Paquita - Tutu.com Design

You Dream it. We Create it.
This Paquita Rental Tutu with custom-designed, 6-piece, European-style Bodice with a point at the center front hipline is part of Tutu.com’s rental inventory. It was made using many products available through Tutu.com. All of our custom designs feature various embellishments that are either purchased or custom-made specifically for each particular design.
It is important to us that each custom design client, as well as our rental clients, get something special, made with the energy and personality of that particular dancer in mind. Keeping that thought at the forefront of our minds, Tutu.com’s creative team works hard to get to know our clients through emails, phone conversations, exchanging pictures of tutus the client likes and does not like, and sending out various fabric samples and ruffled nets and tulles. All of this allows us to get to know our client’s personality, whether they are buying a Tutu.com custom design or renting one from our in-stock inventory. If commissioned well-in advance, we are even able to custom-make a tutu for rental. In this case, rental fees are higher than our normal $150 per week, but the client is getting a tutu made to her measurements at a much lower price than the cost of buying a custom-made tutu.
It is important to us that whether a custom design client or a rental client, each gets something special, made with the energy and personality of that particular dancer in mind. Keeping that thought at the forefront of our minds, Tutu.com’s creative team works hard to get to know our clients through emails, phone conversations, exchanging pictures of tutus the client likes and does not like, and sending out various fabric samples and ruffled nets and tulles. All of this allows us to get to know our client’s personality, needs and desires.
Keep in mind, this level of personal attention takes time. For a custom-built, new rental, orders must be placed at least three months in advance of when the costume is needed. Regular rental stock can be ordered at any time, but keep in mind that certain busy times of year, they tend to be snapped up early (Sugar Plums at Nutcracker time, for example).
Be sure to allow six to eight weeks minimum when ordering a fully embellished, one-of-a-kind tutu for purchase. We strive to always remember that you, the dancer, are the star of the show, not the tutu. Our job is to be a part of YOUR creative team, working towards making your performance the best in every way possible.
We are very happy to share with you the exact materials we used to create our designs. However, keeping in mind our commitment to give each client, whether purchasing or renting, a one-of-a-kind masterpiece, we keep some secrets regarding how we put those materials together, or where we purchased/how we made the special embellishments, etc. that are not sold through Tutu.com.
Our “Paquita” tutu started with a mix of domestic American 40 denier, red tutu net and enhanced sparkle tulle in red with gold sparkles. Products listed below were used in this design or are recommended substitutes or options.
Bodice
The Bodice is a gorgeous, red Waterfaille, a fabric that is a member of the bengaline family (as are Faille and Ottoman). Waterfaille has a very distinct watermark on it that looks like a waterfall. It is quite lovely close up as well as from a distance. We also have it in several other colors – black, gold, white, light blue, and mint green. We have several brocades in stock that would be great substitutes and would work very well – our red stretch brocade, as well as a reversible red and black brocade, and several others that you can see in our Brocade Fabric Collection. Another great options would be Stretch Taffeta which you can see here in our Stretch Satins Taffetas and Jacquards Collection.
- Bodice lining fabric used is Coutil, a herringbone-weave, 100% cotton fabric. 60 IN White Coutil SKU 560-0150-114060.
- The nude inset fabric is our Polyester tulle in one of the 8 skintone shades that we carry.
- 6-piece, European-style Bodice Pattern by Tutu.com is currently available in eight adult sizes, 0/0, 1/2, 3/4, 5/6, 7/8, 9/10, 11/12, and 13/14 and can be seen in our Books and Patterns section.
- Steel Spiral Boning and Bone Casing were used in the bodice, as was our Invisible Mesh Elastic. Buttons and Buttonhole Elastic were used to attach the bodice to the tutu. Strong, one-inch wide braided elastic was used to make the waistband on the basque. #6 hooks and bars are the fasteners we used for this costume. All can be found in Notions.
Tutu
- This tutu is made in the English/European tradition. It has 12 layers of domestic American 40 denier tutu net. Four of those layers have red enhanced sparkle tulle with gold sparkles pleated along with the net. We chose to add sparkle to the top layer and every other one down to layer 3. We also doubled the net in rows 6 and 8 and pleated two pieces of net together at a time in those rows. Each row was double-hand-pleated, allowing for extra net to be added to each row, making for a very strong, but still lightweight tutu. When made in this manner, you can use the softer nets which are lighter weight and more comfortable for both the female dancer, as well as for her partner. The tutu will last and stand up very well. This particular rental tutu is 13 years old and has been rented quite a bit. It does not have a hoop in it and stands up beautifully.
- Each row is softly scalloped.
- The basque is made of the waterfaille lined with coutil. It was custom-made to measurements. Instructions for making your own custom basque can be found in Books & Instructions.
- Panty or “knicker” fabric used was 100% nylon Heavy Powernet SKU 560-0693-114036. The powernet for the panty was custom-dyed in our shop to match the color of the net.
- We used a total of 18 yards to make this tutu skirt because double-hand-pleating uses more net per row (about one extra section) than even the tightest ruffle.
Embellishments
- Swarovski 20ss and 30ss Light Siam, Crystal Golden Shadow and Black Diamond rhinestones, both hot fix and flat-back glue on were used on the plate and on the front of the bodice.
The embellishment was cut from the edge of a black lace with gold corded designs running through it. We no longer have that particular lace, but do have other black laces in our Fancy lace section. We also have several black trims that would work well. This one is my favorite and I think would look great with some gold rhinestones and tiny gold flowers added - Fancy Scalloped Black Trim SKU 530-9543-007001.
Finally, we found some large vintage red rhinestone buttons which we used to embellish the plate. We placed half of them on top of gold sunburst lace pieces cut from a larger lace design, and the other half we placed on top of black felted wool that we cut into seven-point shapes and also embellished with 20ss crystal golden shadow rhinestones.
-
Bodice Pattern - Adult 6 Piece Design By Claudia Folts
Featuring a rounded low back, the diagonal-cut design is very slimming, and works best for dancers with smaller bustlines: A or B bust cup sizes. The bottom edge of the bodice fits two-inches below the natural waistline. The side-front pieces are cut on the...- from $25.00
- from $25.00
- Unit price
- per
-
Bodice Kit: Adult 6 Piece Bodice
Bodice kit for a 6 piece bodice by Claudia Folts for Tutu.Com. Diagonal princess-seams and a rounded, low back, make this bodice pattern one of our most popular. Includes fabrics, notions, your choice of bodice pattern size, and instructions. Embellishments sold separately. 33 fabrics/colors...- $85.00
- $85.00
- Unit price
- per
-
Stretch Brocade - 57-inches Wide Red
Priced per yard. Red stretch brocade. 57-inches wide. Perfect for bodices, men's tunics and other costumes.- $13.49
- $13.49
- Unit price
- per
-
Coutil - 60-inches Wide White By the Yard
Priced per yard. White, 100% cotton domestic herringbone coutil, 60-inches wide. Perfect for lining traditional ballet bodices and many other costumes. 20% Discount on 100 yard roll.- $20.95
$0.00- $20.95
- Unit price
- per
-
Polyester Tulle Netting - 59/60-inches Wide Skintone #1
Priced per yard. Skintone #1. 100% polyester. This tulle has a little stretch across the width of the fabric. It is perfect for nude insets in bodices and other costumes. 59/60-inches wide.- $5.95
- $5.95
- Unit price
- per
-
Non-Metallic Trim - 1-inch Fancy Scalloped Black
Priced per yard. Beautiful vintage black fancy scalloped trim. Perfect for embellishing costumes for Kitri and other Don Quixote costumes, and many other costumes.- $3.00
$5.00- $3.00
- Unit price
- per
-
Tutu Net - 54-inches Wide Red By the Yard
Priced per yard. Red tutu net, 54-inches wide. Diamond-Hole. Need a lot? Purchase 54-inch Wide Red Net By the Bolt and save 20% everyday!- $1.50
- $1.50
- Unit price
- per
-
Instructions: Custom-Sized Basque Pattern for Classical or Romantic Tutu
Detailed instructions for making a custom basque pattern from measurements. Includes many full-color pictures. Basque can be used with a classical tutu, romantic tutu, dance dress and other costumes. It is the most important part of a classical tutu, controlling the fit and the...- $30.00
- $30.00
- Unit price
- per
-
Powernet - 36-inches Wide Heavy-Weight White By the Yard
Priced per yard. White. 100% nylon, heavy-weight powernet. We can dye this for you, any color, OR tell you how to do it yourself. 36-inches wide. Need a lot? Shop 36-inch Heavy Powernet Per 100YD Roll and save 20% everyday!- $16.89
- $16.89
- Unit price
- per
-
Muslin - 48-inches Wide Unbleached
Priced per yard. Unbleached, 100% cotton domestic muslin, 48-inches wide. Top quality. Perfect for draping and making "muslins" of bodice patterns.- $6.75
$0.00- $6.75
- Unit price
- per
-
Batiste - - 118-inches Wide Snow White
Priced per yard. White. 100% polyester, Batiste is a lightweight, semi-sheer fabric. Very wide - 118-inches. Often used for tutu panties/knickers and other lightweight items, like linings, baby clothes, etc. 20% discount on 25 yard roll.- from $11.35
- from $11.35
- Unit price
- per
-
Batiste - - 118-inches Wide Ivory
Priced per yard. Ivory. 100% polyester, Batiste is a lightweight, semi-sheer fabric. Very wide - 118-inches. Often used for tutu panties/knickers and other lightweight items, like linings, baby clothes, etc. 20% discount on 25 yard roll.- from $11.35
- from $11.35
- Unit price
- per
-
Batiste - - 118-inches Wide Black
Priced per yard. Black. 100% polyester, Batiste is a lightweight, semi-sheer fabric. Very wide - 118-inches. Often used for tutu panties/knickers and other lightweight items, like linings, baby clothes, etc. 20% discount on 25 yard roll.- from $11.35
- from $11.35
- Unit price
- per
-
Tutu Tulle - 62-inches Wide Rosette By the Yard
Priced per yard. Rosette Pink Tutu Tulle. 100% polyester. This tulle has a slightly crisper hand than the regular nylon tulle. It is specifically manufactured for use for top layers of classical tutus and top layers of peasant skirts. It can be ruffled or pleated with tutu...- $5.95
- $5.95
- Unit price
- per
-
Tutu Tulle - 62-inches Wide Soft Blue By the Yard
Priced per yard. Soft Blue Tutu Tulle. 100% polyester. This tulle has a slightly crisper hand than the regular nylon tulle. It is specifically manufactured for use for top layers of classical tutus and top layers of peasant skirts. It can be ruffled or pleated with tutu...- $5.95
- $5.95
- Unit price
- per
-
Tutu Tulle - 62-inches Wide White By the Yard
Priced per yard. White Tutu Tulle. 100% polyester. This tulle has a slightly crisper hand than the regular nylon tulle. It is specifically manufactured for use for top layers of classical tutus and top layers of peasant skirts. It can be ruffled or pleated with tutu net...- $5.95
- $5.95
- Unit price
- per
-
Burma Twill - 60-inches Wide White Bodice Lining Per Yard
Priced per yard. White, 100% cotton Burma Twill, 60-inches wide. 20% Discount on 100 yard roll. This is a lighter weight bodice lining than the coutil. It is not a herringbone weave, so has more give, especially on the bias, than coutil does. Pre-shrunk,...- $15.75
$0.00- $15.75
- Unit price
- per
-
Tutu Tulle - 62-inches Wide Blush By the Yard
Priced per yard. Blush Pink Tutu Tulle. 100% polyester. This tulle has a slightly crisper hand than the regular nylon tulle. It is specifically manufactured for use for top layers of classical tutus and top layers of peasant skirts. It can be ruffled or pleated with...- $5.95
- $5.95
- Unit price
- per
-
Tutu Tulle - 62-inches Wide Ivory By the Yard
Priced per yard. Ivory Tutu Tulle. 100% polyester. This tulle has a slightly crisper hand than the regular nylon tulle. It is specifically manufactured for use for top layers of classical tutus and top layers of peasant skirts. It can be ruffled or pleated with tutu net...- $5.95
- $5.95
- Unit price
- per
-
Metallic Trim - 6-inch Embroidered Scalloped Trim Black and Gold
Priced per yard. Black and gold embroidered scalloped trim. 6-inches wide. Perfect for Kitri skirts, Chocolate from The Nutcracker, tutus, etc.- $6.49
$7.50- $6.49
- Unit price
- per
-
Applique - Bright Gold Venise Lace
Priced each. Bright Gold Venise Lace. This applique can be easily cut down into many beautiful motifs and rearranged to make a one-of-a-kind design! For size: one square equals one inch. First picture shows whole applique. Second and third pictures are close-ups.- $6.29
- $6.29
- Unit price
- per
-
Applique - White Embroidered on Organza - Dyes Beautifully!
Priced per piece. White applique embroidered on organza. 10-inches long, 2 inches wide at narrowest point; 8 inches wide at widest point. Very easy to dye with regular Rit Dye. For size: One square equals one inch. Applique can be cut apart into several different motifs....- from $3.75
- from $3.75
- Unit price
- per
-
Applique - Beaded and Sequined Lace Motifs 4 Colors! Close-Out
Priced each. Beaded and sequined lace motifs. Can be easily cut into several smaller designs. Perfect for use on classical tutu plates, bodices, and many other costumes, as well as formal wear. Four colors: Black, Pink, Red, Turquoise. For size: one square equals one...- $2.29
- $2.29
- Unit price
- per
-
Black
-
Pink
-
Red
-
Turquoise
-
Spanish Fan - Red with Black Lace
Priced per piece. Red fan with black lace. Metallic gold design on spokes. Perfect for The Nutcracker Spanish Variation and Kitri in Don Quixote. 20% discount per dozen.- from $35.00
- from $35.00
- Unit price
- per
-
Spanish Fan - Black with Black Lace and Gold Design
Priced per piece. Black fan with black lace. Metallic gold design on spokes. Perfect for The Nutcracker Spanish Variation and Kitri in Don Quixote. 20% discount per dozen.- from $35.00
- from $35.00
- Unit price
- per
-
Spanish Fan White Close-Out
White fabric with lace on white spokes.- $20.00
$30.00- $20.00
- Unit price
- per
-
Non-Metallic Trim - 1-inch Eyelet Trim with Rhinestones Black Close-Out
Priced per yard. Approximately 1-inch. Black eyelet trim with rhinestones. Great for costumes with "lace-up" corseting.- $3.00
$6.00- $3.00
- Unit price
- per
-
Tiara - Forehead-Point Crystal and Silver
Priced per each. Beautiful silver and crystal "flat" rhinestone tiara with point at the center-front that sits over the forehead. Perfect for many ballet roles. Approximately 1.5-inches at center front. Has a metal chain at each end of tiara to bobby pin to the head. Sits snugly on...- $22.59
- $22.59
- Unit price
- per
-
Tiara - Forehead-Point Red and Gold
Priced per each. Beautiful gold and red "flat" rhinestone tiara with point at the center-front that sits over the forehead. Perfect for many ballet roles. Approximately 1.5-inches at center front. Has a metal chain at each end of tiara to bobby pin to the head. Sits snugly on...- $22.59
- $22.59
- Unit price
- per
-
Non-Metallic Trim - 3-inch White Beaded with Sequins
Priced per yard. White beaded and sequined non-metallic trim. 3-inches wide. Dyes well! We can dye it for you for $2.50/yard. Email us at orders@tutu.com to discuss dye colors.- $8.59
- $8.59
- Unit price
- per
-
Tutu Tulle - 62-inches Wide Hunter Green By the Yard
Priced per yard. Hunter Green Tutu Tulle. 100% polyester. This tulle has a slightly crisper hand than the regular nylon tulle. It is specifically manufactured for use for top layers of classical tutus and top layers of peasant skirts. It can be ruffled or pleated with tutu...- $5.95
- $5.95
- Unit price
- per
-
Tutu Tulle - 62-inches Wide Bright Red By the Yard
Priced per yard. Bright Red Tutu Tulle. 100% polyester. This tulle has a slightly crisper hand than the regular nylon tulle. It is specifically manufactured for use for top layers of classical tutus and top layers of peasant skirts. It can be ruffled or pleated with tutu...- $5.95
- $5.95
- Unit price
- per
-
Applique - Red Rose Vine Iron-On
Priced each. Red rose vine, iron-on applique. 20% discount per dozen. Great for Kitri, Awakening of Flora, Paquita, and other Spanish-style embellishment. can be ironed-on, then sewn in place for added security. For size: One square equals one inch.- from $3.75
- from $3.75
- Unit price
- per
-
Applique -Pink Sequined on Brown Net Close-Out
Priced each. Pink sequined, applique on brown net. Great for Arabian from the Nutcracker, Sheherazade, and many character roles. 20% discount per dozen. For size: One square equals one inch.- from $4.99
$11.25- from $4.99
- Unit price
- per
-
Applique - Black Lace
Priced each. Beautiful black lace applique. 20% discount per dozen. Great for embellishing both men's and women's costumes. Perfect for Kitri and other Don Quixote ballet costumes, Paquita, Black Swan, and so many other roles. For size: One square equals one inch.- from $2.75
$6.00- from $2.75
- Unit price
- per
-
Applique - Beaded and Sequined Lace Black
Priced per piece. This stunning, black, sequined and beaded applique is a lightweight applique, perfect for embellishing. classical tutu plate. Great for use on a Don Quixote "Kitri", or a Paquita costume. For size: One square equals one inch.- $4.35
- $4.35
- Unit price
- per
-
Non-Metallic Trim - 2-inch Scalloped Trim Black
Priced per yard. Black scalloped trim. 2-inches wide. 30% discount on full, 15-yard rolls. Perfect for costume embellishment - Kitri, Paquita, Black Swan, and many other roles. For size - one square equals one inch.- from $3.19
- from $3.19
- Unit price
- per
-
Applique - Venise Lace Applique Pairs Palest Ivory Dyes Well!
Priced per pair. Palest ivory Venise lace pairs. Lightweight, dyes well. Perfect for many costume designs. For size: One square equals one inch.- $2.59
$10.00- $2.59
- Unit price
- per
-
Souffle - 59/60-inches Wide Warm Vanilla
Priced per yard. Warm Vanilla, a pale skintone Souffle. It is perfect for skintone insets in bodices and other costumes. Completely blends and disappears on light skintones. 59/60-inches wide.- $14.89
- $14.89
- Unit price
- per
-
Fancy Lace - 52-inches Wide Embroidered Black Special Purchase!
Priced per yard. Beautiful, delicate black embroidered lace with many motifs per yard and a gorgeous border on both edges. 52-inches wide. Lightweight. Perfect for Kitri, Paquita, etc. for use on tutu plates, sleeves, and many other costumes. Pictured: 1. On ivory net (left)...- $14.49
- $14.49
- Unit price
- per
-
Applique - Red Sequined V-Shaped Close-Out
Priced each. Red, sequined, V-shaped applique. For size: One square equals one inch.- $2.29
$10.00- $2.29
- Unit price
- per
-
Applique - Vintage Silver and Gold Beaded with Crystal Rhinestones Close-Out
Priced each. Vintage silver and gold crystal beaded applique. Beautiful finishing touch on a bodice, gown, or tutu plate. For size: one square equals one inch.- $6.29
$14.50- $6.29
- Unit price
- per
-
Applique - Black and Silver Sequin Beaded Close-Out
Priced per piece. Silver on black beaded applique. Great embellishment for a Black Swan (Odile) tutu. For size: One square equals one inch.- $2.29
$3.75- $2.29
- Unit price
- per
-
Applique - Silver Crystal Swirl Motif Close-Out
Priced each. Crystal and silver beads and rhinestone motif in a swirl pattern. Can be easily cut apart into two separate motifs. Works well for a headpiece, as well as classical tutu and bodice embellishment, and a wedding gown, prom dress or other formalwear...- $10.95
$25.95- $10.95
- Unit price
- per
-
Applique - Silver Beaded and Crystal Close-Out
Priced Per piece. Beautiful silver beaded and crystal applique. Perfect finishing touch for wedding dresses, ball gowns, prom dresses, and ballet costumes. For size: One square equals one inch.- $9.95
$20.15- $9.95
- Unit price
- per
-
Applique - Silver/Crystal Beaded Iron-On Close-Out
Priced per piece. Silver/crystal beaded iron-on rhinestone applique. Perfect embellishment for wedding gowns, headpieces, prom dresses, ball gowns, and ballet costumes. Highest quality Czech crystals - very sparkly! For size: One square equals one inch.- $5.95
$6.75- $5.95
- Unit price
- per
-
Applique - Sparkly Crystal and Gold Beaded Close-Out
Priced per piece. Crystal and gold beaded and rhinestoned applique. Perfect finishing touch for many costumes, wedding gowns, ball gowns, prom dresses, and headpieces. Highest quality Czech crystals - very sparkly! For size: One square equals one inch.- $7.95
$13.30- $7.95
- Unit price
- per
-
Applique - Vintage Gold Beaded Motif with Crystals Close-Out
Priced per piece. Vintage gold sequined and crystal rhinestoned applique. Can be easily cut into several smaller motifs. For size: One square equals one inch.- $12.95
$27.50- $12.95
- Unit price
- per
-
Applique - White Fan-Shaped Motifs Close-Out
Priced per piece. White beaded fan-shaped applique. Can be dyed or sprayed with glass paint. Perfect finishing touch for Spanish costumes, Paquita, Don Quixote, etc. For size: One square equals one inch.- $2.75
$3.75- $2.75
- Unit price
- per
-
Ruffled Lace Trim - 2.5-inch Black
Priced per yard. Black softly ruffled lace. Upper edge is slightly stretchy. 2.5-inches wide. Perfect for sleeve drapes and ruffles.- $15.00
- $15.00
- Unit price
- per