How to Sew Ballet Costume

Making the Tutu

1). Measure your waist with a flexible measuring tape. Add 24 inches to the measurement. Cut a piece of satin, in any color, 4-inches wide and as long as the waist measurement, to create the waistband.
2). Cut 15 pieces of stiff tulle in the desired color. Match the length to the waist measurement from the prior step and the width 6 inches. The width determines the length of the tutu.
3). Stack the 15 pieces of tulle on top of one another, with the long sides flush. Sew a straight stitch across length of the tulle, 1/2 inch from the edge, back stitching at the beginning and end of the stitch.
4). Fold the piece of satin from step 1 in half width-wise to create a 2-inch-wide piece of fabric. Insert the sewn edge of the tulle in between the folded edges of the satin strip. Center the tulle in the middle of the satin so there are 12 inches of loose satin on either side. Use straight pins to secure the ribbon to the tulle.
5). Sew 1/2-inch up from the edge of the satin strip, using a sewing machine with a straight stitch, back stitching at the ends. When you sew the satin strip, ensure you sew the tulle, as well to secure it in the satin band. Remove the straight pins.

1). Wear a pair of opaque tights in white or pink. Wear a leotard over top of the tights. Choose a leotard in a color that matches the tutu you created.
2). Tie the tutu around your waist using the ends of the satin fabric, making a bow at the waist.
3). Wear a pair of ballet slippers.
4). Brush your hair into a high ponytail, using hair gel to smooth out any stray hairs. Secure the ponytail with a rubber band hair tie. Twist the end of the ponytail. Coil the twisted ponytail around the ponytail. Use bobby pins to secure the coil to your head. Apply hairspray to your hair to secure it all.
5). Apply makeup, as desired.