How to Make a Tutu Skirt (Easy DIY Tulle Skirt for Girls + Free Pattern)

Learn how to make a tutu skirt. Every little girl should have a pretty DIY tutu skirt to twirl and play in. This month’s free sewing pattern is the Taylor skirt. It will show you how to make a tulle skirt and comes with a free tutu skirt pattern to print.

DIY Tulle skirts are perfect for dress-ups, ballet, or going to the supermarket! You never need a special occasion to wear one. Team it with your little girl’s favorite leotard pattern, or make a pretty top to match with the Natalie peasant top pattern. The Taylor tutu skirt sewing pattern is perfect for costumes, too. I see a lot of Elsa from Frozen costumes made with this skirt!

This tutu tutorial will show you how to sew a tutu with an elastic waistband and an attractive tulle overlay. The skirt can be used for dance recitals, birthday parties, a Halloween costume, as a witches ‘ costume, and so many more ways.

DIY Tutu Skirt Sizing

This skirt comes in girls’ sizes 2 to 14. All you really need is to take waist measurements as it is loose on the hip.

Supplies to Make Tulle Tutu Skirts

• Satin fabric – For the waistband and underskirt
• Tulle fabric – For the outside. You can use tulle in a color that matches or contrasts with the underskirt.
• Sewing basics – Sewing machine, needle, pins, thread, scissors, rotary cutter, cutting mat, measuring tape, or ruler.
• 1″ (2.5cm) Elastic band

Best Tulle for a Tutu Skirt

When selecting tulle for a tutu skirt, consider the desired look, feel, and purpose of the skirt. The best tulle can vary based on whether you’re aiming for a stiff, stand-out ballet tutu or a softer, flowing skirt. Here are some points to consider when choosing tulle:

1. Stiffness: Some tutus, especially those for ballet performances, require a stiff tulle to hold its shape. For this, a hard or crisp tulle is often preferred. This type of tulle will give that classic, “stick-out” appearance.
2. Softness: For a softer look, like for a fairy costume or a more casual tutu, you might opt for a softer tulle, which drapes more and doesn’t have the same rigidity.
3. Width: For tutu skirts, you might find wider bolts more convenient as you’ll often be cutting long strips. Look for rolls of tulle that are around 54″ to 108″ wide.
4. Nylon vs. Polyester: Most tulle is made from either nylon or polyester. Nylon tulle is generally softer, while polyester tulle can be a bit stiffer. Both types can work for tutus, but you may have a preference based on the desired outcome.

Here is a tulle comparison table:

Type of Tulle	Best For	Look
Nylon Tulle	Soft tutu skirts	Flowy and lightweight
Polyester Tulle	Costumes and dress-up	Slightly stiffer
Bridal Tulle	Fancy tutus and dresses	Very soft and delicate
Hard Tulle	Ballet tutus	Stands out and holds shape

How to Make a Tutu Skirt, Step-by-Step

Full sewing instructions and more photos are included in the free download PDF. If you have never sewn or gathered tulle before, then read my article on how to sew tulle and how to gather tulle for some extra tips.

Free Tutu Skirt Pattern

All pieces are rectangles. Here are the cutting measurements, all inches:

NOTE: all are cut 2 except tulle, which is cut 8

SIZE	UNDERSKIRT (CUT 2)	TULLE (CUT 8)	WAISTBAND (CUT 2)	BOW (CUT 2)
Size 2	23WX11.25	46W X 15.25H	23W X 3.25H	9W X 6H
Size 3	24W X 12.375H	48W X 16.375H	25W X 3.25H	9W X 6H
Size 4	25W X 13.5H	50W X 17.5H	26W X 3.25H	9W X 6H
Size 5	26W X 14.625H	52W X 18.5H	27W X 3.25H	9W X 6H
Size 6	27W X 15.75H	54W X 19.75H	28W X 3.25H	10W X 6.5H
Size 8	30W x 18.25H	54W X 22.25H	30W X 3.25H	10W X 6.5H
Size 10	32W x 19.5H	54W X 23.5H	32W X 3.25H	10W X 6.5H
Size 12	34W x 20.5H	54W X 24.5H	34W X 3.25H	11W X 7.5H
Size 14	36W x 22H	54W X 26H	36W X 3.25H	11W X 7.5H

1. Prepare the Underskirt

1. With the RIGHT sides together, stitch the FRONT to the BACK underskirt at the side seams, matching the pattern notches. Finish the seams.
2. Stitch a narrow hem by pressing up the bottom by 1/4 inch and then 1/4 inch again. Stitch around the hem.

2. Sewing the Tulle Skirt

You will have cut 8 pieces of tulle. Double them up so you now have 4 layers of tulle.

1. Overlap the pieces by 4 inches (10cm) and baste them together close to the top to form a long strip.
2. Join pieces 1 to 4 to form a circle, overlapping by 4 inches (10cm).
3. Baste the overlap close to the top. (The reason we use this overlapping method is that stitched seams don’t generally look nice in tulle as they show through.)

3. Gathering Tulle Skirt

1. On the RIGHT side of the TULLE OVERLAY, gather close to the top raw edge. Gather up the TULLE OVERLAY to fit the top edge of the underskirt. Gathering tulle is really easy using dental floss or crochet string and a simple zig-zag stitch. Read more about how to gather tulle.
2. With the UNDERSKIRT and the TULLE OVERLAY the RIGHT way out – Pin the TULLE OVERLAY over the outside of the UNDERSKIRT, matching the top raw edges.
3. Baste the skirts together close to the top edge.
   

4. Join the Waistband

1. With the RIGHT sides together, stitch the waistbands at the side seams, leaving a gap as shown on one side.  Press the seams OPEN.
2. With WRONG sides together, fold and press your waistband in half, matching the raw edges and seam.
3. With WRONG sides together, fold and press your waistband in half, matching the raw edges and seam.
4. Baste the raw edges together.
5. Pin the waistband to the RIGHT side of the skirt, matching the center back with the waistband seam. IMPORTANT: Make sure the gap in the waistband is facing out.
6. Stitch the waistband to the skirt all the way around.
7. Finish the seam.
8. Thread the elastic through the gap in the waistband casing. Overlap the ends of the elastic by 1/2 inch (12mm) and stitch them together. If possible, try the skirt on to see if the elastic needs adjustment.
9. Push the elastic ends back into the casing.
   Fold the waistband up. The gap in the waistband will probably be hidden in the folds, but if it is gaping, you can hand stitch it closed.

5. Decorate

Now your DIY tutu skirt is finished, it is time to decorate. Your PDF sewing pattern includes the instructions for adding this large bow.

Other decorative ideas include:

• Sewing Sequin Trim
• How to Sew Lace Trim
• How to Sew Pom Pom Trim

Pin for Later

How to Make a Tutu FAQs

Conclusion

Making a DIY tutu skirt is a fun and beginner-friendly sewing project. With just a few pieces of fabric, layers of tulle, and an elastic waistband, you can create a beautiful skirt for dress-up, dance, or costumes. Once you learn how to gather tulle and attach the waistband, you can easily customize your tutu skirt with different colors, trims, or bows to suit any occasion. Here are some more free patterns to check out. I also have many other sewing patterns in my downloadable sewing pattern shop.

• FREE Cape Pattern – Caprice Capelet for Girls
• Tooth Fairy Pillow Pattern – FREE Pattern Project
• Pillowcase Dress Pattern – Free Dress Pattern for Girls
• Free Kimono Jacket Pattern – Simple Pattern for Girls