Safety Notice: Handmade items made from this pattern may contain small parts or long cords that pose choking or strangulation risks. Not suitable for children under 3 years. Please see the full safety disclaimer at sewmag.co.uk/safety.
There’s nothing kids love more than dressing up, so why not craft your little one a special outfit as a Christmas treat? Made from layers of coloured netting this tutu is perfect for girlie girls. It can be made for ages 18-24 months and 3-4 years and includes a customised top and jingle bell wand.
Stitch a tutu
Cut a 40cm x 110cm (44cm x 114cm) piece of white netting. Sew the two shortest ends together to make a tube then fold the tube over on itself to create two layers of netting. Pin into place then stitch a line 2cm from the folded edge to make a channel for the elastic. Leave a 4cm gap in the seam for threading the elastic through.
Cut another piece of white netting, 36cm x 110cm (40cm x 114cm) and sew the short ends together. Fold over to make two layers with the seam on the inside. Pin and tack just underneath the waistband, matching up the seams. Repeat this with a 32cm x 110cm (36cm x 114cm) piece of green netting and two pieces of bright pink netting measuring 28cm x 110cm (32cm x 114cm). All the layers should be pinned then tacked together with the main skirt. Machine stitch all the way around.
Cut 150cm (154cm) of pale pink ribbon and pin this along the machine stitching, leaving equal lengths at either end. Position it to cover the stitches and overlap the waistband slightly then sew down both edges. Leave a 4cm gap to tie a bow with the two loose ends.
Cut a 48cm (52cm) piece of elastic, put a safety pin through one end and pin the other to the skirt. Thread the end with the safety pin through the waistband. Adjust the elastic accordingly, remove the safety pin then sew the ends together. Stitch the gap in the net together with a few over stitches and tie the loose ends of pink ribbon into a bow. Cut eight pieces of 7cm x 37cm pale pink netting and tie into bows. Position evenly around the bottom of the bright pink netting and sew on.
Customise a top
Make a wand
Cut a 37cm piece of bamboo cane, making sure that at least one end has a hole down the centre. Cut a 1m length of pink, silver-edged ribbon and another of white. Stick double-sided tape, about 15cm at a time, on the back of each. Wind the white ribbon diagonally round the bamboo cane, leaving a gap between for the other ribbon and some overhang at each end. Peel off each bit of tape backing as you go.