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
Dianne
April 22, 2022
I love to dance a slow dance with today’s great songs.
Thank you for the instructions.
Cynthia W.
October 01, 2021
This is a difficult question. As I have studied ballet, jazz tap, and danced to rock n’roll, I love all of them.
Vicki J.
June 13, 2020
In the ballet skirt tutorial above, it state how many strips to cut and also the length the ribbon should be cut, but does not state how many strips were grouped together when looping them around the ribbon. American Girl size says about 70 strips and a 27" piece of ribbon. How many strips were grouped together to loop around the ribbon?
Sandy Stave
June 10, 2020
Love the sounds of the big bands of the 1940s and all Western swing bands. I wish my husband felt the same. I loves the music but is not a dancer. We can jitterbug, mainly because he can stand still and I can dance around him.
Bonny
June 08, 2020
My favorite type of music to dance to is difficult to decide. I love to do the western swing so I guess that country music would be my favorite, but I also like dancing to classic rock. Both are fun and a great workout!
Sandra Cox
June 08, 2020
I like dancing to the Oldies 50’s/60’s and Country!
clare
June 08, 2020
My favorite songs to dance to are musical theatre songs. It’s always fun to do the choreography with my friends to songs from shows we have been in or the choreography to high school musical is fun because everyone my age knows the dance to We’re all in This Together
Aubrey Scott Daniels
June 08, 2020
I can dance to anything with a good beat. My daughter would love this! She takes ballet and jazz! So cute!
gail
June 08, 2020
Old Time Rock and Roll
Terri silva
June 08, 2020
Favorite dance music is by PitBull
Jen Lange
June 08, 2020
I like to dance to pop music.
Barb S
June 08, 2020
All little girls want to be ballerinas at some point. I know my twin great granddaughters do. Thanks for the tutorial!
Michele
June 08, 2020
Rock is still my favorite music to dance to!
Beth Lee
June 08, 2020
Country – 90s
Gloria
June 08, 2020
Although I never learned to dance (except square dancing in college), I love the 50’s and early 60’s music. It was the best. Besides classic country, of course.
maureen
June 07, 2020
Anything! Classic rock to Zumba!
Judith
June 07, 2020
I like to dance to all kinds of music-sometimes I even dance to the sound of water running in the kitchen sink- but my all time favorite song to dance to is “The Best Things Happen While You’re Dancing” from White Christmas. Although I can’t dance like Vera Ellen, I can’t sit through the song either! That dance is every Florida vacation wrapped up in one dance! Here’s a YouTube link if you aren’t familiar with the routine: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ax66QU8pvtA
Kat
June 07, 2020
We love to dance to almost anything that has a fast beat.
Sandra L.
June 07, 2020
I love to slow dance but I clean listening to Godsmack or The Cure.
Jocelyn
June 07, 2020
I love the Oldies! My girls are in their late 30’s and they still know all the words.
Patricia S.
June 06, 2020
Polka, swing, and Texas two-step.
Nancy
June 06, 2020
I love rock and roll!
marie
June 06, 2020
Rock and Roll!!
Karen
June 06, 2020
I can’t stand still when there rock ’n roll playing!!
MAUREEN A
June 06, 2020
Country music is my favorite to dance to .
Rabbit
June 06, 2020
Lately I have been getting into Mongolian Heavy Metal bands like The Hu. The music makes me want to dance!
Aaron
June 06, 2020
anything upbeat! especially fond of 90’s pop and dance music
Marjorie
June 05, 2020
I love modern pop!
Ann S
June 05, 2020
I love rock and roll, but will dance to just about anything.
Teresa
June 05, 2020
I love to dance to any music that has a rocking beat, especially old time rock and roll.
Barb
June 05, 2020
I love to dance to the oldies like the 70’s and also I like to do the salsa.
Christine
June 05, 2020
Square dancing would be fun.
Julie
June 05, 2020
Dancing and singing to the oldies! 50’s and 60’s… Would love to see some leotard hacks. Thank you!
Rose
June 05, 2020
My favorite music to dance to is 50’s and 60’s. Dating my husband then with us going to Sunday night teen dances, Good times.
Melinda
June 05, 2020
I can’t dance; too uncoordinated. But if I could I would like to dance to classical ballet music and square dancing music. I would be interested in some leotard pattern hacks.
Renée
June 05, 2020
I love reggae, but also 60’s rock and roll. I dance like nobody’s watching, and sincerely hope they’re not!
Angie
June 05, 2020
I love to dance to big band music on the radio and with Jean’s Golden Girls. Love those feisty ladies of a certain age!
Pat B
June 05, 2020
Still love a good polka as well as anything slow.
Betty
June 05, 2020
I do not dance anymore due to nerve damage in both legs from being exposed to weed killer but I used to love to clean my house to Twist music. Really got done fast.
Dorothy
June 05, 2020
I especially like to dance to music from the late 50’s and early 60’s.
Darlene
June 05, 2020
I love to dance to soft rock. Music from the 50’s and 60’s as well.
Nutmeg
June 05, 2020
Good old rock and roll all the way. Music from the late fifties and the sixties gets me moving!!!
CARLA
June 05, 2020
Loved to square dance. You would be surprised at the different kinds of music used. Not just CW anymore! I would love to see a post of fun leotard pattern hacks.
Betty Allen
June 05, 2020
The only music I can dance to is slow music – cause that is just swaying. I don’t dance! Lol.
Char
June 05, 2020
My favorite music to dance to is slow and romantic
elaine vanduyne
June 05, 2020
I like roll & roll music so I can do the lindy /jitterbug dance.
leticia
June 05, 2020
Zumba!
Carol
June 05, 2020
Love to dance to anything even tho bad at everything. Forever love Rock ’n Roll.
Connie M
June 05, 2020
Love to slow dance to country music with my husband of 51 years.
Tracy
June 05, 2020
I like to dance to 50’s rock and roll as well as slow dances.
LeAnn
June 05, 2020
I am an awful dancer but I love music – all kinds :)
Donna Sherry
June 05, 2020
My favourite music is from Hawaii. ILove to watch and dance and listen to it.
Mary G.
June 05, 2020
I like to dance to New Order….. it’s a band and they are so fun to dance too.
Charlotte
June 05, 2020
LOVE This! My granddaughter will be so thrilled with a ballet set!
Sara
June 05, 2020
The 70s
designdreamer
June 05, 2020
I’d have to say that 80s music is the BEST music to dance to!
Patricia Sears
June 05, 2020
What I can dance to seems to change with my age. Still love abba, soft rock, pop.
Susan
June 05, 2020
I love to watch my grandchildren dance and see the progression from tot to teen.
Glenda
June 05, 2020
I like to dance to any music, but mostly my 80’s rock and roll. Sometimes country/bluegrass gets my toes tappin’, too!
Bev Hiler
June 05, 2020
I would love to see leotard pattern hacks. So much fun!!!
Dorothy
June 05, 2020
I’m a grandma – I love the old slow waltzes for dancing. It’s so romantic!
Jana
June 05, 2020
Salsa!
Deirdre
June 05, 2020
I love dancing to music from the ’60s while I load the dishwasher.
June Dame
June 05, 2020
Love all kinds of music!
Jude
June 05, 2020
I like to dance to the oldies, rock n roll, mostly 60"s. My high school years.
Nancy
June 05, 2020
My favorite music to dance to is the music my young grandchildren choose, so we can all dance and be silly doing it.
Kate W
June 05, 2020
Well, I grew up in ballet class, so the music that moves me most is the Russians. (Tchaikovsky, Rimsky-Korsakov). And all of the piano practice music! But since then, I have explored many more dance avenues including Ballroom, American Rhythm and tap. I’ll be honest, there isnt much In the way of music that I won’t move my body to!
Heather
June 05, 2020
, I can’t dance much due to a bad leg., but I like to dance to all kinds of music except heavy metal.
Cynthia
June 05, 2020
Love me some rock & roll!!
Diane Kirkpatrick
June 05, 2020
ABBA gets me dancing!
Linda Bostwick
June 05, 2020
I love to dance to good old rock and roll!
Gail
June 05, 2020
Cute dance tutu. I don’t dance myself.
Linda
June 05, 2020
I dance to any music, but do love line dancing music.
Linda Alaks
June 05, 2020
I love to dance to old time Rock & Roll.
Pam Young
June 05, 2020
Since I do tap, jazz and lyrical ballet I enjoy dancing to all genres of music.
Sandra Stuckless
June 05, 2020
I love to dance; my husband would rather play as others dance! We did manage a compromise early in our marriage ….we danced to the early 80s music. Lovely!
Chriss
June 05, 2020
I don’t dance, for everyone else’s benefit as much as my own lol!
Marj
June 05, 2020
I like To dance to Swing music.
Candy
June 05, 2020
We danced the polka at my wedding.outs weekday been my favorite dance!
Patricia S
June 05, 2020
I don’t do much dancing , but my granddaughters do .Tap, jazz ,ballet, hip hop.
sheila
June 05, 2020
I like to dance to any music with a beat.
Maria B
June 05, 2020
Love to dance valses but know trying to learn folkloric Peruvian dances
Stella
June 05, 2020
My favorite dancing now is at my exercise class called “line dancing” and best music Motown.
Simone Baker
June 05, 2020
I forgot to say we dance to country music yeehaa
Simone Baker
June 05, 2020
Hello, In Australia it’s winter time so all dancing my granddaughter does is in jacket and gum boots, she would love a dancer dolly to dance with.
Lauren
June 05, 2020
I love dancing to pop music, much to the embarassment of my pre-teen chidren
Deb
June 05, 2020
I have 12 granddaughters and just yesterday received news of my 1st GREAT granddaughter. All 12 of my grands have AG dolls for which I have made clothes. I can’t wait to make tutu’s too :} We love to dance to Disney songs, especially Dory’s ‘just keep swimming’. Thank you!
Ele
June 05, 2020
I love 1980’s synth and Vivaldi. An interesting mix.
(anything with violins will also do)
Brandi
June 05, 2020
My daughter is a ballerina, and we both love anything from the Nutcracker 💗
Chardonde
June 05, 2020
I love to dance to old school R&B
mary noble
June 05, 2020
I love all types of classical ballet music – Nutcracker and Swan Lake are 2 of my faves!
Christine
June 04, 2020
I like to dance to many different types of music.
Cheryl Robson
June 04, 2020
Pixiefaire has given me the chance to get patterns as I am not able to make my own. I love this site so much. I dance to Garth Brooks
Marcy Mahle
June 04, 2020
I am 73 and I was raised on the Big Bands from WWII. My mother played the radio all day and she always listened to all the Big Bands from Glenn Miller to Benny Goodman. I love them all.
Meg
June 04, 2020
Taylor Swift, because all 3 grand girls dance to her music!
Linda
June 04, 2020
I love to line dance to Country Music!!
Cindy
June 04, 2020
I don’t dance but do enjoy pop music from the 80’s and 90’s.
Beth Watness
June 04, 2020
Snappy Country and Folk music are great for Square Dancing.
Kam
June 04, 2020
Classical music is my favorite:D
Heather
June 04, 2020
Anything upbeat! Classic rock or pop from the 80s usually works!
Dianne
April 22, 2022
I love to dance a slow dance with today’s great songs.
Thank you for the instructions.