I use 100% Cotton Coutil on my professionally made Tutus. This is the most durable and kindest to the skin. The cotton absorbs perspiration and helps protect the outer, more delicate top layer of the Tutu fabric.
The dense herringbone weave prevents the boning from coming through the fabric and so is more comfortable to the dancer.
The denser Coutil is used more for Corsets but the softer Coutil which has less starch in it is my preference.
A standard 10 piece Adult bodice needs about half a metre.
A strong Cotton Drill is also suitable for Tutus which don’t need to last 20 years and is under less stress. Younger students Tutus can be made successfully with the lighter linings as these are not constrained to the same rigours as the Professional Dancer.
The Coutil and drill can be dyed a flesh colour when the top fabric is thinner or more see through as this is less visible through the fabric.
ALWAYS prewash and Iron your Lining fabrics, especially cottons, as they do shrink. Stretch Linings i.e. Power net can be washed on a cool setting or rinsed by hand. These do not need pressing.
Dyeing the Net for Tutus gives you so many choices of colours which you wouldn’t normally find.
In fact some of the very Stiff Net you use for Tutus has a limited range of colours available. The process of hand dyeing is quite a complex one and you will find slight variations in colour batches even if you have used the same formula.
This doesn’t detract from the garment and some customers like the variations in the colour as it gives more ‘Life’ to a Tutu.
However I do find when you dye smaller pieces you tend to have more control over the outcome, although sometimes it can be a surprise too.
The Net is charged at the current rate as seen in the shop section. The price of dyeing varies as to the needs and quantities required.
To cut a 10 layer Classical Tutu £10.00
To dagge the edges-Scallop or ‘v’ shape £25.00
To dye a 10 layer Classical Tutu with powernet piece for panty £25.00
For more information please refer to the SERVICES -DYEING section on the Menu.
Photograph used with kind permission of Dani Legge. Dani’s Stretch Tutu Patterns are available in the SHOP section.
Most stretch Tutus are one to two layers of Lycra and so do not need a lining. If one is needed then a stretch lining must be used i.e. Power net or swimwear lining. The Power net lining helps strengthen the Tutu and provides support to the top fabric.
Powernet is available in Lightweight, Medium and Firm.
Stock colours are White, Black and Nude.
Dyed colours are also available.
See our SHOP for full details and pricing.
See Dyeing Services for colours.
Valorose Tutus and Textiles