How to Make a Doll Tutu for an 18-inch Doll (Doll Skirt)

Recycle plastic bags into a doll tutu!

Making clothes for your 18-inch doll is not only fun but also super rewarding! On this page, along with the video, learn how to make a DIY doll tutu or skirt from repurposed plastic grocery bags with minimal or no sewing involved!

Only a couple of simple supplies, like elastic and plastic bags, are needed to make a lovely doll tutu. Using these materials makes this a very cost-effective piece of doll clothing, too!

This craft is a super quick and easy doll outfit and a great one to make with your kids. And with these directions, the DIY doll tutu will fit perfectly, tailored to the doll's exact size.

This skirt is perfect for any 18-inch doll, such as American Girl, Our Generation, Journey, Playtime by Emmie, My Life As, and New Adventures Styles dolls.

Learn more about making a DIY doll tutu or skirt by watching our video, or keep reading this post for clearly written step-by-step directions complete with photos.

WHAT YOU NEED to make an 18" doll skirt

• 1/4" piece of elastic that is 11" long
• Plastic grocery bags
• Stapler or Sewing needle and Thread
• Scissors
• Ruler

INSTRUCTIONS to make a doll tutu

STEP 1: Join the elastic into a circle

Cut a piece of elastic so it measures 11" long. 

Take the piece of elastic and form it into a circle, overlapping the ends slightly.

No Sew Method: If you prefer not to hand-sew the elastic, use a stapler to staple the ends together. Overlap the ends of the elastic about 1/2" to make a circle. Make sure the elastic is not twisted.  Use a stapler to put a couple of staples through the layers to hold them together.

Sewing Method: Thread the needle, tie a knot at the end of the thread, and use the needle and thread to sew the two ends together. Overlap the two ends of the elastic by about 1/2" to make a circle. Make sure the elastic is not twisted.

Make several stitches so the elastic does not come undone.  Put the needle back and forth through the elastic to make the stitches.

Once the elastic ends are securely stitched together, make a knot by forming a loop with the thread and passing the needle twice through the loop.

Pull firmly, then use the scissors to cut off the excess thread. Set the elastic aside.

step 2: Fold the grocery bag

To make this project, you will need several plastic grocery bags. Make space on the work surface to lay a grocery bag out flat.

Begin by cutting off the handles of the grocery bag. Next, use the ruler to measure 12 inches and then cut off the bottom of the bag.

Unfold the sides of the bag and smooth the bag on a table. The sides of the bag are on the left and right.

Fold the bag in half by bringing the cut edges together. The sides of the bag are on the left and right.

Fold the bag in half again, the same way by bringing the bottom of the bag up to the top.

Fold it in half a third time.

Step 3: Cut the grocery bag

Starting at one end, cut off where the folded edge of the bag and discard this piece.

Then, begin to cut the long strip into 1" wide sections. These will be used to tie onto the elastic to make the tutu.

It is important to cut off the ends that are folded and discard them. There will be a nice pile of 1" plastic folded bag pieces.

Step 4: Attach the plastic strips to the elastic

Take one of the pieces of plastic that have been cut and open it up. There will be two strips.

Keep the strips stacked on top of each other and fold them in half to make a loop.

Fold the loop over the piece of elastic with the loop hanging down.

Put the loose ends through the loop and pull.

Two strips of plastic bag will have been put on the elastic. Do this with each set of cut strips.

Push them together as you work to give the tutu maximum fullness. One grocery bag can be used to make a skirt, but using more strips will make the skirt fuller.

Once the strips of plastic have covered the entire piece of elastic, the tutu is finished. Place it on the doll, and she is off to dance!

Can you believe this lovely doll skirt is made of plastic?  You have just made something to entertain your kids without spending any money.

I hope you liked this idea and that the no-sew skirt (tutu) for an 18"doll was easy to follow. Start collecting some grocery bags!

more no-sew doll clothes

• Doll Poncho
• Denim Skirt
• T-Shirt