How to Make a DIY Running Tutu and Save Money

If there’s one costume piece that I love running with, it’s been the tutu. It feels fun and feminine and I swear it makes me run faster. It’s a versatile piece that you can put over capris or shorts and you’re instantly wearing a costume. What many runners, or parents of young girls, don’t know is that they are so simple to make! With a few items from a craft store and less than $25, you can do a DIY Running Tutu!

Need more inspiration for your running journey? Check out my tips for plus-size running, walking the Run Disney Dopey Challenge, and tips for drying your running shoes.

It’s perfect as a last-minute running costume OR an easy addition to a Halloween costume. I’m breaking down the DIY steps in this post to save you some money and make your DIY running tutu. There’s no sewing either! You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to make.

Why You Should Make Your Own Running Tutu

Making your own running tutu has some seriously fun perks. First, it can save you a lot of money, especially if you’re only planning to wear it for one race. Store-bought tutus can get pricey, but a few yards of tulle and some elastic cost a fraction of that. Plus, when you DIY it, you get complete creative control. You can match your race theme, favorite colors, team spirit, or holiday vibe exactly how you want instead of settling for what’s available online. And maybe the best part? If you only wear it once, there’s zero guilt. You didn’t splurge on something expensive that’ll sit in a drawer forever. You made it, you rocked it, you had your moment, and that’s totally worth it.

DIY Running Tutu Instructions

What you’ll need (affiliate links)

• Scissors
• 1/4-1/2 inch elastic (white or black)
• Measuring Tape
• 3-4 Spools of Tulle (Any color or with glitter)

STEP 1:

Measure the elastic around your waist or the person who will be wearing it. Don’t pull it taut and make sure it sits comfortably around your true waist. Then cut the elastic to your measurement.

STEP 2:

Trim your tulle to 26 inches for an adult tutu or 13 inches for a toddler tutu. If you’re running with it, you don’t want it to be too long and catch between your legs. You can cut the tulle, then fold in half to see the length of the tutu. Remember: you an always trim at the end too.

STEP 3:

Fold the tulle in half so it stays neat while you work. You’ll be using one piece at a time from this pile.

STEP 4:

Lay your elastic piece flat and place 1 piece of tulle, folded in half, over the elastic.

STEP 5:

Thread the two ends of the tulle through the hole you made on the opposite end of the elastic. Below is a detailed photo of what it will look like afterwards.

STEP 6:

Pull the two ends of the tulle tight to create a knot at the elastic.

STEP 7:

Repeat steps 4-6. You’ll start making a row of tulle across the elastic. The elastic will start being covered by the tulle and you’ll see the tutu forming.

STEP 8:

Once the length of elastic is covered and you have a 1/2 inch left on both sides, tie a double knot in the elastic to create the loop for around your waist. Then repeat steps 4-6 again to cover the knot with more tulle. In the end, no elastic will show. NOTE: If you’d prefer added security, sew the elastic ends together.

After you’ve finished your tutu, you can add a ribbon bow or decorate the skirt portion. Keep it fluffed by hanging it on a hanger and combing your hands through it occasionally. If it needs a trim, lay it flat on the floor and trim around the ends.