Darling, it's August, which means it's time to turn heads at the barre. Everyone is dreaming of a show stopping outfit, and you know me, I love a dramatic look. But a fabulous tutu is no easy feat. You can’t just fling on a cheap costume and expect to look chic - no darlings. This month, we are going for something a little special, a hint of '80s vintage inspired by a classic design that never gets old - the *tulle ballerina.*
Think of the most delicate fairy. But, with a powerful edge. This is a piece to command attention.
Let's start with the tulle. You can pick any color. I am feeling lavender for the drama - a truly glamorous color this year! Go to your favourite ballet supplier or to an online fabric shop and look for a soft tulle. I’ve always preferred the fine netting kind for this look It drapes better, you can get away with fewer layers. Trust me!
You will need:- 2 - 3 metres of fine soft tulle - in your chosen color
- 20 metres of soft cotton ribbon in white
- Strong sewing thread, and a sewing machine if you have one
- 3 metres of white elastic for the waistband - choose a firm but stretchy elastic (about 3 cms wide).
- Needle and pins
- Sewing scissors
First things first. Measure the length you need for the skirt by wrapping your chosen measuring tape from where you will attach it to the waistband, around your hips. Then down, to where you would like the tutu to finish. Make sure you allow an extra 4 cms on the measurement to allow for your seam allowance.
Now cut a single long length of tulle to the measurement and make a little fold at the top (seam allowance). Your tulle should now be 3- 4 cms longer. This piece is going to be the starting point for the tiered skirt.
To create the layered look, cut 4 cm wide strips of tulle the same length as your skirt measurement - just a little shorter so that the top layer looks a little more voluminous than the others.
The next step is really important, for this it’s handy to have a sewing machine but it can be done by hand, just give yourself extra time.
With your starting tulle (the full length one you just made), fold the edge at the seam allowance and sew down, to secure.
Now you need to layer your tulle onto your base layer! Start by placing your first, shorter layer at the seam and making a single stitch, to fix in place.
Place your next piece a couple of centimetres below your first one, again holding in place with a single stitch to secure.
Now, keep adding more pieces of tulle! Remember that you will need to allow your first layers to have a slightly longer drop, to allow for the extra volume - about an inch and a half on the top two layers of tulle. Once you get down to the base, just cut all your tulle strips to be the same size as the measurement. The bottom layers can just have a slight seam allowance, and a quick stitch at the bottom to secure. You’re now starting to build your tutu! It’s almost there, you can practically hear the music playing, darling. Keep layering and repeat! If you’re using a sewing machine, keep things tidy with straight stitching - that’s going to create that perfectly refined shape, for your graceful figure!
Now you’ll be using the ribbon to secure the tutu to the elasticated waistband.
You’ll be creating loops of ribbon which attach the tulle to the elasticated waistband so I'd advise tying a knot in your ribbon, to help make it easy to thread it through. You can measure and create as many loops as you need. Once they are complete ( make sure to thread each loop with a piece of your ribbon!), fold your ribbon into a half and stitch down each loop to keep it in place, and thread it around your tutu. I love a simple knot at the front and at the back to give a classic style and look.
It's important to keep the ribbon close to the edge of your tulle skirt. And you’ll notice as you attach your loops you have a fantastic ‘bell’ shape forming.
Now it’s time to secure your ribbon to the waistband. This will really set off your tutu.
The best approach here is to tie your ribbon onto the waistband (a loose, comfortable knot will work great), and once you have finished creating your ribbon loops on your tutu, just tie a really strong knot between the ribbon and the waistband, for each of the ribbon loops. Remember, when you are securing your waistband and ribbon to the skirt - to keep it at a nice consistent, smooth length!.
For the finishing touches - I think you've earned a big celebratory dance. Put on some music! Have fun with your creation. Don't be afraid to add some rhinestones, glitter or some beautiful pearl-like accents to the ribbon and waistband.
You're on the road to building a stunning, graceful outfit for your ballet class. Now just wear it with confidence, and prepare to get compliments. Now, go and impress them, darlings!