Here's how to make a custom high-quality light-up tutu from shimmer tulle, sequin elastic, and fairy lights.

Watch the video, or read the step-by-step instructions below.

Supplies

I searched far and wide to choose the best materials to make this simple and epic project! You can buy the materials at the links below, or I've put together a kit that has exactly the materials you'll need so you don't have to buy in bulk.

The Supply Links:

Fairy Lights with Batteries - https://amzn.to/3yrPdX8

Sequin Elastic - https://amzn.to/3w4kQ7S

Pink Shimmer Tulle - https://amzn.to/3M2EuX3

White Shimmer Tulle - https://amzn.to/3sqkWnQ

Teal Tulle - https://amzn.to/3N8mieK

Purple Tulle - https://amzn.to/3kWgTLV

Crochet Hook - https://amzn.to/3FxGLY1

Small Sewing Kit - https://amzn.to/3ytewbj

Fabric Glue (Optional) - https://amzn.to/3KWJaMY

Or, Get the Kit! It has everything you need to make 1 tutu:

The supplies to make this are available as a kit!

Step 1: Cut the Tulle

Wrap the tulle around a book or piece of cardboard that is 8 inches in width, then cut down one side to make 16-inch lengths. Repeat for all colors of tulle.

Step 2: Mark the Battery Spot

Take out the sequin elastic
Make a note of the length of the battery holder, and skip this section of the elastic
Insert the crochet hook through the elastic on the bottom of the three sections as shown

Step 3: Knot the Tulle to the Sequin Elastic Waistband

Take the piece(s) of tulle and fold them in half, finding the center
Use the crochet hook to pull them through the sequin elastic until a small loop forms
Place your fingers through the loop and pull the "tails" through
Tighten the knot by pulling on the tails

Step 4: Repeat the Knots

Measure the waist of the person you are making the tutu for, then subtract 2 inches to allow for stretch
Keep making knots until the tutu is the desired circumference, thinking about how the pattern will repeat

Step 5: Give the Tutu a Haircut!

The tutu will look way nicer with a haircut!
Using the empty tulle spool as a guide to measure, trim the tool so that it is all about the same length and has a nice blunt "haircut"

Step 6: Make the Battery Pack Pocket

Trim the extra sequin elastic (if there is any)
Remember that you saved a spot for the battery back in step 1.
Close the Tutu and sew the ends together as shown, keeping the battery pack flap loose
Tack the end of the flap to make a small pocket that will allow the battery pack to sit inside as shown

Step 7: Prepare the Tulle for the Lights

To position the lights inside the skirt, separate half of each bunch of tulle and push it towards the inside of the skirt as shown

Step 8: Add the Lights

Place the battery holder into the pocket and unravel the fairy lights
To keep the lights in place, snip a small hole where each LED should go, insert the LED through, then push the wire flat as shown to keep it in place
OPTIONAL - Another method would be to use a small drop of fabric glue to keep each LED in place. This would require drying time but would make the connection more durable.

Step 9: Finish!

Return the tulle to its proper position
Turn on the Lights

Step 10: Twirl and Twinkle!

It's time to wear your Light-Up Tutu!

I hope you enjoy this tutorial! If you want to see more of my work, you can follow me here on Instructables and on Instagram and YouTube - Please Subscribe! You can also buy tech-craft kits designed by me at TechnoChic.net.

I've also included links to all of the supplies. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission on purchases made through the links below, and that helps me make more tutorials like this. :)

Introduction: How to Make a Light-Up Tutu