Hey, darlings! Emma here, your local ballet blogger and resident tutu fanatic, ready to whisk you off to a world of summery knitwear dreams. I know, I know, "knitting in summer?!" you might be thinking. But hear me out, my fashion-forward ballerinas! Knitting isn't just for winter anymore – it's an art form bursting with creative potential, especially when it comes to those quintessential dance staples: leotards and tutus. And let's be honest, nothing screams 'summer ballerina' like a bright, cheerful, handmade tutu, right?
Finding Your Perfect Yarn – Wembley’s Secret KnittersWembley, you guys are seriously lucky! We're not just home to Wembley Stadium and the iconic London Eye, but also a thriving knitting scene that’s just begging to be explored. There's this amazing shop called [insert a name for an imaginary yarn shop in Wembley] tucked away on [street name, or area name in Wembley], that has become my go-to for all things woolly. Seriously, they've got everything from sparkly, shimmering threads to gorgeous, light-as-air cotton that’s perfect for summer creations. Trust me, I've tried them all!
For my latest summer tutu designs, I'm obsessed with mercerized cotton yarn. This clever stuff not only gives a super-smooth finish – making it feel incredibly luxurious on the skin – but it's also really easy to work with, which is a godsend for those of us with a 'get it done quick' mentality! If you're new to knitting, [shop name]'s staff are super friendly and offer great workshops – it's honestly the best way to pick up new skills, plus it's a brilliant excuse for some social knitting and chat!
Tutu Knits: The Power of PinkFor those of you who don’t know me, you're in for a treat! Pink, you guys, pink is my thing, pink is my world. I literally love it. But pink isn't just for princesses – it's a power colour, one that celebrates all things bold and feminine, perfect for reflecting summer’s joy and energy. I’ve found the perfect pink shade in the [insert a fictional brand name of yarn that the store mentioned has, describe color, texture and how it's best to use it] yarn, which I used to whip up this seriously adorable ballerina-inspired mini-tutu, and honestly, I can't get enough of it!
Here's a quick and easy summer knitting tutorial, inspired by my very own pink dream:
Materials you’ll need:
- Pink, mercerized cotton yarn (ideally, about [amount needed] – this might change depending on how fluffy your tutu)
- Crochet hook size [appropriate hook size based on the yarn used, look it up or make up a number to fit**]
- A good pair of scissors
- Optional: elastic ribbon for a waistband
Let’s get started!
The Base: Using your crochet hook and yarn, make a foundation chain [length of the base in stitches/or number of stitches based on the circumference]. This is the base for your tutu's fluffy fullness, and the size will dictate its volume and length.
The Chains: Make a chain stitch and use the slip stitch to connect back to the foundation chain. Now make another chain stitch. Now you’re going to add a loop of chain. You’ll be creating individual loops, that will become the layers of your tutu, until you have the desired width. (I use at least 30 for a fluffy look). Once you reach your chosen width, tie off the chain loop, leaving a little extra thread for attaching.
Attaching Your Chains: Remember those little tails from your loops? Use those to carefully secure the chain to the foundation chain, with slip knots, leaving it at the back of the loop for a smooth, finished look. This may require some practice to get your knot nice and tight! It also requires precision, too short and you can pull your whole tutu apart.
Repeat and Layer Up: Now comes the fun part, the part where your tutu magic really begins to take shape. Continue adding new loops of chain, making them longer (just by a little bit) than the one before, as this will create the lovely tiered effect for your tutu. The length of the chain will make it sit longer, shorter and will effect its shape. This process could be considered very therapeutic if done right.
Final touches and waistband: Tie off each loop of chain neatly and then secure your chain loops with careful, firm, but precise, knotting around your foundation chain to the back of the loop. To keep it a consistent pattern I tend to start and stop the tying off with a chain stitch, but that is totally up to you and the type of finish you like. This step can feel long and monotonous, but be patient with yourself and your creation. Take breaks and you can even find a show or listen to an album on Spotify! The finished effect is well worth it. To finish, attach elastic to the back, making sure it sits well at the waist and you don't feel too restricted or it starts to unknot and unwind! I love the look of the waistband being exposed, it makes the look really contemporary, I'd call it the ‘Wembley Waistband’ because I was wearing my new pink tutu when I dreamt this idea up, during my ballet practice in [name of a gym or dance school, or local theatre, near the Wembley Stadium area]! I'm sure they thought I was a little odd when they saw me twirling around, but I had my pink tutu in my head!
Customised Knits – You Can't Go Wrong
That's just the starting point, though. The magic of hand-knit tutus lies in the customisation. I’m obsessed with adding those extra little details: ribbons in beautiful shades, funky pompoms, and even hand-knitted flowers to accentuate the shape, giving them an extra level of personality. Think about matching your leotard for a show-stopping ensemble. For me, my knitted ballet fashion is as much about individuality as it is about the performance!
My Wembley Inspiration: Knit a Little History
I can't mention knitting and fashion without paying homage to Wembley's vibrant textile history, you guys. It was a major textile centre back in the day, with [reference a textile/knitting company associated with the area or history. Examples (this will need to be accurate and confirmed, the example ones are just to show the style): *Did you know a large jute factory used to be on Wembley High Road?! OR Back in the Victorian times, the [insert historical knitwear/fabric making company name] made all sorts of stunning textiles here!] Even today, with [name a textile shop that is open currently in the area], the love of yarn and fabric lives on in the heart of this incredible community!
Get Out There and Create!
Wembley, let's celebrate this beautiful tradition of handmade crafts! This summer, ditch the shops, grab your knitting needles, and bring out those summer-ready colours, it's time to #tutuknitted! From whimsical pastels to sun-kissed shades of coral and orange, let your creativity take the lead! And of course, #tutuwool your heart out, ladies! This summer is yours to knit! And while you’re at it, show me your creations! You know where to find me - @EmmaTutuTime!
Emma XO
