How to Make a Dazzling No-Sew Tutu

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Trying to figure out how to sew a tutu? What if you didn't have to sew it at all! You'll love how easy it is to make this gorgeous no-sew tutu just as much as your little ballerina will love wearing it.

Photo by Danielle Sara Photography

MATERIALS

- 1 1/2-inch ribbon (yardage will depend on waist measurement; see below)

- 6-inch tulle spools in coordinating colors (2-3, depending on desired fullness)

- measuring tape

- scissors

- 1/4-inch-thick book or piece of cardboard with desired tutu length

- masking tape

Photo by Riche Holmes Grant

First, you will need to take measurements to determine the length of your ribbons. Take your ballerina's waist measurement and then add between 16 and 48 inches to give you enough length to make a bow. We wanted to make a pretty big bow in the back, so we used a total of almost 2 yards (waist measurement of 18 inches, plus 24 inches on each side for the bow). Next, starting at your ballerina's waistline, take a measurement to determine how long you want the tutu to be. In our version, our desired length was 11 1/2 inches.

Photo by Riche Holmes Grant

DIRECTIONS

First, cut your materials:

1. Cut your ribbon to desired length as determined above and set it aside.

2. Going lengthwise, wrap a spool of tulle around the book/cardboard. Continue wrapping until the spool is empty.

3. Use scissors to cut along the top. Set the cut strips aside.

4. Repeat steps 2-4 for each color. We used one full spool of lavender and 1 1/2 spools of hot pink, which made it nice and full.

Photo by Riche Holmes Grant

Then assemble:

1. Lay the ribbon out on a flat surface and use two pieces of masking tape to mark where the waist measurement stops and where the extra length for the bow should begin on each side. Leave room under the ribbon so that you will have space to tie the tulle strips.

2. Starting at one side, lay a strip of tulle under the ribbon, then bring each end together to tie a loose knot in the middle along the ribbon. Do not tighten yet.

3. Repeat step 2 in alternating colors until you reach the other side of the ribbon.

Photo by Riche Holmes Grant

4. Slide the strips closely together. Add additional strips as necessary to reach desired fullness.

5. Fold each strip in half, over the knot and tighten.

Photo by Riche Holmes Grant

6. Remove masking tape and lift tutu to fluff as needed.

Photo by Danielle Sara Photography

7. Place finished tutu around your ballerina's waist and tie a bow in the back.

Photo by Danielle Sara Photography

If you want to photograph just how cute your ballerina looks in her tutu (and I'm sure you will) you can get the look we achieved in these photos with a few helpful tips. Danielle Benson of Danielle Sara Photography recommends setting up your photo shoot near a window (so you have lots of natural light to work with) and removing any clutter from the background. A fun way to add an element of excitement when photographing your ballerina in her tutu is to add glittter, as shown. Confetti is a great option too! Both work best with kids ages 3 and up, and shot outdoors. "If you want to freeze action such as twirling and jumping, make sure that your shutter speed is set to at least 1/200, if not higher, to avoid blurry images or missing the action all together," Benson adds. The most important thing: Let your little one's personality shine through and have fun!

Watch the video below to learn how to stencil t-shirts with glitter!

*This article was first published on the MarthaStewart.com Network on July 30, 2015.

Hey Haute Mamas! I'm Riche Holmes Grant, a modern mom + mompreneur who designs smart + stylish products that make your mommy gig easier.

When I'm not busy taking orders from my #miniboss, I'm contributing to MarthaStewart.com or in the kitchen whipping up delicious family-friendly creations in my BambiniWare Apronini.

Get my FREE book on How to Make the Best Food for Your Baby here!

I live in the Washington, DC area with my husband and daughter. Follow our adventures on Instagram via @BambiniWareLife!