How To Make A Tutu With Ribbon And Tulle

Finding the perfect tutu for your little one can be frustrating. The ones in stores are either too expensive, too plain, or made from rough, itchy material that your child refuses to wear. Maybe you’ve found a cute one, but it’s not the right size, or the colors don’t match the outfit you had in mind.

What if you could make a beautiful, high-quality tutu yourself? One that fits perfectly, comes in any color you want, and doesn’t break the bank? With just some tulle, ribbon, and a little time, you can create a tutu that’s as unique as your child, without the stress of searching through store racks or paying high prices.

What is a Tutu?

A tutu is a lightweight, fluffy skirt made from layers of tulle. It is often worn for ballet, dress-up, costumes, or special occasions like birthdays and photo shoots. Tutus can be short and stiff, like those used in ballet performances, or long and flowy for a softer look. They come in different colors and styles, making them fun and easy to match with outfits.

Most tutus are made by tying or sewing tulle onto a waistband, such as an elastic band or ribbon. Some have extra decorations like glitter, sequins, or bows to make them even prettier. You can buy tutus in stores or create a homemade tutu using simple materials for a personalized touch.

10 Steps Make A Tutu With Ribbon And Tulle

Using ribbon and tulle, you can create a beautiful skirt for dress-up, costumes, or special events. This no-sew method is easy and perfect for beginners. Follow these simple steps to design your own custom tutu with the colors and length you like!

1. Cutting the Tulle for Your Tutu

Buy a spool of tulle and cut it twice as long as you want the tutu to be. Measure from your waist to where you want the tutu to end, like mid-thigh or knee-length. Double that measurement and cut the tulle to match. Use the whole spool and keep the cut pieces in a small pile.

You'll need at least one spool of tulle, but for a longer or fuller tutu, you might need up to three. The tulle should be wide enough to make the skirt look full. Spools of tulle are usually about 6 inches (15 cm) wide, which is great for making tutus. You can find them in craft stores.

2. Measure and Cut the Ribbon

First, wrap a measuring tape around your waist to find your size. Add 48 inches (120 cm) so there's enough ribbon to tie a bow. Choose a 1/2-inch (1.3 cm) wide ribbon in a color that matches your tulle. Satin or grosgrain ribbons work best because they hold their shape well and look nice.

Once you have the right length, cut the ribbon at an angle. This helps prevent fraying and gives a clean look. To make it even neater, lightly seal the ends with a flame, like from a candle or lighter, but be careful not to burn the ribbon.

3. Tie Knots to Keep Tulle in Place

Tie a knot in the ribbon 24 inches (61 cm) from each end. First, measure 24 inches (61 cm) from the left end and tie a knot. Then, do the same on the right end. These knots help keep the tulle in place when you put on or take off the tutu.

If you want the tutu to fit snugly, make sure to use a ribbon that is long enough to tie around the waist with extra length for a bow. You can also adjust the knot placement if you need a bigger or smaller fit. Using a non-slip ribbon, like grosgrain, can help keep the tutu from shifting while wearing it.

4. Use a Round Base to Tie the Ribbon

Wrap the ribbon around a round base. Roll a piece of poster paper into a tube that fits your waist and tape it to keep its shape. Then, wrap the ribbon around it and tie it. This step is optional, but many people find it easier to attach tulle strips when the ribbon is on a round base. It helps keep the ribbon steady and prevents it from twisting while you work.

You can also use a bigger tube and use the two knots as a guide for where to place the tulle. This makes sure the tulle is spread evenly and the final design looks neat. If you don’t have poster paper, you can use a cardboard tube, a plastic container, or anything round and sturdy to hold the ribbon in place.

5. Attach Tulle to a Ribbon

Fold a piece of tulle in half and place it behind the ribbon. Bring the two narrow ends together and fold it again. Push the folded part behind the ribbon, leaving about 1 inch (2.5 cm) sticking out at the bottom. Gently pull and adjust the tulle to make sure it looks even and fluffy.

If you want a fluffier tutu, use 2 or 3 layers of tulle instead of one. You can also mix different colors of tulle for a fun and colorful look. Make sure all the pieces are the same length so the tutu looks neat and balanced.

6. Thread the Tulle Ends Through the Loop

Pull the long ends of the tulle strip through the loop. Hold both ends together and push them through the loop. Then, pull them down to tighten the knot. Make sure the knot is tight enough to bunch up and fold the ribbon, but not so tight that it tears the tulle. 

Adjust the loops if needed to make them even. When you're done, the tulle should stick out from the bottom edge of the ribbon, creating a soft, decorative effect. You can trim the ends for a neater look or leave them long for a more flowing style.

7. Adding and Adjusting the Tulle Strips

Move the tulle to the left knot and add another piece. After securing the first strip, slide it along the ribbon until it touches the knot on the left. Take a second strip, fold it in half, place it behind the ribbon, and pull the ends through the loop. Then, slide it over until it touches the first piece of tulle.

Keep repeating this process until you cover the entire ribbon or reach the look you want. Adjust the tulle pieces as needed to make them even and fluffy. This method works well for decorating gift boxes, party favors, or DIY crafts, adding a soft and elegant touch.

8. Adjust the Fullness of the Tutu

Keep adding strips of tulle until you reach the other knot. You can make the tutu fuller or thinner by adjusting how close the strips are. Pushing them close together makes the tutu fluffy, while leaving space between them makes it thinner. 

If you want an extra full tutu, use more strips and scrunch them tightly. For a softer, flowy look, space them out evenly. You can also mix different colors of tulle for a fun, layered effect.

9. Trimming Your Tutu

Take the tutu off the cylinder base and trim it if needed. Once you reach the knot at the other end of the ribbon, you're done. Lay the tutu flat on a surface and smooth out the tulle strips. Trim any pieces that are too long to give it a neat and even look. If you prefer a playful design, you can cut the tulle into points or curves for added style.

If you want an uneven look, you can leave the bottom untrimmed—great for a forest or pirate fairy style! Don't worry about short pieces; the tutu is full enough that they won’t be noticeable. To add extra fluff, gently shake the tutu or run your fingers through the tulle. If the fabric looks wrinkled, lightly steam it or hang it in the bathroom while you take a hot shower to help smooth it out.

10. Tie a Big Bow Around Your Waist

You can place the bow in the front or back, depending on your style. If the bow looks too big, trim the ends to make it shorter. Cut both sides evenly so it looks neat, and seal the edges with a lighter or fabric glue to prevent fraying. This finishing touch adds elegance to your no sew tulle skirt, giving it a polished look.

For a more secure fit, double-knot the bow or use a small safety pin to keep it in place. If you want a fancier look, try layering two ribbons or adding a decorative pin in the center of the bow.

Creating a tutu with ribbon and tulle is a fun and easy DIY project. It teaches patience, creativity, and basic crafting skills. Following these steps, you now know how to measure, cut, and attach tulle to make a beautiful skirt. You also learned how small details, like sealing ribbon edges and trimming tulle evenly, make a big difference in the final look.

The Joy of Creating a Tutu

Making a tutu with ribbon and tulle isn’t just about creating a cute skirt—it’s about finding joy in making something special with your own hands. Instead of settling for store-bought tutus that never seem quite right, you’ve learned how to craft one that’s soft, fluffy, and exactly the way you want it.

Beyond the finished tutu, this project teaches patience, creativity, and the satisfaction of making something unique for your child. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the best solutions aren’t in stores—they’re in the effort and love we put into creating something ourselves.

BBCrafts has everything you need—high-quality tulle, satin ribbons, and crafting supplies in a variety of colors and styles. Skip the frustration of store-bought tutus and create something truly special with materials designed for DIY perfection. Shop now at BBCrafts and start crafting a tutu as unique as your little one!

Key Takeaways

Make the Perfect Tutu
Store-bought tutus often have problems—they can be too rough, too pricey, or the wrong color and size. When you make your own tutu, you get to choose soft, comfortable tulle in any color you want. You can also make sure it fits perfectly, so your child stays happy and comfortable.

Easy No-Sew Method
You don’t need to sew to make a beautiful tutu. This no sew tutu method involves cutting tulle into strips and tying them onto a ribbon. You can adjust the length, color, and fluffiness as you go. It’s a fun and beginner-friendly project that doesn’t require special skills.

Save Money & Get Creative
Buying a tutu from a store can be expensive, especially if you need a special design or color. Learning how to make tutu skirts yourself costs less and lets you customize them with extra layers, bows, or glitter. You also get the satisfaction of creating something unique with your own hands.