I have no idea why it has taken me so long to put this post up on the blog! Especially since it’s one of my favorite projects of late and the main subject happens to be pretty high on my list :)
A few weeks before the photo shoot I started planning Baby E’s outfits. Oh my gosh I’m so glad I had a girl because they are SO much fun to dress up! I knew I wanted one of the outfits to be a fluffy pink tutu, strands of pearls and a big headband. I had such a specific vision for the outfit and I knew the only way I was going to achieve the complete look was to make it. So that’s what I did.
I love how it turned out. Baby E had fun playing with the ruffles and we have some really great shots of her twirling the pearls. She is SUCH a girly girl :)
Here is a closer look at the tutu. I’ve also provided a quick tutorial at the end of the post.
Coordinating headband and pearls…
Tutorial
What you need to make the tutu:
– 1-2 spools of 6″ tulle (You can also cut tulle into strips, but once I discovered the precut spools I was hooked)
-Elastic for waistband
-1″ satin ribbon for trim
1. Cut the tulle into 22″ strips (or length of your choice) and cut the ribbon into 6 1/2″ strips
2. Machine sew the ribbon onto each end of the tulle strips
Now here are where things get a bit tricky because I totally failed and forgot to take pictures of the rest of the steps. So I’ll do my best to explain them.
4. Sew the ends of the elastic together to create the waistband. Baby E is on the smaller side for a 6 month old and the waistband was about 10″ and she still had some room.
5. Take each piece of tulle and tie it onto the waistband, just one tight loop will do the trick (like the 1st step in tying your shoe).
6. Repeat step 5 until the waistband is completely covered. The more the pieces you fit on the skirt, the fuller and fluffier it will be.
7. To keep the ends of the satin ribbon from fraying, you can place some Fray Check 
And that’s it! I’m thinking about making a Holiday version for Santa Pics :)
This tutu will be making an appearance at these parties :)
About Taryn Whiteaker
Taryn Whiteaker is the voice of style behind TarynWhiteaker.com (formerly Design, Dining and Diapers) ! Taryn is a previous PR/Marketing professional who got back to her creative roots after becoming a mom and now shares her passion for home decor and design for the world to see. Taryn lives in the greater Seattle area with her husband and three kids and loves coffee, the outdoors, and exploring with her family.
I love tutu’s, they are soo easy and effective, I made one like this for my girl a little while back :-)
Sweeeet! And so pretty in pink! I think every little girl should have a fabulous tutu! :)
Hoping to see your Christmas version. I don’t think that a wee girl can have enough tutus :-) Mine has an ever-growing collection.
Happy new follower and hoping that you can pop over and share at my Pin’Inspiration Party.
So dang cute! So glad you linked up with us!
Marie
mylilpinkpocket.blogspot.com
That is absolutely adorable! One of the cutest tutus I have seen online. I have made my little cupcake a tutu for each birthday, but I am thinking this year at 7 she might be getting to old. sniff sniff.. : )
I don’t think you can ever be too old for tutu’s! Heck, there are some amazing adult ones out there too :)
How gorgeous! What a cutie little girl too.
Thank you!
This is nothing short of adorable. I love making tutus, also, for my daughter. And her photo is beyond cute!
SO So pretty!! You did a lovely job. Would love it if you would stop by and share this at my link party going on right now :)
Have a great week!!
I’ll be feaaturing you tomorrow during STICKER TIME Part 2.
Thank you SO much Desiree! I’m really excited :)
wow so stinken pretty! very very cute! love the pink :)
Love it, but FYI it is tulle. Toile is another kind of fabric.
I KNEW It looked wrong! Thanks for the note :)
this is by far my fav tutu I’ve seen around online, so I decided “oh, I’ll just whip up 12 for my 5 year old’s birthday party. But uh, yeah…you failed to mention how LONG it takes to sew those ribbons! WOW. I’m only two in and I think I might die. ;)
Hey Taryn! It’s Chelsea! Love your blog. If I want to make this for a newborn should I still use 22″ long tulle? What do you think? I don’t have a baby to measure so I’m going on a whim. Thank you for sharing your creative expertise :)
Hey Chelsea! I would definitely make it shorter for a new born, maybe even as short as 10-12″. The 22″ pieces of tulle make a really long skirt. Baby E is on the tall side and at 9 months the skirt was way below her knees. This would look super cute for a newborn! Congrats on your baby girl :)
Thanks Taryn! I finished it today – it’s so tiny and cute I can’t wait for her to get here and to try it on. I love it.
Oh I’m so glad! I can’t wait to see pics :)
Quick tip- I make these all the time. You see the ribbon to long pieces of tulle and then cut it into 6 inch strips! Also- I never cut the ribbon first (I have some tulle that only came in strips but I just like up the tulle as I go and keep the ribbon on the spool). Also- I use a wood burner to no fray the edges- fray check stains! :)
Everything I know about sewing, I’ve learned on my own by trial and a lot of error;-). What tension settings and such…thread, etc do you recommend? My machine and I are not agreeing on this project:-(
i love this idea :) As a bow maker i just want to say that if you run a lighter over the ends of your ribbon after cutting and before sewing it to the tulle it will keep the edges from fraying like that :) Gonna make one of these for my daughter as part of her trick-or-treat costume. thanks again.
Do you fold the tulle in half and pull it threw?
Yes, fold in half to create the loop and then pull through.