2024 Summer Knitting and Tutu Ideas in Acton

Hey dancers, Emma here! The sun is shining, birds are singing, and it’s time to ditch the heavy tights and embrace the sunshine. But who says ballet fashion has to be boring in summer? Let's talk tutus!

For the past few months, I’ve been immersed in the world of yarn and needles, experimenting with knitted tutus. Yes, you read that right - knitted tutus. It's a little bit bohemian, a lot bit stylish, and perfect for the warmer weather. Today I'm going to share my favourite tips for making your own tutus, but first, let's delve into the inspiration behind this fashion trend!

The classic ballet tutu - a symbol of grace, elegance, and fairy tale magic - is having a revival! But this time, it's all about colour, texture, and a playful spirit. Imagine vibrant pinks and blues, delicate lace patterns, and a whole lotta #tutuknitted goodness.

What I love most about knitting tutus is the versatility. You can experiment with different yarns, textures, and colours, giving them a unique touch that's totally your own. You could go for a romantic, vintage look with fine merino wool or add a pop of colour with bright acrylic yarns. Plus, the options are endless - from sleek, modern designs to whimsical, airy tutus that float with every movement.

One of my favourite haunts for inspiration in Acton is "Yarn Paradise" on High Street. They have a brilliant selection of threads for every mood and every project - from fine silks to chunky tweeds, their yarns have the ability to spark a thousand tutu ideas! They also offer amazing knitting workshops - a perfect excuse to mingle with fellow knitters, learn some new tricks, and be surrounded by the calming aroma of wool.

Speaking of workshops, the Acton Art Centre is another go-to place. Their craft classes are a fantastic way to get your hands on the needle and learn new skills. It's a great place to meet like-minded creatives, discover new patterns, and maybe even find a knitting buddy for those long, elaborate projects! I also recommend a trip to the Acton Library - they have a hidden treasure trove of vintage knitting books and pattern guides. You never know what magical creations you might stumble upon!

Now that we’re all inspired, let’s talk design. Forget your usual tutus - this is the time to let your imagination run wild. Here’s what's trending this season:

1. Floral & Fruity: * Embracing summer's vibrant energy, why not try *flower-patterned cotton yarn or a tutu with fruit embellishments? This is the perfect way to add a pop of playful colour. A simple peach or strawberry pendant hung on the skirt could really elevate the look!

2. Beach Babe Chic: * This style leans towards lighter yarns like linen or silk - perfect for that airy summer look. *Lacy details and crochet elements work perfectly for a romantic seaside vibe. And hey, maybe even incorporate sea-shell motifs or sequin details for that touch of glamorous beach magic.

3. Bold & Colourful: Let's face it, who doesn't love a bold and colourful look? Think vibrant colours like hot pink, emerald green, sunshine yellow. Play around with bright colour combinations, like a shocking pink skirt with a royal blue bodice - just keep it vibrant and lively. This style looks particularly impressive when teamed with bright, floral printed leotards, but feel free to get creative!

*4. Sustainable Style: * More and more knitters are opting for eco-friendly yarns like organic cotton and recycled wool. This is a great way to reduce your environmental impact and make sustainable style a part of your ballet wardrobe. There are also amazing recycled plastic yarn alternatives, which offer vibrant colour combinations and can be a great alternative for a bold look.

Okay, now it’s time to dive in. I’ve put together a simple knitted tutu guide for you all - perfect for a beginner knitter or those wanting a refresh. We’re keeping things simple, with the basic shape of a traditional tutu.

What You'll Need:

• Yarn: Your choice of yarn! Use different types to create texture and play with color.
• Knitting Needles: Choose needles to match the yarn thickness.
• Scissors: A trusty pair for trimming your masterpiece.
• Measuring tape: Perfect for getting those tutu dimensions spot on.
• Elastic: For securing your tutu comfortably around the waist.

Basic Tutu Knitting Instructions:

1. Cast on: The first step in knitting any garment, so follow the standard cast-on instructions according to your yarn's thickness.
2. Knitting the Rows: Once cast on, knit using your chosen stitch - I usually go for a plain knit for this kind of project as it creates a flexible and easy-to-work with fabric. Keep the number of rows for each tutu layer flexible - the more you do, the longer your layers!
3. Ending the Rows: After creating the first row, finish by casting off the stitches, using your standard method to avoid any loose or frayed ends. Repeat this for every tutu layer!
4. Attaching layers: You’re basically making small ‘tube’ like shapes for the tutu - a fun and fast process! Once all of your layers are complete, use your preferred sewing technique to attach each layer one after the other. Remember to keep them in a gradient size order so the largest one is at the bottom, with each layer gradually getting smaller. You want that full and layered look, right?
5. The Bodice: While you can make the whole piece, including the bodice, out of knit fabric, for a ballet look it’s a great idea to create the top of the tutu with a traditional ballet leotard! This will ensure that the shape is sleek, while also being practical.
6. Adding Elastic: Finally, use a length of elastic to create a waist band, secure this into the tutu bodice (or the top layer of the skirt). To attach, I often sew in the elastic at the end and stitch down each side. Be sure to try on for comfort before you completely secure this.

Embellishments & Extra Touches:

1. Flowers: Let’s go floral! Create simple fabric flower patterns or use felt cut-outs for a unique, romantic look.
2. Pearls: Use beaded thread or yarn for pearl embellishments, or add decorative charms or beads around the waistband and bodice.
3. Sequins: Sparkly is never wrong - especially on stage! This will catch the light during any performance, adding to your stage presence.
4. Ruching: It creates lovely textures and folds in fabric, adding dimension to your tutu. Try it in delicate cotton yarns!

These tutus aren't just about the studio, they are perfect for the sunshine-drenched streets of Acton. Imagine walking through Acton Park or grabbing a coffee at the Acton High Street - every movement will feel like a graceful dance with the summer breeze!

But it's not just about fashion - it's about celebrating summer with a creative twist, embracing the vibrant energy, and letting our love for ballet blossom under the sun! I hope this tutu-tal inspiration inspires you all to create some beautiful knitwear this summer!

*Don't forget to share your creations on social media using the hashtag #tutuknitted #tutuwool! I can't wait to see what you create! *

*Emma - Your Knitted Tutu Blogger! *