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Home » Craft Ideas » First Birthday Party Idea: Highchair Tutu

First Birthday Party Idea: Highchair Tutu

January 22, 2021 by Jenny 49 Comments

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Updated January 2021

That first birthday is one of the most memorable, and what mom doesn’t want to make that first birthday party dazzling for her little girl? If you are looking for stupendous ideas on how to do that, one of my absolute favorite first birthday party ideas is a DIY no-sew tutu to decorate a highchair. It’s the perfect way to make those first birthday party pictures pop. With simple instructions, you don’t want to miss this tutorial for a DIY no-sew highchair tutu! 

Aside from the step-by-step guide below, you can also find out more about other types of DIY tutu skirts, how to repurpose the fabric when your little one is done wearing or playing with it, and how to take care of the material.

No Sew Highchair Tutu around a highchair set up for a First Birthday Party

First Birthday Party No-Sew Highchair Tutu Supplies:

Before you roll up your sleeves and get to work, make sure to grab all the supplies you’ll need. This will help you be prepared, and you won’t have to run around the house looking for things last minute.

  1. Elastic band ½″ to 1″ thick and long enough to fit around the highchair
  2. Two rolls of tulle, about 4-6″ wide
  3. Sticky velcro squares to stick to the highchair on the outside of the tray (Two-sided tape will also work in a pinch if you can’t find any velcro)
  4. Decorative ribbon, which is optional for the outside of the tutu but will add some real flair
  5. Scissors to cut everything down to size (Think about using ones that create decorative edging, to make your tutu look even more special!)
First Birthday Party Highchair Tutu placed on the highchair

First Birthday Party High Chair Tutu DIY Steps:

DIY’s are such a fun way to stay busy, and the pleasure is even greater when you do it for your kids. If this is your first time making a tutu, remember to be organized and prepare beforehand all the things that I listed above.

It will probably take you less than two hours to complete this project, meaning it’s a great weekend activity. And without further ado, I present to you the simple tutorial on how to make a high chair tutu step by step:

  1. Take a piece of tulle and fold it in half. You’ll need to make sure the tulle is the final length that you want when it’s folded. If you are in doubt, always cut a longer piece than you need. It’s much easier to cut off any extra later than to have to start all over again!
  2. Hold the fold of the tulle above the elastic with the elastic over the tulle.
  3. Loop the longer piece of tulle over the elastic and through the fold of the tulle.
  4. Pull the longer piece of tulle tightly through the loop.
  5. The loop should be pulled tight to the elastic and what is seen around the outside of the highchair tray once it is attached.
  6. Starting at one end, place the sticky velcro squares around the outside of the highchair and match them up with the inside of the tutu. It should fit flush against the highchair when you are finished.
  7. The tutu will need to be tied in the back once the birthday girl is placed in the seat, so that first birthday party pictures can be taken. 
  8. Think outside of the box and get creative with bows, stick-on jewels, or any other fun pieces that strike your fancy.

Seriously, that’s it! Even if this is your first time getting crafty, learning how to make a no-sew highchair tutu couldn’t be easier, so it is a perfect first-time project. If your daughter is like mine, she will want to wear it around the house afterward for sure, but once she outgrows it, wouldn’t that make the perfect addition to your memory box?

Other Fun DIY Tutu Ideas

I created the tutu by using the same steps as my Infant Tutu. I routinely use the tutu tutorial to create tutus for Halloween costumes or just as tutus for dance. I think tutus are just part of the territory when having a daughter, and the only limit to what you can do with them is your imagination.

Up close with the attachment of the velcro squares to the No Sew Highchair Tutu for a first birthday party

Highchair vs Skirt Tutu

The biggest difference between the DIY high chair tutu and the skirt tutu is that you need to keep the elastic long enough to wrap around the high chair.  I was able to simply tie it behind the chair that the highchair sits on. Depending upon your highchair, you might need to cut your elastic longer, and unless you can get your daughter into the highchair without removing the tray, you won’t be able to tie it until she is in the highchair. The tutu only took me about an hour and a half to make, and the pictures were well worth the effort.

up close view of the velcro square on the Highchair and the tutu

I made my first highchair tutu for Riley’s second birthday because, for her first birthday party, I forgot the highchair altogether. We have pictures of her eating cake out of my hand. It was a first-time mom mistake for sure. 

For her second birthday party, I made up for it, though. I placed the ribbon around the outside of the tutu and it ended up dipping around the outside of the tray. I could have tried to hot glue the ribbon to the outside of the tutu, but I wanted Riley to be able to wear it as a tutu afterward. She totally does, too! Most people assume that the tutu will get covered in cake, but neither one of ours did. Most of the time, she wears it over her jeans! Love that girl! 

First Birthday Party Tips For Success

  • The first birthday party is more about amusing the other kids who are attending than about amusing your one-year-old.
  • When creating the menu, keep your grownup guests in mind and just make a large dish of kid-friendly food like mac-n-cheese or chicken fingers.
  • Collages with 12 pictures, with each picture representing a month of your child’s life with milestones like the first tooth, first time crawling, standing, or eating solid foods are great milestones to track.
  • Get the guests involved by having them write a note to the first birthday girl or boy, to open on their eighteenth birthday. This is especially important for grandparents and great-grandparents who may not be there to celebrate that birthday.
  • Think about creating a smash cake for your first birthday girl. It will make the other children attending less crazy about getting their slice of cake and much easier for first birthday party pictures. And don’t worry if anything gets on your high chair skirt DIY project.
  • Have your highchair tutu attached to the outside of the tray so that all you need to do is pop the tray onto the highchair.
  • Place the highchair in a spot with a visually pleasing or blank background so that the focus during the first birthday party pictures is on the birthday girl and not on the background!
  • Since you already have the tulle and the ribbon, why not go all out and make a whole theme around it? I tend to think a princess theme would fit right in, but you could also create an entire fairy wonderland! 
  • To make it even more fun, have all the guests (adults included), dress up as part of the theme you have chosen. Don’t worry if you have any boys on your guest list—they can always become little kings or princes.
  • Your little girl is probably not going to remember this first birthday party, so it is super important to capture as many moments as you can in pictures. Just think of the stories you will be able to tell her a few years from now!
First Birthday Party Tips For Success

For Avery’s Fairy First Birthday party I decided not to go with a ribbon around the outside. Since the decor consisted of Tulle Pom Poms, it only seemed natural to leave the tulle exposed. I loved how well it matched the Fairy Magic Wands. 

First Birthday Party picture of one year old smashing her birthday cake and getting icing all over her face and hands

FAQs

Do I Need To Use A Certain Type Of Tulle?

Tulle can be made from both natural and synthetic fibers. But let’s be real: She will lose interest in the tutu before long, so there is no reason to buy the most expensive stuff you can find. Nylon tulle is found practically everywhere, and there is no high price tag to go with it.

What Are The Best Colors Of Tulle To Use?

The colors that you choose are completely up to you, but it is worth noting that lighter colors are easier to see through. You may need to use several more layers of tulle to get the coverage that you want. For example, white may need 10 layers to really make it pop, while something like red only needs two or three layers. The darker you go, the less material you will need.

Will The DIY High Chair Tutu Be Washable?

Yes, you will be able to wash the tutu if she gets it dirty. There are two ways you can do this: either by hand or in your washing machine. 

You can only use the washing machine option if it has a setting like “delicate,” “wool,” or “hand wash,” and you can use a warm temperature setting. Follow the instructions for your particular machine, but keep in mind that tulle should never be washed in water over 30 degrees.

The easiest way to hand wash your tutu is by filling up a sink or bucket with warm water and a small amount of liquid detergent. If you use too much soap, you will spend forever trying to rinse the suds out of the tutu. 

Gently swish it around in the water and let it soak for a couple of hours. Rinse it out under running water and gently squeeze out the excess. All you need to do next is hang it to dry and you are ready to use it again.

It’s now up to you to create the perfect first birthday party highchair tutu. The materials are easily found online or at your local craft store, and the instructions are easy to follow. Anyone can put this together, and I would love to see some pictures of what you manage to come up with!

Can I Make The Tutu For Other Chairs?

Yes, you absolutely can. This is such a versatile idea that you can adapt to your own scenario. Your daughter doesn’t even have to be the one who’s obsessed with tutus. I’m an adult and I still can’t get over how adorable this piece is.

I love the idea so much that I might even consider pulling off a Carrie Bradshaw and making myself one.

Just measure the chair or table you have and follow the instructions. That way, it can be great for any chair, any holiday, and any table you can think of.

Can I Repurpose The Tutu?

Once everyone’s had their fair share of fun with the tutu, it’s time to find the fabric a new role. Tulle is a very versatile material that you can repurpose easily.

Think of cute little tulle pom-poms for a themed party, for Halloween crafts, Christmas decorations and ornaments, as packing material for gifts, a tulle wreath, and so on. Finding a new purpose for fabrics will not only boost your creativity but will also reduce waste, which is always a great thing.

Conclusion

Now that you know how to make a tulle high chair skirt, it’s time to go online and start shopping. This little DIY project can be such a unique bonding experience for you and your little one. She can help you pick a color and decorate the tutu, and it will be her favorite thing to put on.

If you have an at-home birthday party coming up, or have extra time on your hands, this seems like an amazing idea and way to get creative. It won’t break the budget, either, it’s so simple to make, plus it takes only an hour and a half or so. The pictures that you’ll take of the tutu will inspire all your friends to take up a new DIY task themselves.

Don’t forget to leave a comment in the section below to let me know how yours turned out.

More Useful Links…

  • Tulle Pom Poms
  • How To Make A Tissue Box Cover
  • Butterfly Hair Clips
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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Abhishek Gupta

    October 18, 2020 at 6:28 am

    My searching end here - Thank you Jenny! For sharing this post about first birthday party ideas.

    Reply
  2. Jacquelyn

    December 20, 2017 at 3:00 pm

    We can do this

    Reply
  3. Cathy

    March 04, 2017 at 8:23 pm

    I plan on making this for my granddaughters first birthday. Just one question. How long did you cut each piece of tulle?

    Reply
  4. Caitlin

    November 02, 2016 at 8:06 pm

    What do I do with the elastic ends of the highchair tutu when I'm done?

    Reply
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    October 05, 2015 at 8:49 pm

    I am regular reader, how are you everybody? This piece of writing posted at this
    site is truly good.

    Reply
  6. Michelle Schaffel

    April 20, 2015 at 1:15 pm

    Hi, love the tutu high chair cover. Wanted to know if you'd make one for me, how much you'd charge? My daughter will be 1 on July 1st but with an almost 3 year old boy and a business, right now I rarely have time to pee! Just curious if you'd even consider making one. I'd need a true turquoise like the purple one, no ribbon needed. You could mail to me- I'm in PA. Let me know thanks!

    Reply
  7. Helena

    March 03, 2015 at 9:30 am

    I was wondering how you tie off the sides so the tulle doesn't slip off?

    Reply
  8. Connie Robite

    June 21, 2014 at 9:56 pm

    It may be cute. ? But can you imagine cleaning it after every meal. ?.. not worth it. ?.

    Reply
  9. Jen

    June 18, 2014 at 1:14 pm

    So adorable! I need to make one for my princess' 1st birthday!

    Reply
  10. sue hartshorn

    June 14, 2014 at 5:43 am

    hi is there any instructions on how to make the highchair tutu plz

    Reply
    • Jenny Melrose

      June 14, 2014 at 6:16 am

      Are you not seeing the rest of the pictures showing how to attach the highchair tutu? If you're looking for how to make a tutu then you'll need to click on the tutu tutorial that is linked within the post.

      Reply
  11. Demetrius

    April 22, 2014 at 10:51 am

    Thanks to my father who informed me concerning this webpage, this weblog is actually remarkable.

    Reply
  12. Lindsey

    March 17, 2014 at 3:18 pm

    How did you attach the skirt to the highchair? I feel like tape wouldn't stay. HELP!

    Reply
  13. Tammy

    April 13, 2013 at 2:52 am

    Thank you so much for sharing this!! I was figuring that I would have to use velcro to keep it down on the tray but wasn't sure. It looked so cute! Great job 🙂

    Reply
    • Jenny Melrose

      April 15, 2013 at 10:57 am

      Thanks so much Tammy. I was and still am so proud of that highchair tutu. Riley wears it now as a tutu.

      Reply
  14. key1

    August 18, 2012 at 3:06 pm

    That's a test.

    Reply
  15. Jenny @ The NY Melrose Family

    July 11, 2012 at 12:46 am

    I used velcro that had a sticky side that I stuck onto her tray. So I put one piece of the velcro on the tray in multiple spots and then I put the other side on the outside of the tutu in the corresponding spot to match up with the tray. I tried to email you back, but you're a no-reply commenter.

    Reply
    • Maria

      April 25, 2020 at 12:53 am

      Hello, this is a brilliant idea! I was just wondering about the Velcro. Will it stay in the chair permanently? I worry it could potentially ruin it when I take it off. My daughter has the Graco high chair 6 in 1.
      Thanks!

      Reply
      • Jenny Melrose

        June 27, 2020 at 3:02 am

        I don't think so. Just remove it carefully and use a scraper or razor blade if you can. Also blowing a hairdryer on it will help loosen it as you scrape off.

        Reply
  16. OwlPrincess

    July 11, 2012 at 12:33 am

    How did you attach the tutu around the high chair? I'm having trouble with mine!

    Reply
  17. Natasha Mairs

    March 08, 2012 at 7:03 pm

    this is just so cute!

    Thanks for linking up to Serenity Saturday!
    Can't wait to see what you link up this weekend

    Natasha xx

    http://www.serenityyou.blogspot.com

    Reply
  18. Trish - Mom On Timeout

    March 07, 2012 at 3:27 pm

    So adorable! What a great way to add some fun to a high chair 🙂 Thanks so much for sharing on Mom On Timeout!

    Reply
  19. Bonnie and Trish @ Uncommon

    March 05, 2012 at 2:19 am

    SWEET!!! Love the pink tulle!!! She looks like quite a little princess! Thank you for sharing at Uncommon! Bonnie 😉

    Reply
  20. Jessica @ Stay at Home-ista

    March 04, 2012 at 11:19 pm

    Such a fun idea for a little girl's birthday! I just threw a party for a friend's 1 year old this morning, I wish I had seen this two days ago.

    Reply
  21. Steph @ Crafting in the Rain

    March 04, 2012 at 11:14 pm

    How cute and fluffy!

    Reply
  22. Carrie

    March 04, 2012 at 12:11 am

    Very cute, Jenny!! Thank you for sharing it at Sharing Saturday!! We look forward to seeing you share again next week!

    Reply
  23. Deana

    March 03, 2012 at 8:10 pm

    How cute....Thanks for linking up @CountryMommaCooks…..have a wonderful week:)

    Reply
  24. Cari and Cortnee @ Two Sasters

    March 03, 2012 at 6:13 pm

    Looks SO cute!! I love that you made it so that she could wear it later! Happy 2nd Birthday Riley! And thank you for sharing at Two Sasters:)

    Reply
  25. Mama Jodi

    March 03, 2012 at 6:00 am

    Love this idea for young birthday parties. Almost makes me want to have another little girl...almost. 😉

    Reply
  26. Tamika Rybinski

    March 02, 2012 at 8:47 am

    what a cute idea. I think it looks so fun and girly!

    I found you on Happy Hour Projects.

    Tamika
    http://www.notimefortea.com

    Reply
  27. Christine

    March 02, 2012 at 2:31 am

    Honestly... this is really super cute!!! I wish I would have seen this when my girlies were younger!

    I really hope you'll be sharing this over at The DIY Dreamer:
    http://thediydreamer.blogspot.com/2012/02/from-dream-to-reality-linky-party-5.html

    Reply
  28. sstone

    March 02, 2012 at 12:17 am

    What a great party decoration. It's so cute!

    Reply
  29. Carrie @ My Favorite Finds

    March 01, 2012 at 5:55 pm

    I made a gift table tutu for my daughter's birthday in October. It was so easy and cute. Yours turned out adorable!

    Reply
  30. Alison @ Oopsey Daisy

    March 01, 2012 at 2:34 am

    I like your style!! Even a high chair deserves a good dress up for a birthday! This is so cute! Thanks for sharing at oopsey daisy!

    Reply
  31. FineArtPainting

    February 29, 2012 at 6:12 pm

    this is pretty creative!!

    I am actually coming to your site re. the Follower linky blog hop. I WILL BE FOLLOWING YOU *** WILL YOU FOLLOW ME BACK ? Thank you so much when you do.

    There is also a link party on our blog, where you can feature 'your best creative work'. There are some great projects to see already, but we want to see your work!

    This url is both to FOLLOW and to PARTY:
    http://www.FineCraftGuild.com/party/

    Hope to seeing you around!!
    Have a happy, creative day!

    Reply
  32. Jennifer~My Vintage Bliss

    February 29, 2012 at 5:36 pm

    This is such a cute idea ~ love it!!

    Reply
  33. Our Delightful Home

    February 29, 2012 at 1:09 pm

    This is too cute!

    Mrs .Delightful
    http://www.ourdelightfulhome.blogspot.com

    Reply
  34. Holly

    February 29, 2012 at 11:06 am

    OMG this is such a precious idea!! It is beautiful- thank you for sharing 🙂 Holly @ Pink Lady

    Reply
  35. Katie Goldsworthy

    February 29, 2012 at 8:14 am

    That is sooo adorable!!!

    Thanks for linking it up @ Creatively Living!
    --Katie

    Reply
  36. Mindie Hilton

    February 29, 2012 at 3:49 am

    what a little tutu diva 🙂

    Reply
  37. CrazyNutsMom

    February 29, 2012 at 2:25 am

    what a little fashionista. That is a cute idea for a wonderful birthday and whenever!

    Following you via linky.

    Regina
    http://www.thecrazynutsmom.com

    Reply
  38. Jennifer Goodin

    February 28, 2012 at 7:49 pm

    love the tu tu high chair! every little girl needs this!

    Reply
  39. Our Seven Dwarfs

    February 28, 2012 at 2:27 pm

    This is adorable! Thanks for inviting me to your blog!

    Jill of oursevendwarfs.com

    Reply
  40. 4you-withlove

    February 28, 2012 at 1:29 pm

    cute!

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. 11 Ideas To Plan The Best First Birthday Bash! | How Does She says:
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    […] Decorate the high chair for those fun cake pictures!  Tutu for a […]

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    March 13, 2014 at 12:19 pm

    […] Or our Minnie Mouse Birthday Party complete with a No Sew Highchair Tutu! […]

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  3. Riley’s 2nd Birthday | The NY Melrose Family says:
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  4. How to Make Table Linens: JoAnn Fabrics | The NY Melrose Family says:
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    […] sew.  Not even a button onto a shirt.  I’ve completed a couple of no sew projects like my No Sew Highchair Tutu and my No Sew Lamp Shade Redo and each time I am completely astounded.  These table linens are no […]

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  5. Party Favor Bags for Kids - Affordable Ideas | Manilla Blog | Manilla Blog says:
    August 16, 2012 at 6:47 pm

    [...] everything for her party. My absolute favorite project from her party was definitely her Highchair Tutu. It was just too [...]

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Jennifer Anderson Hey, I’m Jenny! As a working mom, I understand the importance of saving time and money. My hope is that my blog brings you countless resources for great, fast recipes and easy cleaning, health and DIY tips. MORE ABOUT ME »

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