We've put together the ultimate resource guide for making beautiful ballet outfits for dolls, plus a free doll sized tutu tutorial for both 18-inch and 14.5-inch dolls!
The Ultimate Pattern Collection For Swim and Dance Costumes
Looking to make a matching girl and doll dance outfit? Love the intricate details of professional ballet costumes, and want to recreate them for your doll? Pixie Faire has the ultimate pattern collection for swim and dance outfits that can help you create those dreamy looks for your doll!
Ballet Accessories For Dolls
Looking to build your doll her own ballet studio? Be sure to check out our free tutorial for a ballet barre that you can make yourself!
For more ballet accessories, check out these patterns...
FREE Tutorial: How To Make A Doll Sized Tutu!
Looking for a no-sew craft to make for your doll? This tutu goes together pretty quickly, and you can make it in her favorite colors...
This video and the step by step photos demonstrate the technique for making an 18-inch doll tutu, but we've also included the measurements for making a 14.5-inch doll sized version!
This tutorial originally appeared on Pixie Faire in 2014.
Check out the tutorial in video form here:
All you need is some ribbon, and some tulle. I am using 1/2 yd each of three different colors, but I wanted mine pretty fluffy. :)
Start by cutting the tulle into long strips. I've folded it up, so that one short pass with the rotary cutter yields a single long strip. Using a rotary cutter will save you a lot of headache (tulle can be very slippery!) but be careful. Like any powerful tool, rotary cutters can be dangerous!
For the 18-inch doll size: Cut strips 2-inches wide.
For 14.5-inch doll size: Cut strips 1.5-inches wide.
Next, decide how far out you want your tutu to come.
For the 18-inch doll we made our tutu about 4-inches deep. For the 14.5-inch doll, we chose about 2.5-inches.
When you've determined the depth/length of your tutu, cut a piece of scrap cardboard that length.
Start wrapping one long strip of tulle around the cardboard; when you get to the end, trim off any extra. Then, cut along one side of the wrapped strip, and unfold. You should now have a bundle of strips that are just the right length and width!
For the 18-inch doll size: Your strips will be 2" x 8". You will need about 70 strips.
For 14.5-inch doll size: Your strips will be 1.5" x 5". You will need about 35-45 strips.
Keep repeating the cardboard cutting method until you have cut up all your tulle. It takes a while, but trust me, this is the easiest way to make it happen. :)
Once your strips are in order, cut a piece of ribbon for the waistband.
Measure the waist of your doll, then add enough extra length to tie the ribbon in a bow. Mark the waist measurement onto the ribbon so you know where your ties will begin.
For an 18-inch doll: Our ribbon was about 27-inches long.
For a 14.5-inch doll: Our ribbon was about 16-inches long.
For stability, tie the ribbon around a book or safety pin each end to something sturdy.
Then, start looping strips of tulle around the ribbon. Fold a group of strips in half, run the loop under the ribbon, then run the ends through the loop. Pull the knot tight.
Start adding tulle at one marking, and work your way around to the other marking.
The more strips you group together in each knot, the fuller your tutu will be.
All that's left is to tie it around your doll's waist, and fluff out the tulle a little bit for the most festive look!
This adorable leotard made to fit a WellieWishers™ doll is an easy pattern hack of the LJ T-Shirt Variations pattern. Let us know in the comments if you'd like to see a post full of fun leotard pattern hacks!
We'd love to hear from you. Leave a comment and tell us -what's your favorite type of music to dance to?
Thanks, everyone!
The Pixie Faire Team
100 Comments
Pat
June 04, 2020
I love to dance, all kinds.
Judy
June 04, 2020
Old time rock and roll
Colleen
June 04, 2020
70s-90s POP!!!!!!!! Very old I am.
Leigh Webster
June 04, 2020
Classic 80’s (showing my age)
Mary
June 04, 2020
I love slow dances. Being held in my sweetheart’s arms and swaying to the music.
Linda Smith
June 04, 2020
I like the slower romance music to dance to. A chance to cuddle the one you love in public & get away with it.
Ann
June 04, 2020
Crooners of the 40s . . . all the way to Dean Martin.
Linda
June 04, 2020
Rock music, like Elvis is my fav
Jo
June 04, 2020
50 and 60’s music
Jennifer
June 04, 2020
I love the jitterbug and Charleston! Square dancing is also fun.
Carol
June 04, 2020
I love country music and line dancing. It’s good music and great exercise.
cvictorsen
June 04, 2020
I’m too old to dance anymore but I used to like to dance to Disco, line dancing and I loved the music from the 40’s!!
Heather McLaughin
June 04, 2020
depends on my mood really. I’m trained in baliet and modern dance though.
Amy B
June 04, 2020
My daughter and I love Taylor Swift. Her dolls need a darling leotard and tutu like Taylor’s in the Shake It Off video!
Marylin
June 04, 2020
I am not into dancing much now but used to like to waltz.
Anne C-E
June 04, 2020
I prefer slower dace tunes. A waltz is one example.
Joyce Jesko
June 04, 2020
Country western
Judith Martinez
June 04, 2020
I like to dance to heavy metal.
Maurine
June 04, 2020
I love to dance to old time rock & roll
Terri
June 04, 2020
Dance music by Lady Gaga.
Leslie
June 04, 2020
Although I don’t dance any longer, in my younger days I loved soul and rock and roll.
Julia
June 04, 2020
Regae music is fun!
Suzan V
June 04, 2020
Dance with my girls to worship songs
Nancy
June 04, 2020
Good old rock n roll
Joanne
June 04, 2020
I dance to classical. Ballet.
Rebekah
June 04, 2020
I’ve only toyed around with it with my preschool class, but I love the gracefulness of the ballet!
Ruth Ann
June 04, 2020
I always say that if I had 3 feet they would all be left — can’t dance at all. If I could, I might try tap.
Amelia O
June 04, 2020
Depends on my mood, but my girls like classical and musical theater!
Doris
June 04, 2020
Country
J.J. Goody
June 04, 2020
Afraid I’m not much of a dancer or a music fan. But I do like instrumental music and even some vocal. Nothing loud and raucous usually though.
S
June 04, 2020
It depends on my mood as to what music I like to dance to.
Suzi
June 04, 2020
I am not a dancer but I love to listen to 60s music – folk, rock, soul – and I LOVE to watch Bollywood dancers!
Sandra
June 04, 2020
OH MY GOSH! I read the email without the downloaded photos. I read the question, “What’s your favorite type of music to dance to?” My answer, “ballet class music”. I clicked on the giveaway link and WHOA! This post is all about ballet designs! I danced and taught classical ballet at my studio and then taught and developed the college degree program here at one of our universities in Florida.
Pam
June 04, 2020
My favorite music to dance to is 60’s and 70’s rock.
Sherry Campbell
June 04, 2020
I love to dance to lyrical music, as well as 70’s music. My daughter teaches dance, and my granddaughter is one of her students. She is a great tap dancer! she and I try to dance together, but I am 72!
Kim C
June 04, 2020
I love to dance to pop music. Especially when with my teenage kids. So fun to watch their reactions!
Stephanie Kolitsch
June 04, 2020
I love music from the 40s and the 80s. The 80s music is easy to dance to—you don’t have to be coordinated!
Cassandra
June 04, 2020
I never learned to dance but always wanted to. I would like to dance to worship music or hula.
Dorisanne
June 04, 2020
I love to waltz and do the polka but at 90 years of age I just enjoy watching others dance.
Martha Ann Reese
June 04, 2020
I love dancing to music from the 50’s and 60’s.
Sparkle
June 04, 2020
Unfortunately , I’m a bit klutzy in the dancing department, however, in my kitchen who cares? I love 60s music and it inspires me to dance. I even grab my husband sometimes to join me. Salsa music also entices me to dance.
Denise
June 04, 2020
I lov.e listening to late 60’s -70’s music and jazz. I dance to oldies.
Deborah Fields
June 04, 2020
I love to dance to anything! I have always loved music and I can not be still when I hear it! Anyone can dance, just MOVE to the music!
Lynn
June 04, 2020
Salsa!
Mary Hughes
June 04, 2020
I am an awful dancer! But I love to do it anyway. Super oldies, polkas Have lots of energy.
Helen
June 04, 2020
love rock and roll get music and a work out at the same time
Connie
June 04, 2020
Line dancing can be a lot of fun. You can kind of do your own thing.
Bev
June 04, 2020
Definitely the 70’s are sure to me going and moving.
Vivette
June 04, 2020
As a dance studio owner for 45 years I love all kinds of music,especially classical. BUT, my favorite to dance to is Bollywood because it’s such a happy form of dance.
Janet
June 04, 2020
I like 60s & 70s music
Leah
June 04, 2020
I love tango and salsa music.
Deb
June 04, 2020
I like to dance to music that has good rhythm and a good beat. This encompasses lots of genres and I think that’s a good thing:)
James
June 04, 2020
gotta go with classic rock!
Angela
June 04, 2020
I don’t really know how to dance…but it has always intrigued me. I’m not really sure what type of music I would dance to. I’ve always enjoyed watching ballroom dancing, so that would be fun to try.
Amy G
June 04, 2020
My favorite dance music would be divided between classic rock and classical, but this mama don’t dance.
Deb H
June 04, 2020
I love dancing with my husband to anything from ballroom to dancing to rock n roll from the 70’s, country and even jazz. It is about the connection we make while dancing together.
Cathy
June 04, 2020
I love many genres, but my favorite to dance to is 70’s & 80’s. My Dad is a wonderful dancer, and he’s taught my sisters and I to dance to many of the timeless “oldies”.
Jeri
June 04, 2020
I never learned to dance but I think country line dancing and square dancing and waltzing look like a lot of fun.
Kelly P
June 04, 2020
Tap and Jazz Show Tunes. I love musicals! :)
Mary
June 04, 2020
I was born in 1964 and had 4 older siblings. When they got together with their friends and listened to music of the late 60’s early 70’s I would come out dancing! They loved including me so I’ve always been drawn to that music. Such wonderful memories. The music of that generation is all about LOVE and PEACE…no wonder it speaks to me <3
Rhonda A
June 04, 2020
I have a two year old so right now I dance to kids songs.
Alecia
June 04, 2020
I can pretty much dance to anything…lol. But if I had to choose, I’d probably go with EDM or electronic dance music. Whenever I hear it there is no way I can sit still.I just have to move even in my chair. haha.
Mary
June 04, 2020
I like to dance to the “oldies” – from the late 50’s and 60’s! That’s my definition of oldies (maybe not every ones). Makes me want to get up and shake my bootie!
Florence
June 04, 2020
I love square dancing!
Connie
June 04, 2020
You just can’t beat dancing to rock.
Dianne
June 04, 2020
The only dancing I do is the occasional Sweatin’ to the Oldies. : )
Janet F
June 04, 2020
When I was much younger I liked to square dance! Don’t think anyone does that anymore.
Candice Lacy
June 04, 2020
Definitely favorite music to dance to is disco from the 70’s!!! Boogie down 🥰😎
Cristy
June 04, 2020
My favorite dance music is definitely 70’s and 80’s!
Lisa
June 04, 2020
I like to dance to country and old time Rock and Roll.
Dori
June 04, 2020
As a c ollege student I was chosen to dance weekly on the local Arthur Murray Dance Studio local TV show—so I like ballroom dancing. I like line dancing too. I LOVE dancing, but after having a double knee replacement, sadly, dancing is no longer in my life.
Sandra
June 04, 2020
I love music so my feet don’t work well at dancing.
Cynthia C
June 04, 2020
I like classic rock for dancing.
Wilhelmina
June 04, 2020
Rock and roll and ballet of course. Like waltzing to the New Year’s from Vienna broadcast on New Year’s too!
Fran Bott
June 04, 2020
Disco was my thing, but I love all the beautiful music!
Marietta
June 04, 2020
Country western and for exercise it’s zumba fitness all the way
Karen Carroll
June 04, 2020
I love swing, jitterbug, and waltz music to dance along to.
Pam
June 04, 2020
You can’t beat old time rock and roll!
Teresa-Jo
June 04, 2020
When I hear a good beat, it’s an opportunity to dance!!
Kelly
June 04, 2020
I love the 80’s music. I‘m not very good but I do try.
Frances
June 04, 2020
I like best to dance to rhythm and blues, but I’ll dance to anything
Frances
June 04, 2020
I’d like to see a post full of fun leotard pattern hacks
Susan Botha
June 04, 2020
I love Classical music for dance. As a child I like to dance like a ballerina! At that stage we are in a small town and there was no ballet teacher, and my parents cannot afford it. But now my granddaughter take ballet and she is only 8years old now, hope she will carry on with her ballet!
Diane R
June 04, 2020
Country & Latin music.
Tamara
June 03, 2020
i love to waltz and two step.
Cora
June 03, 2020
I love old time rock and roll. I was on my university dance team. Blood, Sweat., and Tears’s songs were what we danced to at halftime. Becoming a costumer for musicals, I loved the Broadway hits.
Roxanne Perez
June 03, 2020
I like to dance to anything with an upbeat pace.
Jo
June 03, 2020
I love to dance The swing and the polka.
Julie
June 03, 2020
I’m at an age now where I don’t dance as often as I would like to do. I grew up in the 70’s so at that time I loved to “rock ’n roll,” but I also liked to dance the two-step and a great old waltz. I had an older cousin who was an excellent dancer and I loved to dance with him at the lead. We would waltz around an entire gym…turning circles around the entire perimeter of the room! So much fun!
Cheryl
June 03, 2020
Classic rock and roll!
Beth P
June 03, 2020
I don’t dance, but enjoy waltz music.
Peggy
June 03, 2020
I’m a terrible dancer but favorite song is its a wonderful world or NatKingCole’s music. Nice and slow for me -no falling or tripping involved!!!!
Janice
June 03, 2020
A waltz
Annlee
June 03, 2020
A slow dancing
kathleen campbell-miles
June 03, 2020
All I need is a good beat!
Debra
June 03, 2020
How adorable! i love this little tutu and it can be made to fit all my dolls! My favorite type of music to dance to however, is disco since I was ‘clubin’ in the 70’s. lol
Janet P
June 03, 2020
Rock n Roll – I love to dance!
Heidi
June 03, 2020
Slow dancing to romantic music.
Rosemary Kelley
June 03, 2020
i love country music but i also like walts
Vickie McK
June 03, 2020
I don’t dance, but I love to watch Dancing with the Stars.
Pat
June 04, 2020
I love to dance, all kinds.