Here Are Ten Easy Steps For Making Your Own Tulle Skirt...
Tulle skirts’ growing popularity may be attributed to their simplicity and their alluring visual quality. Tulle skirts are the perfect garment to help you achieve your airy fantasies, whether you want to wear them every day or as part of a spectacular costume.
Best of all, you can create your own without ever having to purchase one. If you follow these 10 easy steps, you can make your own tulle skirt even if you don’t have much experience or expertise.
Not convinced? If you want to make your own tulle skirt, we’ll show you how in just 10 easy steps. In addition, we will provide you with a wealth of useful advice. If that’s something you’re keen about exploring, then by all means, let’s dive right in!
Is it difficult to make a tulle skirt?
There isn’t much of a learning curve involved in creating your own. However, a tulle skirt often includes many layers of gathered fabric, making it difficult to cut a straight, uniform hem. I have hemmed and sewn several tulle skirts and have learned some useful tricks along the way.
Tulle Fabric
You’re probably already familiar with skirts, but you may be wondering what a tulle skirt really is. Basically, it’s a skirt made entirely of tulle.
And if you’ve never heard of tulle before, we’ll explain it briefly so you can get started making your skirt right away.
Tulle is an extremely thin netting fabric, usually manufactured from polyester fibers, that is light and delicate. Many have commented on the fabric’s ethereal quality, calling it “dreamy,” making it ideal for a magically fanciful wardrobe.
Tulle is often seen in ball gowns and wedding dresses since it is lightweight but yet adds volume, and it also reflects light beautifully.
Most often seen in ballerina attire. Tulle was formerly considered too frilly for daily wear, but it has now evolved into a chic alternative that everyone should try at least once.
Tulle is the stuff that real-life contemporary princesses are made of, so why not build your own tulle skirt and live out your princess fantasies?
How Much Tulle for Skirt
Simply said, the tulle is the most important component in making your own tulle skirt. That’s a given, right? However, how much tulle would be required to create a skirt? So that you have a ballpark figure to work with.
How long and how large a tulle skirt you want to build is a huge factor in the answer, so feel free to adjust the quantities we suggest.
Four rectangles of tulle fabric, each measuring around 118 inches wide and 23 inches long, would be needed to create a normal and ordinary tulle skirt.
Simply add or remove tulle to get the desired fullness of the skirt. The same is true for your desired skirt length.
It’s important to choose the soft kind of tulle fabric (it comes in bolts) so that you can always add more of it to make the skirt larger if you need to.
In order to prevent the skirt from becoming fully see-through and maintain its form, you will need to line it with additional fabric.
On average, we recommend allocating 2 yards of cloth for the lining.
To restate, you have complete freedom in determining the quantity of tulle employed. How long and how full your tulle skirt is will depend on your desired effect. Don’t just take our word for it; adjust our averages and medians to fit your needs.
And because it’s so inexpensive and simple to use, don’t be reluctant to try different amounts of cloth.
To make a tulle skirt yourself in 10 easy steps, read on!
Now that you know the ins and outs of tulle skirts and tulle fabric, let’s dive into the do-it-yourself approach of making your own tulle skirt in just 10 easy steps!
Items required:
To begin, you’ll need to assemble the components you’ll need to sew the skirt together. It is highly discouraged to start a project and then have to quit because an essential item was forgotten.
- Approximately four yards wide and 118 inches long of a silky tulle
- Two yards of satin or taffeta fabric to line the skirt, if you want to make it that way
- Wide elastic measuring about 2 inches in circumference for the waist.
- A sewing machine as well as a needle for the sewing machine
- Thread (check to see that it is the same color as the tulle fabric, please!
- Fabric scissors
- Sewing clips / sewing pins
- A pencil for marking on cloth
- A cutting mat in addition to a rotary cutter
Making a Tulle Skirt: A Step-By-Step Guide with 10 Steps
In order to build the tulle skirt, all you need to do is follow these ten easy steps once you have collected all of the essential supplies and are ready to get started:
Prepare the Tulle Fabric by Cutting It
To begin, you will need to choose how long your tulle skirt will be and set it as your primary goal. After you have made your decision, increase the measurement by one inch; this will give you room to hem the skirt at a later time. After that, you will need to cut the tulle fabric into the parts that will make up the skirt.
For instance, if you want the length of your skirt to be 23 inches, you will need to cut four pieces of tulle that are 24 inches long. Additionally, the width of each piece of tulle should be 118 inches (you can get soft tulle that is 118 inches wide, so this project should be quite simple!).
It is recommended that you use the rotary cutter while cutting these pieces of tulle (on a cutting mat). You may also design the lines where you will cut the cloth by using a ruler and a fabric marking pencil. This will ensure that you do not make any mistakes in the process.
A word of advice from the experts: if you see that the tulle fabric has wrinkles, iron it before you cut the pieces so that the pieces are smoother and come out more accurately. Just remember to keep the iron temperature at a low setting!
Prepare the lining by cutting the fabric to size
As the second phase in the process, you will be responsible for cutting the cloth that will be used as the lining of the skirt. First, measure the circumference of your hips (this is the largest part that the skirt will have to go over when putting it on). Then, to err on the side of caution, add about 2 inches to the measurement that was previously taken.
In order to get the radius of your waist, after you have your measurement, divide it by 3.14, which is the value that represents pi. (Mathematics: who would have thought it would come in useful one day?) If you would like, you may do this by using the circle skirt calculators that are available online.
Regarding the length, it should be cut to the same length as the tulle fabric, with an additional inch added on for the hem.
After extending the cloth outward from the top corner, take measurements using the waist radius to make a curve, and then take further measurements using the skirt length to produce a hem curve. First, everything has to be marked out, and then you can start cutting!
Finish stitching the lining’s side seams together
Before you can begin stitching the side seams of the lining fabric, you must first pin the wrong sides of the cloth together so that they are in contact with one another. After that, you start stitching very carefully.
If you don’t have access to a serger, you may still finish the seam using the french seam technique. This is the approach that we prefer.
When you are through trimming the seam allowance, use an iron to press it down so that it is flat. After that, you may press down with the iron once more while the correct sides of the cloth are facing each other. Because of this, you will be able to sew the raw edges within the seam allowance, eliminating the possibility of any visible edges being frayed in the process.
Finish sewing the side seams of the tulle fabric by stitching them closed
After that, you will need to stitch together the side seams of the tulle fabric. In order to do this, begin by placing two of the pieces of tulle fabric on top of one another, making sure that the edges are aligned, and then sew the side seams. (To ensure that the seam is secure on both sides, we strongly suggest that you backstitch.) Carry out the identical steps with the remaining two tulle fabric pieces.
You should change the needle to a ballpoint or jersey needle (a size 70/10 works well!) in order to prevent the tulle seams from puckering. This can be done by following these steps: Utilize a stitch that is both short and straight, and reduce the pace at which your sewing machine operates.
Baste the layers of tulle all the way around the waistline
You’ve finally reached the halfway point in the process of manufacturing your tulle skirt! The next step is to attach the tulle layers all the way around the waistline using a basting stitch. Do you remember how you turned two large pieces of tulle into four smaller tubes using your sewing machine? Take them, align the side seams so that the right side is facing the wrong side, and then use your sewing machine to baste through all of the layers.
In order to create two lines of basting stitches that are parallel to one another, you need to adjust the length of your stitch to its maximum possible value. In addition to this, make sure that you do not backstitch and that you leave long tails of thread at the beginning and the end of each row.
This is one of the steps that will require the most effort and time, but the end result will be well worth it, so press onward!
Scrounge Up Some Tulle
After you have finished with step five, it is time to collect the tulle into the desired shape. To do this, use one hand to grasp the two top threads, and the other to fold the tulle fabric over using the opposite hand. Carry on in this manner until the gathers are distributed equally and have reached a level that is parallel to the top of the skirt lining.
After you have achieved the desired result, you should secure the threads by tying a knot in them.
Join the lining and the tulle by sewing them together
Putting the skirt lining inside of the tulle fabric is the first step in making this skirt seem more like a genuine usable skirt rather than just a tulle skirt.
In order to do this, you will need to ensure that the correct side of the lining fabric is facing the incorrect side of the tulle fabric. Stitch along the gathering line after first pinning the pieces together.
Make Ready the Elasticity
At the eighth step, you will be preparing the elastic that will be used for the waistband. When you cut it, you want to make sure that it is long enough to go around your waist comfortably when stretched. This will make it simple to put on and take off, but it will also be secure enough that it won’t
When you have everything measured out and are ready to cut it, be sure to add an additional half an inch so that there is room for the seam. In the last step, build a circle by sewing the ends of the elastic together to form a continuous loop.
Attach the Elastic to the Skirt by Sewing It On
It’s time to put the elastic band and the skirt together now that you have both of them in your possession. First things first, take the fabric pencil and mark the tulle waistline as well as the elastic in four equal segments of length using the fabric pencil.
First secure the elastic to the markings with pins, and then sew it onto the skirt. Because the opening of the skirt was measured around your hips, but the elastic band was measured around your waist, you will soon notice that the elastic band is far narrower than the entrance of the skirt.
Don’t worry about it; you’ve got it right. But before you start stitching, you need to stretch out the elastic so that the space in the cloth is aligned properly. This will take a significant amount of time, but it is in your best interest to go carefully and methodically through the process so that the result is accurate.
Finish the Lining with a Hem
In conclusion, the very last thing that has to be done is to hem the lining.
First things first, get the fabric scissors that are nice and sharp and clip the extra fabric at the bottom (but be careful not to cut through the tulle!). Then, using the serger, complete the finishing of the edge of the lining by creating a thin rolled hem.
Check the hems and seams of all of the garments to ensure that they are in good condition. After that, put on the skirt and check to see that everything still looks good. If necessary, make any necessary modifications. And if that’s not the case, then you should appreciate the tulle skirt you just made!
Tips to Help You Sew With Tulle
If you’ve gone through the 10 steps of our DIY tulle skirt method, you will have hopefully noticed that they are pretty simple and easy to follow along. So you don’t need to be super experienced or have advanced sewing skills in order to create a tulle skirt, just the right materials, some patience, and the instructions.
However, if you’re a beginner, and have never worked with tulle fabric before, or have never created your own skirt, you might have some doubts, or feel confused about some aspects of the process.
This is why we’re going to give you some extra tips, and some extra information about tulle fabric and tulle skirts!
Here are things that might help you understand and complete the tulle skirt better:
Tulle doesn’t need to be hemmed!
You will have noticed that, in the 10-step DIY method, we only had instructions for hemming the lining of the skirt. That is because tulle doesn’t need hemming (one of the great things about this fabric), as long as you sew the seams with a straight stitch.
You can use any sort of needle to work with tulle fabric. However, the most commonly preferred type of needle is the size 70.
Many sites and people say that you cannot iron tulle fabric, as it will melt. This then leaves you with the problem of not knowing how to get rid of the wrinkles. However, it is perfectly okay to iron tulle fabric, you just have to use a lower heat!
You should always secure the tulle fabric with pins before sewing. This will make it a lot easier to work with, as the fabric is quite slippery!
In order to keep the seam strong, and prevent the tulle fabric from shifting, a good trick is to use small strips of tissue paper. You can just place them underneath the tulle fabric, while you sew the seams. And once you’re done, you can easily tear the tissue away so that it isn’t there anymore. Makes it a lot easier!
How to Take Care of a Tulle Skirt
Once you have your tulle skirt, you can wear it in all manner of ways, whether it’s as casual clothing, for a special event, or just to live your best modern princess dreams. But here’s the thing, you’re going to want to take care of it, right?
You know, so that it actually lasts you a long time, in a good condition, allowing you to keep wearing it whenever you want and have it look its best.
So, just in case you have never owned a tulle skirt, or anything made out of tulle fabric, here are our main tips on how to take good care of it!
Some tips for keeping your tulle skirt in the best condition possible:
Tulle fabric is not wrinkle-proof, and nobody likes wrinkles on their clothing. (Although luckily, wrinkles are easier to camouflage on a skirt). So in order to avoid getting wrinkles on your tulle skirt, we recommend storing it on a hanger, in the wardrobe.
Tulle skirts can be washed by hand or in the washing machine. By hand is usually better, as it is a lot gentler, but this goes for all types of clothes really.
If you’re going to wash the skirt in the washing machine, we recommend turning it inside out and placing it in a laundry bag. You should also use a mild detergent, and put it on a gentle cycle.
It is also best to avoid putting it in the dryer, as it might damage the tulle fabric.
Contrary to popular belief, it is completely okay to use your iron on the tulle fabric. This will help remove wrinkles and have it look smooth and tidy. The only thing you have to remember is to use the lowest heat setting, and to never stop moving the iron.
Another good option is to place a towel on top of the tulle fabric when ironing, to reduce the chances of it burning and melting!
Tips to Help You Sew With Tulle
Our 10-step DIY tulle skirt tutorial should be rather straightforward and easy to follow if you’ve done your homework. You simply need the proper supplies, some time, and the instructions in order to make a tulle skirt, so you don’t need to be very experienced or have extensive sewing abilities.
However, whether this is your first time working with tulle fabric or making your own skirt, there are a few things you could be wondering about.
Therefore, we will provide you with some further advice and background on tulle and tulle skirts. Some suggestions that might improve your understanding of the tulle skirt and its completion are as follows. Tule does not need a hem!
You may have noted that the lining hemming instructions were the only ones included in the 10-step DIY approach. One of the many advantages of tulle is that it doesn’t need hemming as long as the seams are sewn with a straight stitch.
Tulle fabric may be worked with any needle. The size 70 needle is, nevertheless, the most popular choice.
Many resources state that ironing tulle will cause the fabric to melt. Consequently, you’re stuck wondering what to do about the wrinkles. Tulle fabric can be ironed, but only if the heat is set to a lower setting.
Pins are an essential part of preparing tulle for stitching. Since the cloth is slick, this will greatly improve handling.
Small pieces of tissue paper may be used to reinforce the seam and keep the tulle fabric in place. Simply slip them beneath the tulle before stitching the seams. When you’re done, just rip the tissue away and it won’t be a problem anymore. Helps a great deal.
Tulle Skirt Maintenance
Possessing a tulle skirt opens you a world of possibilities, from dressing down to dressing up to living out your finest contemporary princess fantasies. You will, nevertheless, wish to tend to it, correct?
So that it serves you well and looks great for a long time, so that you may wear it whenever you choose and it always looks fresh. So, if you’ve never taken care of a tulle skirt or anything else created from tulle fabric before, here are our most important pointers!
Here are a few things to keep in mind to preserve the life of your tulle skirt:
Tulle is not a wrinkle-resistant fabric, and no one loves to wear wrinkled clothes. You should put your tulle skirt in the closet on a hanger to prevent creases.
Tulle skirts are machine- and hand-washable. When possible, it’s best to wash delicate items by hand, although this rule of thumb applies to most garments.
Turn the skirt inside out and place it in a laundry bag (the kind with holes so the clothing can be cleaned!) if you plan on washing it in the washing machine. To add to that, you should wash the clothes on a moderate cycle using a light detergent
Avoid the dryer if at all possible, since this might cause the delicate tulle to unravel.
Ironing tulle fabric is fine, despite common perception. The creases will disappear, and everything will seem neat and put together. Keeping the iron in constant motion at the lowest heat setting is all that’s required.
To prevent the tulle from catching fire or melting, you may also iron it with a cloth on top.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
How do you finish the edges of tulle?
To complete tulle, you may sew ribbon around the edge of the tulle using a zigzag stitch on a sewing machine. This is one approach to finish the tulle. Since of its delicate appearance, satin ribbon is an excellent option for this because it matches the look of tulle. When it comes to the creation of wedding veils, having tulle trimmed with ribbon is quite helpful.
How does tulle become attached to fabric?
Tulle is a slippery fabric that may be difficult to sew because of its slippery nature. Place a piece of clear tape on the bottom of the presser foot. This will prevent the presser foot from moving and snagging. This will ensure that there are no snags while you are stitching. Put a piece of seam binding below the cloth so that you have something to anchor your stitches to.
Should the tulle be washed before I stitch it?
For instance, you absolutely do not want to pre-wash a cloth that specifies that it should only be dry cleaned! The same recommendation goes for tulle and other delicate textiles that need special attention while being handled. It goes without saying that you should not pre-wash textiles for a costume that have been covered with glitter and are only going to be worn once.
Q: What materials do I need to make a tulle skirt?
A: To make a tulle skirt, you will need the following materials:
· Tulle fabric: Choose the color and length of tulle fabric according to your preference and the desired length of the skirt.
· Waistband: You can use elastic, ribbon, or any other material of your choice for the waistband.
· Scissors: To cut the tulle fabric.
· Measuring tape: To measure the waist and desired length of the skirt.
Sewing machine or needle and thread: To secure the waistband and make any necessary stitches.
Q: How do I determine the length of the tulle skirt?
A: The length of the tulle skirt depends on your personal preference and the desired look. Measure from your waist to the point where you want the skirt to end, and add a few inches for the waistband and hem allowance.
Q: How do I cut the tulle fabric?
A: To cut the tulle fabric, follow these steps:
· Lay the tulle fabric flat on a cutting surface.
· Measure and mark the desired length of the skirt from the top edge of the fabric.
· Use sharp scissors to cut the fabric along the marked line. Make sure to cut in a straight line to achieve an even hem.
Q: How many layers of tulle should I use for the skirt?
A: The number of layers depends on how full you want the skirt to look. You can use a single layer for a more subtle look, or add multiple layers for a fuller effect. Typically, three to five layers of tulle are commonly used for a voluminous skirt.
Q: How do I attach the waistband to the tulle skirt?
A: There are a few ways to attach the waistband to the tulle skirt:
· Elastic waistband: Measure the elastic to fit comfortably around your waist and sew the ends together to form a loop. Divide the waistband and tulle skirt into equal sections, pin the elastic waistband to the tulle skirt, and sew them together using a zigzag stitch.
· Ribbon waistband: Cut a piece of ribbon to fit around your waist, leaving extra length for tying a bow. Align the top edge of the tulle skirt with the center of the ribbon and sew them together using a straight stitch or by hand-stitching.
Q: How do I finish the hem of the tulle skirt?
A: To finish the hem of the tulle skirt, you have a few options:
· Rolled hem: Fold the bottom edge of each layer of tulle twice, about 1/4 to 1/2 inch each time, and sew along the folded edge to create a neat rolled hem.
· Ruffled hem: If you want a more decorative look, you can leave the bottom edge of the tulle skirt raw or trim it into a wavy or uneven shape for a ruffled effect.
Q: Can I customize the tulle skirt further?
A: Absolutely! You can add embellishments like lace trim, sequins, or ribbon to the waistband or layers of tulle to give the skirt a unique touch. You can also experiment with different colors and lengths of tulle for a more personalized look.
Q: Can I make a tulle skirt without sewing?
A: Yes, it is possible to make a tulle skirt without sewing. Instead of sewing the waistband, you can use a no-sew method such as tying the tulle strips onto an elastic waistband or using fabric glue to secure the layers of tulle together.
Q: What are some tips for selecting the right tulle fabric for a skirt?
A: When choosing tulle fabric for a skirt, consider the following tips:
· Quality: Look for tulle that is soft, lightweight, and has a good drape. Avoid stiff or scratchy tulle.
· Color: Decide on the color that complements your outfit or desired look. Tulle is available in a wide range of colors.
· Length: Determine the length of the skirt you want and ensure that the tulle fabric is long enough to accommodate that length.
Q: How do I calculate the amount of tulle fabric needed for a skirt?
A: To calculate the amount of tulle fabric needed for a skirt, you’ll need to consider the waist measurement and the desired fullness:
· Measure your waist and multiply it by the desired fullness factor (e.g., 2 for a moderate fullness, 3 for a fuller skirt).
· Divide the result by the width of the tulle fabric you plan to use. This will give you the number of strips of tulle needed.
· Multiply the number of strips by the length of the skirt to determine the total length of tulle fabric required.
Q: Can I use multiple colors of tulle for a skirt? If so, how can I incorporate them?
A: Yes, you can definitely use multiple colors of tulle for a skirt to create a unique and vibrant look. Here are a couple of ways to incorporate multiple colors:
· Layered effect: Cut strips of tulle in different colors and layer them on top of each other. This works especially well for skirts with multiple layers.
· Alternating colors: Cut strips of tulle in different colors and alternate the colors as you attach them to the waistband. This can create a beautiful striped or ombré effect.
Q: What is the best way to gather and attach tulle to the waistband?
A: Gathering and attaching tulle to the waistband can be done using the following steps:
Cut the tulle into strips of the desired length and width.
· For each strip, gather the tulle by hand or use a gathering stitch along one edge. The gathering stitch is done by setting your sewing machine to its longest stitch length and sewing a straight line along the edge, leaving long thread tails on both ends.
· Hold the gathering threads and slide the tulle along them to gather it.
· Pin or clip the gathered tulle to the waistband, distributing the gathers evenly. Sew or secure the tulle to the waistband using a sewing machine or hand stitching.
Q: How can I add volume to a tulle skirt?
A: To add volume to a tulle skirt, you can:
· Use multiple layers: Add more layers of tulle to increase the volume. Three to five layers are commonly used, but you can adjust based on your desired level of fullness.
· Increase the width: Cut wider strips of tulle for each layer to create a fuller effect.
· Add an underskirt or petticoat: Wearing an underskirt or petticoat made of a stiffer fabric underneath the tulle can provide additional volume and shape to the skirt.
Q: How can I ensure the waistband is secure and comfortable?
A: To ensure the waistband of your tulle skirt is secure and comfortable, you can follow these tips:
· Measure your waist accurately: Use a measuring tape to determine your waist size. Avoid pulling the tape too tightly or leaving it too loose. This will help you choose the right length for your waistband.
· Choose the right waistband material: Select a waistband material that is comfortable against your skin and suits the style of your skirt. Elastic bands are commonly used as they provide flexibility and a snug fit. However, you can also use ribbons, fabric waistbands, or even a combination of materials for a customized look.
· Properly secure the waistband: If using elastic, sew the ends together to form a loop that fits your waist comfortably. Ensure that the elastic is securely stitched, either by using a sewing machine or hand-stitching. If using a fabric waistband or ribbon, make sure it is long enough to wrap around your waist and tie or fasten securely.
· Test the fit: Before attaching the tulle layers, try on the waistband to ensure it feels comfortable and stays in place. Adjust the tightness if needed by either re-stitching the elastic or retying the ribbon.
· Reinforce the attachment: When attaching the tulle layers to the waistband, use secure stitching techniques. For elastic waistbands, consider using a zigzag stitch to prevent the tulle from slipping or coming undone. If using a ribbon or fabric waistband, ensure that the tulle layers are securely stitched or tied to prevent any movement.
· Consider adding a lining: If the tulle fabric feels uncomfortable against your skin, you can add a lining layer made of a soft and lightweight fabric to enhance comfort while wearing the skirt.
Remember, it’s essential to balance security and comfort when attaching the waistband to ensure a pleasant wearing experience with your tulle skirt.
Conclusion
Following the 10 easy steps we outlined in our DIY approach, making your own tulle skirt is a breeze. You can do it yourself if you have the necessary supplies, a little sewing experience, and a lot of patience.
Tulle is a fabric known for its airy, fairy-like quality, and its ability to float gracefully. The elastic waistband, inner fabric, and tulle are all you need to build the skirt. Sewing equipment is included in this phrase.
Now you’re free to flaunt your tulle skirt whenever and wherever you choose. Maintenance is a breeze; in fact, you can even iron it. We think you’ll like this project since it’s easy to do without any in-depth knowledge of sewing.
