Last Updated on September 23, 2017 by Kimberly Stroh
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!
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.
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 comb your hands through it occasionally. If it needs a trim, lay it flat on the floor and trim around the ends.
christina aliperti
Tuesday 25th of October 2016
I don't run - at all, lol. But now I want my very own tutu. Maybe I will start out with a jog!
Heather
Monday 24th of October 2016
I always love to see the tutus when people are running races! How fun and festive to do. And it looks super easy.
Taylor Mobley
Monday 24th of October 2016
I have done this for halloween before -- a group of girls and I were "toddlers in tiaras". It is so easy an d so fun!!!!! Thanks for sharing!
Angela @marathonsandmotivation.com
Sunday 23rd of October 2016
This is so fun! I absolutely love it & I can't wait to make one with my tutu fanatic daughter...Pinned :-)
Dawn McAlexander
Sunday 23rd of October 2016
I didn't even know there was a such a thing as a running tutu. I guess you learn something new every day. You did a great job with it though.