew both edges of the ribbon onto the tulle.

When sewing on the top tier ribbon, place it on the opposite side of the tulle and MAKE SURE THAT THE BOTTOM TIER RIBBON IS FACE DOWN! For the white ribbon I used a zig-zag stitch in orange thread to make it more visually interesting.

After both sides of your tulle has a ribbon edge, fold the tulle in half so that the top tier is 2 inches shorter than the bottom tier, and pin in place. Both ribbon edges should be pretty side up at this point.

On the folded edge of your tulle, sew a straight stitch a 1/2 inch from the edge. Do this for the entire length of your tulle.

Now it's time to thread our elastic through the seam we just made. An easy way to do this is by attaching a safety pin to the end of your elastic and threading it through the seam until you reach the opening at the end.

Estimate how big you want the elastic waist to be and tie a knot. Snip off the extra elastic.

Adjust the tulle evenly around the elastic and you're done!

I LOVE how the ribbon makes the edges wavy!

I hope this tutorial got you in the Fall mood, because starting tomorrow we are kicking off a week long run of October inspired tutorials! Check in everyday to see what's new!

*Jes*

TuTu TuTorial! Part 1

Tutu's are TOO TOO CUTE! They have recently become a popular prop in the photography world and with Halloween just around the corner the possibilities are endless! This is a no-sew tutu, so it is super easy and quick to make!

What You'll Need:

* Tulle, in whatever color or colors you want.

You can purchase Tulle by the yard, or you can buy rolls of tulle like I did.

* Scissors

* Ruler or Measuring Tape

* Elastic

I used 1/4 inch wide elastic.

The great thing about this tutu is that it has an elastic waist. Once made it can expand to fit a growing child for many years!

First, grab your elastic and estimate the size waist you want the tutu to fit. In the end you want the elastic to be a little shorter than the waist measurement, but for now keep the elastic longer.

I found that it is easiest to do this project with the each end of the elastic taped to a wall. Do not stretch the elastic when doing this.

Next, we need to cut our tulle.

Tulle on a roll is so convenient because it usually comes 6 inches wide. You only have to measure the length. There really is no set length or width you have to use. Just keep in mind how long you want your tutu to be and double that length.

We will be folding the strips of tulle in half so for example, if you wanted a 12 inch long tutu then cut your strips 24 inches long. I cut my strips 30 inches long. The larger the waist you are fitting the more strips you will need to cut.

My tutu was for a beautiful girl, named Adriana, who is 6 years old. I cut 30 strips of tulle for her tutu. If you purchased tulle by the yard, then just cut the length and width of strips you want to use.

After all strips are cut, start tying the strips onto your elastic. I am not sure the name of the knot that's used--so to better illustrate the knot, I made you a pretty picture:

Gently tighten the knot around the elastic. Do this with the rest of your strips until you think you have enough.

Remove your tutu from the wall and tie a double knot. Cut off the excess elastic and the knot will be hidden within the tulle.

You can easily glam up your tutu by adding a ribbon, flowers, or feather boas to the waist!

This weekend, I will be posting another Crafty Creation which will show you how to sew another type of tutu with a ribbon edge!

*Jes*