Life & Style

A Ten-Minute Tutu

In our book, a girl can never have too many shoes—or tutus. And lucky for you, tutus are far less expensive, especially if you make them yourself.

If you’re looking for one last Hanukkah gift for the twirly ballerina in your life, this DIY version should inspire even the littlest swan to dance around on the tips of her toes. But the best thing about it may be that it adjusts in size. Should your prima ballerina insist that daddy wear a tutu while he twirls around with her, he can slip one of these on (no matter what his pant size) and pirouette in comfort and style.

Supplies

15 yards 1½ inch – to 2 inch-wide sheer organza ribbon
Ruler or tape measure
Fabric scissors
Elastic headband (looks like an oversize ponytail holder)

Instructions

1. Measure and cut twenty-eight 24 inch-long strips of organza ribbon. Cut both ends of each piece of ribbon into an inverted “V” or on a diagonal, as shown.

2. Wrap each ribbon at its halfway point around the elastic headband and gently tie it in a double-knot. Note: Tying the knots too tight will stretch out the headband. The ribbon should be able—with a little push—to move around the headband.

3. Suit up your little ballerina, put on some classical music, and spend the next two hours of playgroup watching your tiny dancers plié, jeté, and arabesque around the room!