Do you have a girl who likes to spin? Have her help you make a colorful tutu that she can call her own. Even if she's not handy with scissors, she can help position the fabric and tie it to the elastic..
To determine the length of the elastic, measure your child's waist. Subtract 4 inches and then cut to that size. (For example, my son's waist is 21 inches, minus 4 equals a 17-inch piece of elastic.) Keep in mind that the elastic will stretch when you wrap fabric scraps around it. For the best fit, always measure the child. But in case you don't have that option, here's a list of the average waist size for a child's age:12 to 18 months =15 1/2"; 2T =16”; 3T =16 1/2”; 4T=17”; 5T=17 1/2”, 6T=18”; 7yrs.=18 1/2", 8yrs.=19". Add 1” to elastic for each additional year through teen.
Fold the elastic over so the ends meet and overlap. Paint it instead.
Use a needle and thread or a sewing machine to join the ends.
Cut the fabric into 2 1/2" x 22" strips.
When you have cut all the fabric into strips, take the first strip and fold it in half so that a loop is formed.
Bring the fabric loop up and over the inside of the elastic. The bottom of the fabric will be below the elastic waistband and the top of the bow will be on top.
With the loop still above the elastic, grab both bottom ends of the fabric strip.
Pull the bottom ends of the fabric strips through their top fabric loop.
Pull tight to create a knot around the top of the elastic.
Repeat with remaining fabric strips.
As you add the strips of fabric, occasionally push the top knots together. This will stretch out the elastic a bit and give you some extra room to add more straps and create a really full tutu.
Repeat until you have made it all the way around the entire piece of elastic.
If you like, add bow ties around the top of the tutu. Place a strip of fabric under the top of one of the tutu pieces. Your new fabric strip will be centered with the tutu strip below it.
Tie the new strip of fabric in a bow around the tutu strip. Repeat on several tutu strips around the top edge of the tutu.
Wear the tutu over your favorite tights or leggings for an ultra cool look!
