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How to make a recycled tutu with fabric scraps

Introduction

How to make a recycled tutu with fabric scraps

Ready to pirouette

Do you have a girl who likes to spin? Have her help you make a colorful tutu that she can call her own. Even if she's not handy with scissors, she can help position the fabric and tie it to the elastic..

Step 1

How to make a recycled tutu with fabric scraps

Elastic cut to size

To determine the length of the elastic, measure your child's waist. Subtract 4 inches and then cut to that size. (For example, my son's waist is 21 inches, minus 4 equals a 17-inch piece of elastic.) Keep in mind that the elastic will stretch when you wrap fabric scraps around it. For the best fit, always measure the child. But in case you don't have that option, here's a list of the average waist size for a child's age:12 to 18 months =15 1/2"; 2T =16”; 3T =16 1/2”; 4T=17”; 5T=17 1/2”, 6T=18”; 7yrs.=18 1/2", 8yrs.=19". Add 1” to elastic for each additional year through teen.

Step 2

How to make a recycled tutu with fabric scraps

Pin the elastic waist

Fold the elastic over so the ends meet and overlap. Paint it instead.

Step 3

How to make a recycled tutu with fabric scraps

Sew the elastic waist

Use a needle and thread or a sewing machine to join the ends.

Stage 4

How to make a recycled tutu with fabric scraps

Prepare scrap fabric

Cut the fabric into 2 1/2" x 22" strips.

Step 5

How to make a recycled tutu with fabric scraps

Fold

When you have cut all the fabric into strips, take the first strip and fold it in half so that a loop is formed.

Step 6

How to make a recycled tutu with fabric scraps

Wrap around the elastic

Bring the fabric loop up and over the inside of the elastic. The bottom of the fabric will be below the elastic waistband and the top of the bow will be on top.

Step 7

How to make a recycled tutu with fabric scraps

Grab the bottom

With the loop still above the elastic, grab both bottom ends of the fabric strip.

Step 8

How to make a recycled tutu with fabric scraps

Loop together

Pull the bottom ends of the fabric strips through their top fabric loop.

Step 9

How to make a recycled tutu with fabric scraps

Secure it

Pull tight to create a knot around the top of the elastic.

Step 10

How to make a recycled tutu with fabric scraps

Continue the process

Repeat with remaining fabric strips.

Step 11

How to make a recycled tutu with fabric scraps

Knot and squish

As you add the strips of fabric, occasionally push the top knots together. This will stretch out the elastic a bit and give you some extra room to add more straps and create a really full tutu.

Step 12

How to make a recycled tutu with fabric scraps

Keep going

Repeat until you have made it all the way around the entire piece of elastic.

Step 13

How to make a recycled tutu with fabric scraps

Finish off with bows

If you like, add bow ties around the top of the tutu. Place a strip of fabric under the top of one of the tutu pieces. Your new fabric strip will be centered with the tutu strip below it.

Step 14

How to make a recycled tutu with fabric scraps

Tying the bows

Tie the new strip of fabric in a bow around the tutu strip. Repeat on several tutu strips around the top edge of the tutu.

Step 15

How to make a recycled tutu with fabric scraps

Come on girl

Wear the tutu over your favorite tights or leggings for an ultra cool look!