How to make a tutu skirt (11958 Views)

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  Step 1 of 19

  This is a tutu skirt with a top width of 28 cm.
  It has 6 layers of net graduated in the following way:
  Layer 1: 28 cm
  Layer 2: 25 cm
  Layer 3: 22 cm
  Layer 4: 19 cm
  Layer 5: 15 cm
  Layer 6: 12 cm
  Each layer will have 3 widths sewn together.
  Net (tulle) is usually sold folded. To cut your net simply measure the width, weight the fabric and cut from the fold up to the open end. This is 1 width. We are using 3 widths for each layer so you will need to cut:
  3 x 28, 3 x 25, 3 x 22, 3 x 19, 3 x 15, 3 x 12

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  Step 2 of 19

  Sew a gathering stitch 1cm in from one side. This is sewn down the long side of your strip of fabric.

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  Step 3 of 19

  When you nearly get to the end of one length of fabric, overlap the next and continue sewing down the next section of net.

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  Step 4 of 19

  You should end up with a long length of fabric with a gathering stitch sewn all down one side, as shown in the picture.

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  Step 5 of 19

  Repeat steps 2 and 3 again, leaving a small gap between stitching lines. The picture demonstrates how close to stitch. I suggest just moving your needle alignment either left or right (depending on how close you stitched to the edge for the first row) and leave the fabric in the original stitching position.

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  Step 6 of 19

  Your end result should be like the above picture. This image also shows the overlapping of layers.

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  Step 7 of 19

  Take both bobbin threads and gather your net to the desired length - if doing a pull on tutu this should be the low hip measurment. Be firm but gentle. If your thread snaps you will need to start over from step 2!! Tie off both ends of gathering thread once it is gathered to your set length. (sorry image quality here is not the best!)

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  Step 8 of 19

  Here is finished frill. Mine were gathered to 76 cm.

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  Step 9 of 19

  Mark your stitching line on your leotard or band. I set my frills 1 cm apart at the front and 1.5 cm apart at the centre back so that more of the bottom is covered.
  

  As the tutu skirt needs to sit on the high hip level, when making your leotard, do not cut the hip holes too high, as you can run out of room to stitch!
  Measure from the high hip line down to the leg opening and then divide by number of frills. This is how I ended up with a 1 cm gap. I hope that makes sense.
  

  If you are working on a band, you can make the band as wide as you like!!

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  Step 10 of 19

  Mark (I use pins) centre front, centre back and side seams on leotard or band.

  Divide your frill into quarters. Again I use pins.

  Set your machine to a zigzag stitch that is fairly wide, but not too long.

  Put leotard on machine with top end of leotard facing away from the machine.

  Match up one end of the top frill with the back seam. The top frill must be placed so that the majority of the frill is facing away from the machine.

  Lower foot and start sewing! Don't go too fast. Check to see if any fabric has been caught before continuing to step 11. If fabric has been caught up, un-pick that bit an re-sew.

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  Step 11 of 19

  Sew the 2nd frill much the same way as the 1st, but start at one of the side seams instead of centre back.
  The 2nd frill must be faced the other way. This can be a bit tricky, but you will get the hang of it!

• Step 12 of 19

  The 3rd frill is sewn on the same as the 1st. Start at the centre front mark.

• Step 13 of 19

  The 4th frill is sewn the same as the 2nd. Start at the other side seam.

• Step 14 of 19

  The 5th frill is sewn the same as the 1st and 3rd. Start at the centre back.
  You may be getting short on fabric by now so it gets a bit trickier. Also, the layers of net start to get very hard to control on the other end of the machine. You will get the hang of it, don't worry.

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  Step 15 of 19

  The 6th and final frill is sewn on the same as the 2nd and 4th frill. I start this one at the centre back as well.
  

  The reason for alternating the starting position of the frills is to ensure that there are no big gaps in the skirt when it is finished.

  Your should end up with something the looks like the picture.

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  Step 16 of 19

  This is an optional step!
  
  I tack all of the layers together. This gives a more tradition 'pancake' look.
  First close to the band, all the way around, through all 6 layers. Just go up an down being careful not to stitch through the fabric.
  Then I do a sort of big herringbone further out.
  These images didn't turn out well - you may be able to see the stitching in this image.

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  Step 17 of 19

  Here is the finished tutu! You can see that the tacking makes the frills sit quite flat.

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  Step 18 of 19

  And another picture.
  
  I hope you found my how-to easy to follow!

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  Step 19 of 19

  The finished product with overlay on the correct body.