If you decide to use tulle that is on a bolt, then you will need about 5 yards (5 m) for a child’s size tutu, 10 yards (9. 1 m) for small or medium adult sizes, and about 20 yards (18 m) for large or extra-large adult sizes. [2] X Research source If you decide to use tulle that is on a spool, then the amount you will need will depend on the size of the tutu. Tulle spools usually contain about 25 yards (23 m) of tulle. [3] X Research source Therefore, 2 or 3 spools of tulle may be enough for a child’s size tutu, but you may need 4 or 5 spools for an adult’s small or medium tutu, and 7 to 8 spools for a large or extra-large. Buy more tulle than you think you will need to ensure that you have enough.
For example, if the person’s waist measures 28” (71 cm), then you would need to buy a 28” (71 cm) strip of elastic. Elastic is often sold in packages that include more elastic than you might need, but you can always cut it to your desired length and keep the extra elastic for another project in the future.
Make sure to lay the tulle out so that it is completely flat before you cut it and make your cuts straight and even. You may find it helpful to lay your tulle out on a lined cutting mat and use a rotary cutting tool instead of scissors.
For example, if you want your tutu to be 18” (46 cm) long, then you would need to cut tulle strips that are 36” (91 cm) long. The finished skirt will be roughly 18" (46 cm) minus about 1" (2. 5 cm) from attaching the tulle. However, you can always add 1" (2. 5 cm) to your strip length to make up for this loss. Keep cutting strips until all of your tulle is the same size. Stack your strips to help keep them organized.
To sew the ends together, thread a needle with about 12” (30 cm) of thread. Then, overlap the ends of your elastic, making sure not to twist the elastic. Sew through the ends several times pulling the thread taut after each stitch. Finish stitching back where you started, and then tie the ends of the thread together a few times and snip the excess thread.
For example, placing the elastic waistband on a full roll of paper towels may work if you are making a tutu for a baby or small child, or you could also use a pillow if you are making a tutu for an older child or an adult.
Use your finger to keep track of the area under the folds and to prevent the tulle pieces from slipping or coming apart.
Using ribbon in place of elastic is best for older children or adults because young children may easily undo the tutu before you want them to remove it. [14] X Research source
Try placing the embellishment on the waistband of your tutu. This way the embellishment won’t weigh down the tulle.
For example, if the tutu will be part of a ladybug costume, then make the tutu in red and black. If the tutu is going to be paired with a blue and green t-shirt, then try making a blue and green tutu to match it.
