How to make a adult tulle tutu
This has got to be one of my favourite sewing projects to date! And it doesn’t even require sewing! This fluffy, mid length diy tutu skirt is the stuff of dreams and it doesn’t even require a pattern to make. Here’s how to make your own adult tulle tutu.
I’ve wanted a pink tutu ever since I saw Carrie Bradshaw step out in the opening credits of Sex and the City. I opted for a bolder colour pink but I’ve styled my outfit in a similar way. No city for me though!
Tools and Materials needed
How much tulle is needed?
A question I am always asked when people want to recreate my tutu is how much tulle is needed. There isn’t a definitive answer to this. As it depends on your waist size and how long you want your tutu.
But here are the measurements and quantities I used in my adult tulle tutu.
I got a 40 yard x 53 inch bolt of candy pink tulle from fabric whole direct which costs £16.00
I cut roughly 330 strips of tulle which were 45” long and 3” wide and used around half of the bolt of tulle.
How to make the tutu
- You first need to measure your waist and cut your elastic to this measurement. If you want to do a completely no sew project your will need to cut it slightly longer to knot it.
- Sew the elastic together. I prefer not to overlap it, but use a scrap of fabric underneath the elastic to help sew the tow ends together so they meet. You can do this on a machine or by hand.
- Cut your tulle strips. You need to make them double the length you would like them to be in the end. I wanted just above the knee so I cut them 45 inches long by 3 inches wide. I cut between 300 and 350 strips, but you may need more of less depending on your waist measurement.
- Fold the strips in half and then with the elastic stretched around something (I used my waste paper basket) tuck the folded edge under the elastic and then pull the two ends through the loop so it is secured around the elastic.
- Tug the strips so they lay flat around the elastic and the ends are downwards.
- Repeat until you have filled the waistband.
What do you wear under a adult tutu?
My tutu is very full so you could just wear your normal underwear underneath, however if you’re not feeling that brave of your made your shorter. You could opt for some shorts, bloomers or leggings. They all look cute under the tutu!
