Making Tutus

Making Tutus is a practical guide to making these traditional costumes for classical ballet dancers. As with the tutu itself, the book approaches the task in three parts – the tutu plate, the bodice and the decorative sections. It shares the secrets of a leading costume-maker as it explains the challenging task of, on the one hand, creating a light and beautiful ballet outfit suitable for performance and, on the other, making a comfortable and hardwearing costume that suits a character. In doing so, it reveals the extraordinary talent and techniques required by the costume-maker. Design - key decisions on the type of tutu plate (pancake vs drop), fabric and decoration Patterns - basque, knicker, bodice and tutu plate recipes in three different sizes Instructions - detailed step-by-step sequences explain the process from making the calico toile through to the final decoration and fitting Practical advice - from pleating the nets to assembling the base, essential tricks of the trade are shared and troubleshooting tips given