How to sew a full skirt or tutu from euro mesh

A full layered skirt or tutu for a performance, a school party or a photo shoot can be sewn in an evening without a complicated pattern. Here is how to work out the fabric, cut strips from 3-metre-wide euro mesh and gather the layers onto a waistband, and how to make a tutu with no sewing at all.

Why euro mesh

Euro mesh is light, semi-sheer, holds volume and hardly creases. Most importantly, it is 3 metres wide. One strip across the fabric gives a whole skirt layer without a single side seam, and the cut edge does not fray, so the hem needs no finishing.

How is it different from ordinary tulle? Stiff tulle holds its shape by itself, but it scratches and rustles, so it always needs a lining. Euro mesh is softer and pleasant to the touch: it does not scratch the skin, drapes beautifully and, thanks to the number of layers, still gives the same full volume. That is why it is chosen for children's skirts worn for hours at a time.

How to work out the fabric

1. Layer length: waist × 2.5-3 (the more, the fuller). For a 60 cm waist that is 150-180 cm, so one strip across the 3 m fabric with room to spare.
2. Strip height: the desired skirt length + 2 cm for attaching to the waistband.
3. Number of layers: 3-4 for a light skirt, 5-7 for a full tutu.
4. How much to buy: strip height × number of layers. A 40 cm skirt in 5 layers: 42 cm × 5 = 2.1 m, buy 2.5 m to be safe. If waist × 3 exceeds 3 m (a full adult skirt), count two strips per layer.

Ready-made calculations

We cut mesh in 0.5 m steps, so round the result up: the remainder comes in handy for a bow, a headband or a lining layer.

Step by step

1. Lay the mesh out in a single layer and cut strips of the required height across the full width. The lower layers can be 1-2 cm longer than the upper ones for a softer hem.
2. Join each strip into a ring with a short seam, or leave it open if there will be a side opening.
3. Along the top edge of each layer sew two parallel rows of the longest stitch and gather the layer to the waist measurement, spreading the folds evenly.
4. Stack the layers and sew them together to a waistband: wide elastic or a satin band.
5. For opacity, sew a lining layer of satin or biflex under the mesh.

To make the gathers even, divide both the layer and the waistband into four equal parts and mark them with pins. Each quarter of the layer is then gathered to its own quarter of the waistband, and the folds do not drift to one side.

Which waistband to choose

For a child's skirt, soft wide elastic 3-5 cm is the most comfortable: the skirt is easy to put on alone and does not press. Cut the elastic 5-10 % shorter than the waist and join it into a ring with an overlap. For an adult skirt, a satin band with a zip or button looks good: it holds its shape and makes the skirt look dressy. If the skirt is for a performance where the child moves a lot, sew the elastic on with a zigzag, stretching it as you sew, so the waistband stretches with it.

A tutu with no sewing

The quickest option for small children needs no machine. Cut the mesh into strips 10-15 cm wide and twice the desired skirt length. Put the elastic around a chair back or a box, fold each strip in half, pass the loop under the elastic and pull the ends through it. Push the strips tightly together: the more there are, the fuller the tutu. Since euro mesh does not fray, such a tutu does not come apart and survives many wears.

Colours and combinations

A single-colour skirt looks delicate and classic. Layers in two or three shades, light at the top and darker at the bottom, give an ombré effect. A layer of holographic or lurex fabric under the mesh makes the skirt shimmer as it moves. Costume ideas are collected in «Carnival and New Year costumes».

Tips

• Sew mesh with a strip of paper under the presser foot: the machine will not pull the fine fabric in.
• Before the final stitching, try the gathered layers on the waistband: it is easy to even out the length and the density of the gathers.
• Mesh needs no ironing: after washing, smooth the layers out by hand.

How to make a lining

A lining makes the skirt opaque and pleasant against the body. Cut a rectangle of satin or biflex as long as the hip measurement plus 10 cm and a little shorter than the top mesh layer, so the lining does not peek out at the hem. Join it into a ring, turn up the hem or, if it is biflex, leave it raw: the knit does not fray. Gather the top lightly and sew the lining to the waistband first, under all the mesh layers.

How to decorate it

A satin ribbon threaded around the waistband and tied in a bow at the side hides the seam and makes the skirt festive. You can sew a few small flowers, sequins or rhinestones onto the top layer, but for children's clothes choose sewn-on decoration, not glued: more on this in «Buttons and snaps on children's clothes».

Common mistakes

• All layers the same length. The hem looks harsh. Make the lower layers 1-2 cm longer.
• Gathering by eye. The folds bunch up on one side. Divide the layer and waistband into quarters.
• Too few layers. The skirt is see-through and does not hold its volume. For a tutu take five or more.
• A tight waistband. The child is uncomfortable and soon wants to take the skirt off.

Care

Hand-wash the skirt in cool water with a mild detergent, without twisting or wringing. Dry it smoothed out on a hanger, layers down. If the layers get crushed, hold the skirt over steam or use a steamer at a distance, without touching the mesh with an iron.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to make?

An elasticated skirt on a sewing machine takes one evening. A no-sew tutu for a toddler is quicker still: it can be done in an hour or an hour and a half.

Does euro mesh scratch?

No, it is soft. For very sensitive skin, add a biflex or satin lining anyway.

How many layers so the skirt is not see-through?

Light mesh in five or six layers is almost opaque, dark mesh even in four. If the skirt is worn without tights or leggings, a lining is the safer choice.

Do I need an overlocker?

No. The cut edge of mesh does not fray, and the layers are gathered with an ordinary straight stitch.

Where to buy

We cut euro mesh from 1 m in 0.5 m steps, 3 m wide; the wholesale price applies from 10 m of one colour. For other costume fabrics see our overview «Knits, satin and mesh».