How to Make a Tu-Tu

I've volunteered to make a tu-tu for my friend Tricia's 40th birthday coming up in April. So I thought it best to do a practice using Sophia.

To start measure the waisteline of your future tu-tu wearer. Sophia's waistline measured 22 inches. Then, subtract 2-3 inches and cut a strip of elastic about 1/2 inch in width to that length (for us it was 20 inches, however,next time I'll subtract 3 inches).

Next, cut strips of tulle. First measure from the waisteline (from waist to bottom of tu-tu was 9 inches. I rounded up to 10 to account for the knots. Then double that. So for us it was 20 inches).

I'm not sure what I did wrong, it's probably a math thing, but I underestimated the amount of tulle needed. I ended up buying 3 rolls of hot pink and 2 in light pink.

I forgot to mention that you have to sew the ends of the elastic together. Oops! I did it by hand. Then wrap the elastic around something, I used Sophia's chair, to help you work with  it better.

Next, start adding strands of tulle. For each "clump" I used 3 pieces. And I alternated the pattern. So the first time, I did light pink, hot pink, light pink and then the next clump I did hot pink, light pink, hot pink. And I just kept going around.

To make the clumps, gather the center of the bundle and pull the ends through to make a knot.

And yes, be aware that if you buy glitter lined tulle, it is MESSY!!!!!!

And here's the finished product on my very unwilling model.

Then she finally came around.

Now off to make Tricia's tu-tu. Gotta her measurements first!