Tutu Making for Costume
- Level(s) of Study: Short course
- Course Fee:
£875
- Start Date(s): 14 July 2025, 11 August 2025
- Duration: Monday to Friday, 9.30 am to 4 pm, one week
- Study Mode(s): Part-time
- Campus: City Campus
- Entry Requirements: More information
Introduction:
Course dates:
14 - 18 July 2025, Monday to Friday 9.30 am - 4 pm
11 - 15 August 2025, Monday to Friday 9.30 am - 4 pm
This is an exciting course designed for anyone who has an interest in theatre costume or ballet.
It'll teach you how to make a professional tutu base and bodice for classical ballet dancers or ballet students.
You'll have the one-to-one attention you need to ensure you leave with the skills to continue making tutus at home or work.
Tutu making is a unique skill allowing costume professionals to stand out in a crowd with a competitive portfolio. It's not a widely taught subject and is rarely taught to a professional standard.
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You’ll be part of a design community in our creative studio culture; one that promotes discussion and collaboration, and encourages experimentation and the constant swapping of ideas. -
With a limited class size you'll have the one-to-one attention you need to ensure you leave with the skills to continue developing your designs at home or work. -
Benefit from learning with an experienced tutor who has established links to the profession and significant experience working in varied practices. -
On successful completion of the course you will receive a certificate of attendance.
Here’s what our previous attendees said:
'Thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Lovely to be back in the learning environment.' MA
'I had a wonderful time and learnt so much.' RL
'I loved the course and the attention to detail. I'll be back.' RH
'The tutor was amazing and very knowledgeable. They allowed us to all work at our own pace and learn the process involved in making a tutu.' JC
'This course has given me two key skills when making tutus: sewing and creativity.'
'I chose to do this course as I’m doing a costume degree next year. I really appreciated being able to learn in depth due to being taught in a small group. I found that everything we did was important throughout the week.'
'I’ve been looking for a tutu course for a long time, wanted to add the skill to my CV. This course looked interesting so I chose this one! I’ve learnt loads of new skills and have increased my confidence and understanding of how a tutu is constructed. I most enjoyed the satisfaction of attaching my skirt and bodice together! Everything included in the course was great!'
'I want to have a career in tutu making for costume, this course has given me advanced knowledge on making tutus and links to further support my future pathways.' CF
'I wanted to do this course as I'm looking at working at a ballet school, I've learnt how to make a good, professional tutu, thank you!' EJ
What you’ll study
The skills taught on this course would be an addition to any portfolio of work and could essentially lead to work in the costume industry. It could also be an aid to developing existing professional knowledge.
Above all it will create an opportunity for like-minded people to have fun learning something new.
- learn how to construct a ten or twelve-layer tutu base skirt with bodice by fitting, cutting and pleating
- assemble the layers and understanding how to cut and construct the bodice.
Student Work
How you’re taught
The course will be delivered through a number of technical lessons in order to complete the project.
Examples of the finished project will be available as a visual aid and demonstrations of the various processes shown throughout.
The course is ideal for an enthusiastic amateur, a parent with a child studying ballet or a dance tutor who wants a creative input in their final show costumes.
It's also ideal for recent graduates who want to enhance their CV or costume professionals wanting to broaden their skills.
Confident machine and hand sewing skills are required for this course, but no extensive costume or tutu making skills are necessary.
Contact hours
You will receive 27.5 contact hours of quality tuition with an experienced tutor.
Careers and employability
On successful completion of the course you will receive a certificate of attendance, which will further enhance your CV.
Campus and facilities
You will be based in the Waverley building at the heart of the City Campus, with access to the costume design studio space equipped with domestic sewing equipment and overlockers.
You will have all the tools and materials required to make your tutu provided.
You’ll also have access to our library to use outside of your short course; whilst you can’t reserve or take away books, you are welcome to use them as a resource for research and referencing.
You will receive an email one week before the course starts with joining instructions on where to go for the first day.
Entry requirements
Level: Beginner
Entry requirement: Basic machine and hand-sewing skills are required
You must be over the age of 18 to attend this course
Fees and funding
The fee for this course is £875.
Payment is due at the time of booking - ask us if you'd prefer an invoice sent to your company.
Secure your place with a deposit - If you're booking more than two months before the course starts, we can accept a £200 deposit to secure your place, and the balance is due one month before the course starts.
Your course fees cover the cost of studies, including great benefits such as the use of our modern library and free use of the IT equipment and software on the campus during your course.
Please bring with you to the first session:
- notepad and pen
- sharp pins
- fabric scissors
- basic sewing kit (hand sewing needle, fabric pencil/marker).
All other materials to make your tutu will be provided but you will also need to bring something to transfer your tutu home in, such a tutu bag or double bed sheet.
If you would like to do some pre-course research, you can look at:
- Making Tutu's by Amanda Hall
- tutusthatdance.com
- tutueducation.com
You can read the terms and conditions of booking here.
Need accommodation for a week long summer course?
Accommodation can be booked separately to the course; the rooms are only a few minutes’ walk from our studios and classrooms, and cost £259 per week.
These are single rooms with a private bathroom in shared apartments in Nottingham Trent University’s city campus accommodation, which is ideal if you're looking to be based in Nottingham's lively city centre and want an economical place to stay.
Find out more and book your accommodation here.
How to apply
You can book your place via the NTU online store:
14 - 18 July 2025, Monday to Friday 9.30 am - 4 pm
11 - 15 August 2025, Monday to Friday 9.30 am - 4 pm
Browse all our fashion, textiles and costume short courses.
Any questions?
Contact the short course team:
Email: creativeshortcourses@ntu.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0)115 848 2813