Got a little spinner in the family? Involve your child in crafting a vibrant, custom tutu from fabric scraps. Even beginners can help position and tie the strips onto the elastic—no sewing skills required for the fun part.
Measure your child's waist, subtract 4 inches, and cut the elastic accordingly. (For example, my child's 21-inch waist minus 4 inches equals 17 inches.) The elastic stretches as you add fabric. For best fit, measure directly. Average waist sizes: 12-18 months = 15.5"; 2T = 16"; 3T = 16.5"; 4T = 17"; 5T = 17.5"; 6T = 18"; 7 yrs. = 18.5"; 8 yrs. = 19". Add 1" per year through teens.
Fold the elastic so the ends meet and overlap. Pin it securely in place.
Use a needle and thread or sewing machine to stitch the pinned ends together firmly.
Cut fabric into 2.5" x 22" strips. I've made dozens of these tutus, and this size creates the perfect fluffiness.
Fold a fabric strip in half to form a loop.
Push the fabric loop under the elastic from inside out, so the loop sits above and raw ends below.
With the loop above the elastic, grasp both raw ends of the strip.
Thread the raw ends through the fabric loop.
Pull the ends firmly to knot securely around the elastic.
Continue tying strips evenly around the elastic.
As you add strips, push knots together to stretch the elastic slightly, allowing a fuller tutu.
Keep tying until the elastic is fully covered.
Optional: Slide a fabric strip under a tutu strip at the waist and center it.
Tie the new strip into a bow around the tutu strip. Repeat around the waist for extra flair.
Pair with tights or leggings for a stylish, ready-to-dance look. Years of crafting these have shown they hold up to endless spins!
