Making Tutus... so easy and cheap!

Well, as some of you know, I coach junior high cheer at my school.  One of the days at NCA Cheer Camp is "fun day" where the girls can wear a fun accessory with their camp outfit.  We decided on tutus.  So, I had to make the decision of whether I would find and buy them or make them.  After going to a few places and seeing the cost and not finding exactly what I was looking for, I decided to make them!  It's SUPER EASY and here's how I did it:

Materials Needed:
Tulle
Elastic or Satin Ribbon
Scissors
Sewing Machine or Needle and Thread by hand if you are using elastic
Optional decoration:  satin ribbon,  flowers, gems, puff balls, small pre-made ribbons

I found this great set of instructional pix on momdot.com.

1. Figure out how much material you will need.  You will need about 5 yards of tulle for each tutu you are making if you don't want the tutus super poofy.  If you want them poofier, use about 10 yards.  This number will vary depending on the length you want the tutu, how full you want the tutu, and how big the child/person is you are making them for.  I used about 5 yards on each tutu for junior high age girls and each tutu was 16 inches long.  I got my material from JoAnns.  Tulle is typically about $1.50/yard.  I saved 40% using a coupon.

2.  You will also need elastic.  I used half and inch, but I was wishing after I made them that I had bought thinner elastic.  To determine how much you will need, measure the waist of the person you are making the tutu for and then subtract 3 inches.  (This will allow for the way it stretches out as you are making the tutu)

(You can also use ribbon instead of elastic.  To determine how much ribbon you will need, measure the person's waist, and then double that number.

3. Once you get your materials home,  it is time to start measuring and cutting.  First,  unroll your tulle and measure it to double the length you want the tutu.  I wanted mine 16 inches long, so I made a cut at 32 inches.  Then, roll that cut of tulle.  Then, cut the roll about every 4 inches.

4.  If you are using elastic,  you will need to sew the elastic closed.  I used my sewing machine and it just took about 30 seconds for each band of elastic I made.

5.  Now you are ready to start tying your tulle onto the elastic or the ribbon.  It helps to put your elastic band around something such as a small, firm pillow or a paper towel roll.  You will take each strip of tulle and fold it in half.  Then, tie a slip knot around the elastic or tulle.  Pull it tight together for a poofy tutu.  Pull it loosely together for a less full tutu.

6.  Keep tying slip knots until you have gone all the way around your elastic or ribbon.

7.  Once finished, have someone put on the tutu so that you can check that all of the strips are even.  You can cut the tutu even shorter at this time if you so desire.

8.  Then, this is the time to add embellishments if you want.

Here is how the tutus turned out:

Thank you Holley with your help making the tutus!!! 

Aren't my junior high girls PRECIOUS???