Rhiannon Hendricks
Making a tutu wedding dress is a fun and creative project that can be done at home with some basic materials. While it may take some time to gather and prepare the necessary supplies, creating a tutu dress can be a rewarding experience, allowing you to customize your dress according to your unique style and preferences. The process involves measuring and cutting tulle fabric into strips, creating a waistband with elastic, and then assembling the strips onto the waistband to form the full skirt. With careful planning and execution, you can design a beautiful tutu wedding dress that reflects your personality and adds a whimsical touch to your special day.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Tulle type | Tulle can be purchased in a fabric bolt or on a spool. Spools require less cutting as they are already in the correct width. |
| Tulle length | Tulle strips should be double the desired skirt length, plus one inch for the knot. |
| Tulle width | Tulle strips should be 7" (18 cm) wide. |
| Tulle amount | For a bolt, 5 yards (5 m) are needed for a child, 10 yards (9.1 m) for small or medium adults, and 20 yards (18 m) for large or extra-large adults. For a spool, 2-3 spools are needed for a child, 4-5 for small or medium adults, and 7-8 for large or extra-large adults. |
| Elastic type | ¾” (1.9 cm) to 1” (2.5 cm) elastic is needed for the waistband. The 1" width is better for child and adult sizes, while the 3/4" is better for babies. |
| Elastic length | Cut the elastic to the length of the waist measurement. |
| Sewing | Sewing is minimal, with some methods requiring none at all. |
| Accessories | A ribbon can be used for the waistband, and a halter ribbon can be added to the top. |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Choosing the right tulle
Tulle is a versatile and romantic fabric that is perfect for creating elegant and dreamy looks. It is a delicate, lightweight, and breathable fabric that is commonly used in wedding dresses, tutus, veils, and petticoats. When choosing the right tulle for your wedding dress, there are a few things to consider:
Type of Tulle
Not all tulle fabrics are created equal. Some tulle fabrics have a softer and more flowy drape, while others offer a stiffer structure for a fuller skirt. Explore different tulle options to find the one that matches your vision. 3D embroidered tulle, for example, adds a touch of luxury and sophistication to a wedding dress, making it truly stand out. Beaded tulle, on the other hand, adds a touch of glamour and sparkle, perfect for creating eye-catching dresses. If you want to add a touch of playfulness, consider polka dot tulle.
Amount of Tulle
You will need a lot of tulle to make a tutu wedding dress. For a child's size, you will need about 5 yards of tulle, while for small or medium adult sizes, you will need about 10 yards. Large or extra-large adult sizes will require about 20 yards of tulle. Tulle is typically sold by the bolt or on a spool. Buying it by the bolt may be more cost-effective, but spooled tulle requires less cutting since it is already in the correct width.
Colour and Embellishments
Tulle comes in a variety of colours and can be embellished with embroidery, sequins, beads, or pearls. You can also create a unique ombre effect with a gradient of colours. Consider the overall look you are going for and choose a colour and embellishments that complement your vision.
Handling and Care
Tulle is a delicate fabric, and wrinkles are common during handling and transportation. To get rid of wrinkles, use a handheld steamer or hang your dress in a steamy bathroom. Always handle your tulle wedding dress with care to maintain its shape and look.
Using Oxiclean on Your Wedding Dress: Is It Safe?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$28.49 $29.99
$29.99 $32.99
Cutting the tulle
The first step in making a tutu wedding dress is to purchase the tulle fabric. Tulle is available in fabric bolts or on a spool. You will need a lot of tulle to make a tutu, so buying it by the bolt may be more economical. However, tulle on a spool requires less cutting as it is already in the correct width, so you will only need to cut it once to get the right length.
If you are using tulle on a bolt, you will need to measure and cut the tulle into strips. For a child's size tutu, you will need about 5 yards (5 m) of tulle, while small or medium adult sizes require about 10 yards (9.1 m). Large or extra-large adult sizes will need approximately 20 yards (18 m) of tulle. Cut the tulle into strips that are 7” (18 cm) wide. Make sure to lay the tulle out flat before cutting and make straight and even cuts.
If you are using spooled tulle, the amount you need will depend on the size of the tutu. Tulle spools usually contain about 25 yards (23 m) of fabric. For a child's size tutu, 2-3 spools may be sufficient, while an adult's small or medium tutu may require 4-5 spools. For large or extra-large sizes, you may need 7-8 spools. Cut the spooled tulle to the desired length.
To determine the length of the tulle strips, first decide how long you want the tutu skirt to be. The tutu skirt length will be about half of the length of the strips. For example, if you want a tutu that is 18” (46 cm) long, cut tulle strips that are 36” (91 cm) long. You can always add 1" (2.5 cm) to your strip length to make up for any loss when attaching the tulle.
For a short tutu, cut 3-4 rolls of 6-inch-wide tulle into 22-inch strips. For a longer tutu that reaches the ankles, cut 7-8 rolls of the same width tulle accordingly.
How to Restore Your Wedding Dress's Original White
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$17.54 $26.99
$35.14 $36.99
$28.49 $31.99
Preparing the waistband
To prepare the waistband, first, measure the waist of the person who will be wearing the tutu dress and cut the elastic to that length. The 1” (2.5 cm) wide elastic is better for child and adult-size tutus, and the 3/4" (1.9 cm) size is better for a baby. You can also use crocheted ribbon for the waistband.
After cutting the elastic to size, fold it so that the ends meet and overlap. Secure the elastic loop with a needle and thread or a sewing machine. If you are using crocheted ribbon, cut holes into the ribbon and attach it together with another ribbon.
Once the waistband is secured, you can start attaching the tulle. Fold a piece of tulle and thread it from the back and out of a section of the top. Bring up the tail end of the tulle and loop it through the piece you’ve just threaded. Pull the tail down and tighten to make a knot. Continue this process along the sections.
Pawning Wedding Dresses: Is It Possible?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Attaching the tulle to the waistband
Cut the Tulle Strips
Before you begin attaching the tulle, you need to prepare the tulle strips. Cut the tulle into strips of your desired length. The length of these strips will determine the length of your tutu skirt. For example, if you want a 15-inch tutu skirt, cut the tulle strips to 30 inches. Remember to keep the strips organised by stacking them together. If you are using tulle on a fabric bolt, cut the tulle into strips that are around 7 inches wide. Ensure the tulle is laid out flat before cutting to achieve straight and even strips.
Prepare the Elastic Waistband
Purchase or cut an elastic waistband that matches the measurement of your waist. For a child's tutu, subtract around 4 inches from their waist measurement before cutting the elastic. You can use a needle and thread or a sewing machine to secure the ends of the elastic together, forming a loop.
Attaching the Tulle
Now you are ready to attach the tulle to the waistband. Take a strip of tulle and fold it in half to create a loop. Bring this loop over the inside of the elastic waistband. The bottom of the tulle strip should be beneath the elastic, and the top of the loop should be above. Grab the bottom ends of the tulle strip and pull them through the upper fabric loop.
Continue Adding Tulle
Repeat the above step all around the waistband. Keep adding tulle strips until you have filled the entire waistband. You can adjust the fullness of the skirt by adding more or fewer strips. For a fuller skirt, you may need to use more rolls of tulle.
Finishing Touches
Once you have attached all the tulle strips, you can add some final touches. Consider sewing a satin underlayer to the dress, as tulle can be itchy. This will help keep the tulle in place and provide a comfortable lining. You can also add a halter ribbon or other decorative elements to complete your tutu wedding dress.
Concealing Arms: Wedding Dress Tricks for Plus-Size Brides
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$35.99 $39.99
Adding finishing touches
Once you have the basic structure of your tutu wedding dress, it's time to add the finishing touches. Here are some ideas and suggestions to elevate your creation:
Fabric and Length
Decide on the fabric and length of your tutu dress. Tulle is a popular choice for tutus, and you can find it in fabric bolts or on spools. Consider the desired fullness of the skirt when determining the amount of fabric needed. For a short tutu, cut three to four rolls of 6-inch-wide tulle into 22-inch strips. If you prefer a longer tutu, cut seven to eight rolls of the same width into the desired length. Remember that the tutu skirt length will be about half of the length of the strips you create.
Elastic Waistband
Create a comfortable and secure waistband by using elastic. Measure the waist of the person who will be wearing the dress and cut the elastic to that length. The 1-inch-wide elastic is suitable for both child and adult tutus, while the 3/4-inch size is better for babies. You can sew or tie the elastic together to form a loop.
Soft Lining
Add a soft lining to the tutu to prevent the tulle from being itchy or scratchy against the skin. This is especially important if your dress is floor-length or has a lot of volume. Satin is a good option for the lining, providing a smooth and comfortable feel.
Embellishments
Enhance your tutu wedding dress with embellishments and accessories. Consider adding a halter ribbon, a floral belt, or a decorative halo for a whimsical touch. You can also incorporate appliqués, ribbons, or other decorative elements that match your wedding theme or personal style.
Practice and Experiment
Don't be afraid to experiment with different fabrics, colours, and techniques. Practice creating knots and loops with the tulle to achieve the desired fullness and effect. You can also layer the tulle for a more dramatic look, but be cautious when working with glitter tulle to avoid a messy glitter experience.
Your tutu wedding dress is a unique and creative project. By adding these finishing touches, you can ensure that it not only looks beautiful but also feels comfortable for your special day.
Choosing to Wear a Bra on Your Wedding Day
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The amount of tulle you need depends on the size of the dress. For a child's size, you will need 5 yards of tulle, for small or medium adult sizes, you will need 10 yards, and for large or extra-large adult sizes, you will need about 20 yards.
Tulle can be purchased in fabric bolts or on a spool. Buying tulle by the bolt from a fabric store may be more cost-effective, but tulle on a spool requires less cutting since it is already in the correct width for a tutu.
To make a longer tutu skirt, cut seven or eight rolls of 6-inch-wide tulle into strips. The length of the strips will depend on how long you want the skirt to be.
To make the tutu skirt fuller, use more tulle. For a fuller skirt, cut the tulle into strips and add more strips to the skirt.
To prevent itchiness, you can sew a satin underlayer to the dress. This will help keep the tulle in place and make it more comfortable to wear.
