When it comes to play time and dress-up, a tutu can make a nice addition to your collection. Perfect for Halloween, parties, imaginary plays, for children, tutus are versatile and can easily be assembled with minimal supplies and skill, there is even one method of tutu making that does not require any sewing at all. Once your tutu has been assembled, it can be decorated to suit specific themes and attached to a leotard to complete the costume.

Tutus come in all shapes and sizes and making them can be a fun sewing project or a full out artistic endeavor. According to the Australian Ballet, different tutus serve different purposes: the elongated romantic tutus that the Willis wear in Giselle are designed to make the ballerinas appear ethereal and as if they're floating across the stage, while the shorter tutus as seen in Swan Lake are intended to show off the sculpted legs and intricate footwork of dancers. Additionally, there are several variations of these types of tutus that can create a different look and feel for a performance. http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1083/is_/ai_n30938735 Dance Magazine

There are several patterns to choose from when making a tutu, from simple tutus for play to intricate pieces designed for stage wear. Follow the instructions in this guide to complete your own tutu.

• The base of the tutu is just the bare layers of tulle but its size and shape will greatly impact how the finished product looks.

1. Tie the tulle around the elastic band at the middle point of the tulle length.
   1. So if you cut your tulle in a length of 12 inches, you'd tie it in the center to the band and have two 6-inch pieces of tulle hanging downwards.http://www.makethemyourself.com/tutu.html
   2. To aid in this process, you can slip the elastic band around a chair] while you tie on the tulle.http://www.makethemyourself.com/tutu.html
2. Cut out as many lengths of tulle as you think you'll need. You can always cut more and add them later. If you use a lot of tulle the tutu will be puffier.
3. Take your elastic band and cut it the length of your model's waist. You can then either sew the band back together or simply tie a discreet knot.

1. Before you begin, measure the intended wearer's waist and cut the tulle as wide as you need for a good fit.
2. Cut out the lengths of the desired amount of tulle and place the lengths over top one another; lining up their edges.http://sewing.about.com/od/hallowee1/ss/ballerinatutu_2.htm
3. Sew the edges of the layers of tulle together with a zigzag stitch to prevent any fraying. A zigzag stitch simply entails connecting together the rows with a zigzag line.

1. Next you'll need to align the stitched tulle to your elastic band.http://sewing.about.com/od/hallowee1/ss/ballerinatutu_2.htm
   1. Firstly, find the center and quarter points of the stitched tulle without bunching the tulle together.
   2. Then, do the same for the elastic band and tack the tulle to the band on the marked points, leaving a bit of the tulle overlapping the elastic band.
   3. Lastly, bunch the tulle together and pin it to the band in several places so it holds.
2. Attach the tulle to the band by using the zigzag stitch on your sewing machine.http://sewing.about.com/od/hallowee1/ss/ballerinatutu_2.htm
3. After you've sewn on the tulle, trim any fragments or loose threads.http://sewing.about.com/od/hallowee1/ss/ballerinatutu_2.htm

Buy a tutu base from a manufacturer or retailer.http://www.dance-teacher.com/sections/articles/89 Many dance students choose to save time and buy inexpensive plain tutu bases. All these students then have to do is decorate the base.

This step is optional. If you're making a tutu for a child to play in you can easily slip or tie the tutu over whatever they're wearing. However, most dance students gearing up to perform will need their tutu attached to a leotard for a complete costume.

1. First, sew the ends of the elastic band together so you have a complete tutu shell.
2. You then have two options for sewing the tutu to the leotard:
   1. The first requires you to use a makeshift mannequin to tack the tutu onto the leotard.http://www.burdastyle.com/howtos/show/1357 Then, you carefully stitch around the entire circumference of the leotard attaching the tutu as you go.
   2. The second option is more highly recommended by expert seamstresses; cut the crotch of the leotard and then flip the the leotard and tutu upside down to sew them together. This is usually a less labor intensive method since it does not entail sewing while standing, but you must also re-sew the crotch once you're finished.http://www.burdastyle.com/howtos/show/1357

Consider the following ideas for decorating your completed tutu:

1. Dot your tutu with glue and sprinkle glitter on top of the glue dots; or create a sparkling hem by lining it with glue and glitter.http://sewing.about.com/od/hallowee1/ss/ballerinatutu_5.htm
2. Tie together small ribbons and hand sew them throughout the tutu.http://sewing.about.com/od/hallowee1/ss/ballerinatutu_5.htm
3. For a romantic look, stitch together bunches of tulle to create the effect of draping layers and depth.
4. Sew an overlay or a piece of fabric over top of the tulle that compliments the color.http://www.burdastyle.com/howtos/show/1357
5. Embellish the tutu with any other sequins, feathers, stick on decorations, lace or embroidery that you think will look great.http://www.national.ballet.ca/education/activities/project_ideas.php

• One of the perks of sewing your own tutu is that you can vary the pattern to create an array of unique looks. Here are some common options:

These are tutus that seem to stretch straight outward and are very flat looking like pancakes. http://www.classacttutu.com/hints_history-of-tutus.aspx This is the key to making a pancake tutu.

1. Do not cut the lengths of tulle too long, as even stiff tulle can droop if its lengthy.
2. Sew the tutu as you would any other.

These tutus look like clouds and seem to swallow ballerinas right up.http://www.classacttutu.com/hints_history-of-tutus.aspx They are also a favorite among little girls.

1. Cut twice as many layers of tulle as you would to make a regular tutu.
2. Sew the tutu as you would any other, but use a thicker thread to hold all those layers together.

These are tutus that have an elegant ribbon at the waist.

1. Instead of using an elastic band, use a ribbon.
2. Sew the tutu as you would any other, but sew the layers of tulle to the back (or non-shiny) side of the ribbon, so that the stitches cannot be seen.http://sewing.about.com/od/hallowee1/ss/ballerinatutu_4.htm