DIY Vegan Tulle Boa for Burlesque

(UPDATE: I suggested that you could throw some stitches in the center of the knot before cutting your bows. After using my boa for a few shows, I would DEFINITELY add those stitches next time. It will prevent the strips of tulle slipping out over time.)

I'm completing a new costume and I decided I wanted to add a feather boa... but I wanted it to be vegan/ cruelty-free. I researched and asked around. Then I took my accumulative knowledge and came up with this method that I found surprisingly easy and the results are FABULOUS! In fact, I prefer it to a feather boa.
If you can't be bothered to make this yourself, there are few places you can buy a vegan boa on Etsy.com.

Please Note: I used a wide net tulle and did find that it would easily catch and tangle on beads. So take that into consideration with your costuming. Perhaps using a finer tulle or experimenting with this same method using a different fabric would prevent this issue.

What you will need:
-Tulle. There are so many different types to choose from! I chose a wide net stiff tulle, and a finer, soft tulle for some texture variation.
I bought a total of 16 yards from JoAnn Fabrics. However, 20 - 25 yards I think would have been better.

-Cord, in a matching color. I also found this at JoAnn Fabrics. I bought 2 1/2 yards.

Total cost: around $25 for me.

STEP 1: Measure the length you want your boa to be. Tape the cord to prevent fraying and cut to size.

STEP 2: This is the hardest step. You want your strips of tulle to be about 6-8 inches in width. So, fold your tulle and cut it so you end up with that.

STEP 3: Have you ever seen those puff balls used for decoration usually at weddings and baby showers? That's what you're going to make! Watch this youtube tutorial to learn how: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3qWhBOrO_VQ&t=104s

 

STEP 4: Above you can see that I am making the tulle balls but not cutting them until I attach it to the cord. The photo on the right is what it will look like once it's cut.

STEP 5: Above are a few varying photos illustrating what i'm doing. I'm tying the bows of tulle onto the cord with just one knot, so I can easily undo and redo it, and make adjustments till I feel they are in the right spot. I'm also varying the direction and angles i'm tying them on. There is a bow on each side of the cord. Once you have them in the place you like, tie them on tight. You could even throw a stitch in there, with a thick thread, in the center of your knot for extra security.

 

STEP 6: Cut the bows and fluff you balls (tee hee) eh' viola! I could have trimmed the access tulle sticking out, but i liked the organic look of it. I mentioned I could have done with a bit more tulle to fill in some sparse areas, which I can do later.
I also finished the ends of the cord by hot gluing a white trim around the tips. You can add whatever embellishments you like.