Belly dancing costumes come in varios colors and designs.
Although belly dancing is known for its characteristically provocative and flexible dance movements, it is also acknowledged for its intricately designed costumes. The dancers' movements come to life as the bells on their costumes jingle in rhythm to the music. Belly dancing costumes are creatively designed using different colors, patterns and embellishments. With a few materials, you can design your own belly dancing costume using the clothing you may already have in your closet.
Instructions
Make the Top
1. Put on the shirt and roll it up until the bottom is about 2 inches above your navel. Pin the material with sewing pins with a 1/2-inch seam allowance. Cut the material on the pinned line and hem the shirt with a sewing machine.
2. Cut a length of embroidered ribbon that will fit around the bottom of the shirt and the sleeves. Pin the ribbon to the shirt.
3. Sew the ribbon onto the shirt using the sewing machine.
Make the Bra Top (Alternative)
4. Find a black padded bra that you are comfortable wearing in public. Choose a bra with a heart-shaped neckline if possible.
5. Cut a length of fringe that will fit around the bottom of the bra. Sew the fringe onto the bra using a sewing needle.
6. Sew gold sequins on the top of the bra and along the straps. Sew a pattern of gold sequins on the bra cups if you prefer.
Make the Skirt
7. Find a long peasant skirt you don't mind cutting, preferably one that matches the top or the bra.
8. Cut slits on the right and left sides of the skirt to the top of the thigh. Fold the cut edges about a 1/2 inch into the inside of the skirt and pin them with sewing pins.
9. Sew the cut edges into the inside of the skirt using the sewing machine.
Make the Scarf
10. Find a patterned scarf that will go with the top and the skirt. Fold the scarf in half to form a triangle. Tie it around your waist to make sure it fits comfortably.
11. Lay the scarf on a flat surface and place the gold coins or bells along the edge that will hang down. Place the coins or the bells close to each other, so they can jingle when you move. Leave about 6 inches on each side to tie the scarf around your waist.
12. Sew the coins or bells on the edge of the scarf. Let the coins/bells dangle on the thread at least 1 inch from the edge of the scarf.
Tags: coins bells, that will, sewing machine, using sewing, with sewing, about inches