Step by Step Tutu Part 2 Ruffles Preperation

• Cut out all layers using measurements that can be found bellow. More layers can be added. Just use the measurements bellow as a rough guide.You can cut down on layers but the top two have to be stiff net and the leg ruffle has to be soft. Bottom 4 layers have seems going up and the rest go down. To the top two layers add as much ruffle to them as possible.

Cutting Net

The size and shape of the dancer will determine the number of frills and the length of the frills.
The more slender dancer needs less length in her frill. A shorter dancer can accommodate fewer frills.
For dancers whose height is over five foot four inches ten frills works with widths generally no wider than 12.5 to 13 inches:

• 1.5 inches
• 3.5 inches
• 5 inches
• 7.5 inches
• 9.5 inches
• 11 inches
• 12 inches
• 13 inches = this is average
• 14 inches = this is average
• 15 inches = this is tall dancer range.

The 12.5 inch length leaving a twelve inch skirt. However, different roles require different lengths. 12.5 inches is a short tutu.
Remember, it takes 13 inches of net to create a 12.5 inch tutu length. Also remember there will be mistakes and length could come off the ends! Give yourself room for error if you are new to this.
A good example of a character tutu that typically calls for a long skirt is Cinderella’s tutu which is often longer than most though not quite a romantic tutu. This is an example of a bell shaped tutu that often contains a hoop.

Tutu Frill Dimensions

Yards of net required for an average tutu are 14 yards which are cut into the following lengths in inches:

12.5- (cut four lengths of 54 inch fabric)
12.0 -(cut four lengths of 54 inch fabric)
10.5-(cut three lengths of 54 inch fabric)
9.5-(cut three lengths of 54 inch fabric)
8.5 -(cut three lengths of 54 inch fabric)
{the 8.5 layer is the wired layer in which a two inch strips is sewn to insert the wire.}
7.0-(cut three lengths of 54 inch fabric)
6.0-(cut three lengths of 54 inch fabric)
5.0-(cut three lengths of 54 inch fabric)
4.0-(cut three lengths of 54 inch fabric)
3.0-(cut three lengths of 54 inch fabric)
2.0-(cut three lengths of 54 inch fabric)
1.5-(cut three lengths of 54 inch fabric)

• Remember to mark on the strips which layer they are so you don't get mixed up.

• The channel layer must be on the 5 layers ish as long as it's stiff net. For my tutu I have 4 layers of soft and 6 layers of soft. Attach the channel to the 5th layer while it's flat then scallop the edges of the fabric if required. Remember to vary the size of scallop for the best effect.

• Pleat all the layers using a gathering foot or a quick unpick pushing the fabric through. Keep the line of the fabric straight.  
• You'll end up with a row of curls like the picture bellow after there pleated.