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.
How to Make a Tutu Skirt Tutorial
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 attractive tulle overlay. The skirt can be used for dance recitals, birthday parties, a halloween costume, witches 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 a color of tulle that matches or contrasts the underskirt.
- Sewing basics - Sewing machine, needle, pins, thread, scissors, rotary cutter cutting mat, measuring tape, or ruler.
- 1" (2.5cm) Elastic band
Best Fabric for a Tutu Skirt
When selecting tulle for a tutu skirt, you'll want to 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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Free Tutu Skirt Pattern Download
Download your free tutu skirt sewing pattern here. This is a great way to try out my sewing patterns with a simple and fun project. The pattern includes printable pieces for the tulle, skirt underlay, and bow.
This pattern includes printable pattern pieces and PDF instructions to help you along the way. If you are new to printing PDF patterns check out my tutorial. The main thing you need to do is print at 100% scale. There is a test square to measure the pattern.
More Tulle
How to Make a Tutu Skirt, Step-by-Step Instructions
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.
Step 1 - Prepare the Underskirt
- With the RIGHT sides together, stitch the FRONT to the BACK underskirt at the side seams, matching the notches. Finish the seams.
- Stitch a narrow hem by pressing up the bottom by ¼ inch and then ¼ inch again. Stitch around the hem.
Step 2 - Sewing the Tulle Skirt
You will have cut 8 pieces of tulle. Double them up so you now have 4 pieces of tulle layers.
Joining the Tulle
- Overlap the pieces by 4 inches (10cm) and baste them together close to the top to form a long strip.
- Join pieces 1 to 4 to form a circle, overlapping by 4 inches (10cm).
- 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.)
Gathering Tulle Skirt
- 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.
- 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.
- Baste the skirts together close to the top edge.
Step 3 - Join the Waistband
- With the RIGHT sides together, stitch the waistbands at the side seams, leaving a gap as shown on one side. Press the seams OPEN.
- With WRONG sides together, fold and press your waistband in half, matching the raw edges and seam.
- With WRONG sides together, fold and press your waistband in half, matching the raw edges and seam.
- Baste the raw edges together.
- 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.
- Stitch the waistband to the skirt all the way around.
- Finish the seam.
- Thread the elastic through the gap in the waistband casing. Overlap the ends of the elastic by ½ inch (12mm) and stitch them together. If possible, try the skirt on to see if the elastic needs adjustment.
- 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.
Step 4 - 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:
How to Make a Tutu FAQs
How to cut tulle without it fraying?
While tulle doesn't fray like most woven fabrics, it an be hard to cut with a clean edge. The best way to cut tulle is to fold it into several layers and use a rotary cutter with a cutting mat. This will give you a nice straight edge.
How many yards of tullle do I need for a tutu skirt?
The yardage depends on the size you are making. It can vary from 3 to 6 yards for girls. You can adjust this depending on the amount of gathering you wish to have.
More Free Patterns for Girls
Here are some more free patterns to check out. I also have many other sewing patterns in my sewing pattern shop.
- FREE Cape Pattern – Caprice Capelet for Girls
- Tooth Fairy Pillow Pattern - FREE Pattern Project
- Free Shrug Pattern – Girls sizes 2 to 14
- Pillowcase Dress Pattern – Free Dress Pattern for Girls
- Free Kimono Jacket Pattern - Simple Pattern for Girls
EloiseCWalker
For those of us who love to sew (just like me!), and are on the search for some awesome designs with easy-to-follow instructions, Treasurie definitely has one to check out. Your blog is all about creating whimsical and fun fashion pieces, and you also make it super easy to understand because you provide step-by-step instructions and even throw in a free tutu skirt pattern, which is great!
What's really cool about your tutorials is how you walk you us through the whole process, from picking out our materials to choosing the right clothing patterns and cutting that tulle to finally putting together the skirt. Your blog post makes sure we can jump into this creative project with confidence. So whether we're making a tutu for a little one or going for a playful adult costume, this blog post is a super helpful!