Hi everyone I finished making this tutu about a fortnight ago and thought I would post some pictures to find out what you think. Comments well.











Fingers crossed the images show I haven't posted pics before.

Sorry the pictures are huge, I don't know how to make them smaller.

It is beautifull! The tutu itself and your professional way of sewing. Did you use a pattern (are there patterns for tutu's?) or just your fantasy?
And how much time did it take you?

the tutu is absolutely stunning

thanks for you advice

There are patterns for tutus but they are hard to find and often they are copyrighted so you can't use them to make tutus for sale. I started out with a pattern but changed it enough so it wouldn't infringe on copyright.
I'm not a professional sewer, but have been sewing for many years. The tutu took about 3 weeks because I did make a lot of changes to the way I had made before.The design on the bodice was just from my my mind and the cut of the plate is similar to a picture I saw on the Internet (again with changes, so no copyright problems)

Anne, your welcome about the advice any other questions just let me know.

I'm speechless! It's so gorgeous! I absolutely adore the color. It's so beautiful! Aaaaaaah!

Where can I get a pattern for a tutu?
No, I don't want to make them for sale. First I want to be able to do so. Second, maybe if it turns out well, I can make them for my performances. And yes, like you I would make a lot of changes. But just the basic form of the body and the skirt.
Can you help me?

It depends where you live, in the US there is Tutu.com they sell all kinds of dance patterns (tutus, leotards, dance dresses etc). I think the UK has a place called Nevtex(?)that has a tutu pattern, in Australia (where I am) there was a man selling tutu patterns but I have heard that he doesn't do that anymore. Other countries I don't know about. If you can sew reasonably well or know someone who does you could use commercial patterns (McCalls etc) and use bustier/prom/wedding dress patterns combined with fitted slacks pattern (for the basque and knickers) This way is much more involved but possible.

Thank you! Just visited nevtex.co.uk and tutu.com. Those are usefull! Thanks again!

Oh my goodness, that is stunning! It's just absolutely beautiful. And purple is my favourite colour. Did you make this tutu for a specific ballet/ballerina, or just for fun?

Wow that tutu is just...wow. There isn't a word to describe that tutu. You have some real talent.

*gazes at tutu*

Lauren

That is a beautiful tutu but I think what I love most is that you used the term fortnight!

Thanks for the kind comments, I appreciate the feedback. I didn't make the tutu for any specific ballet or dancer, just seeing if I can make one really well. I'm thinking about making tutus to sell if I can do them properly. If you think there is anything that can be done better let me know.

That is a VERY well made tutu. I'm impressed - the cut is going to be very flattering, and all that seam detail is very fine.


* I'm curious to know why the back of the bodice seems to 'split' into two parts though. Is there an overlap or something? And some sort of fastening to hold it together? I'm concerned that if the dancer bends forward, there might be a bit of skin poking through...

Some constructive criticism: Can you sew the tutu plate on with the top layer of the tulle? I can just see it puckering here and there where I think you've hand-stitched it. (Perhaps an alternative would be to use smaller hand-stitches next time)

Secondly, hand-sewing the triangular point of the tutu bodice to match the machine stitching on the rest of the bodice/basque would also make a finer finish

Thanks for the advice glitter fairy and for fixing the last image. Where you can see the split that is the basque and bodice, there is an overlap and when fastened there is is enough underlap so skin doesn't show. This is how I have seen tutus made here. There are many different ways I think it just finding what works for you and the dancer.
Yeah, the plate is puckered, next time I need to take more out of it so it lies flatter. And I agree about the hand stitches I'm going to try to machine that part next time, it will be difficult but you're right about it being a better finish. The v point has a swing tack underneath, so it is attached but leaves some 'play' there for movement.

with the point - perhaps it is possible to keep the swing tack, but handstitch anyway to make it look like the line of the machine sewing is continued? Or maybe even press it prior to adding the swing tack - what's most noticable is more the fact it doesn't appear to be pressed and is poofing out a little, creating a contrast with all the sharp, clean lines you have going elsewhere

Other than that, again a very nice job.

A question though - that looks like boning on the SF and C seams. Where did you find boning casing in violet? Or did you make it yourself? It's a very nice touch!

tutu.com sell tutu patterns, and they ship to most places i think!? im in australia and we get their patterns here.

they have some gorgeous bodice patterns, i'l put some pics up another time of them, but yeah, worth getting!!

your tutu is stunning, love the colours and im very impressed you hand sewed on the hooks and eyes and didnt just use hook & eye tape! very good!

xo

No its not boning casing just bias binding, its really hard to track down specialist materials and other stuff, like sprung steel boning, crinoline wire. YYou have to make do with what is available or do without. The first tutu I made I used hook and eye tape but it for me it takes much more hair tearing out to use the tape and get it right than using hooks and eyes.

Wow! That is really great! I am impressed! Great job!

It's very pretty The colour is gorgeous! I'd love to wear it

Wow! It's gorgeous. I think you made a really good job of it. The colour is lovely too.

Wow! I think I want to have this tutu! It's so pretty and I love the color and the lacy bits on the front.

Wow! I think I want to have this tutu! It's so pretty and I love the color and the lacy bits on the front.

OMG!!!! I want them!!! I thought they were absolutley beautiful..... It will now be in my mind now for a while!!!


~MK

Gorgeous. I would pay you to make my tutus.