DIY Basic Belly Dance Hip Scarf Pattern (with Tassels)

I’ve done all kinds of hip scarfs and overskirts tutorials over the years, but I’ve realized I don’t have a good, basic belly dance hip scarf pattern yet! So that’s what we’re going to make today. 🙂

This design is very basic, cute and versatile, and super easy to make!  

In this video, you’ll see how to make this hip scarf and decorate it with tassels. Let’s get started!

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To make this belly dance hip scarf, you need:

Light to medium weight fabric – You need about 25cm (10in) of 150cm (59in) wide fabric. 

Matching color thread

Decorative items – I’ll be using this cute tassel trim for this example, but you can use beaded tassels, fringe, embroidered tape, coins…. Whatever you like. I used about 3m of the trim. (You can find similar ones at the trimming section of a fabric store. Etsy has a lot of selection too.)

How to Make Basic Belly Dance Hip Scarf with Tassels

Basic Belly Dance Hip Scarf Pattern

First, take your fabric, and wrap it around your hips. Match up the excess fabric, and mark where the fabric meets with pins.

Place it on a flat surface, and fold it in half wrong sides together. 

At the fold, from the top edge, measure 22cm (8 1/2in) and make a mark. 

At the pins, measure 12cm (4 3/4in) and make a mark.

Connect these 2 points with a gentle curved line.

And extend the line horizontally, so the ends are 12cm (4 3/4in) wide.

At this point, measure the length from the pin to the end, and if it’s less than 30cm (12in), end the hip scarf 1cm (3/8in) away from the pins, and make separate ties underneath that are 30cm (12in) long or longer.

Cut along the outline. Alright, let’s start sewing!

Sew your hip scarf!

All we have to do is finish the raw edges. If you’re using stretch fabric, fold 1cm (3/8in) from the edges towards the wrong side, and do a zigzag stitch. (Stretch fabric doesn’t fray, so if you’re going to hide the edges with trimming later, you don’t even have to finish it. It’s up to you.)

If you’re using lightweight woven fabric like I am here, you can do a narrow rolled hem or a simple zigzag stitch along the raw edges or use a serger.

If you have separate ties, place a tie and an end of the hip scarf right sides together, and do a straight stitch. 

And your basic belly dance hip scarf is complete!

Decorate Your Belly Dance Hip Scarf

Be creative and decorate your hip scarf as you like!

Here, I placed the tassel trim along the top and put clips there. Same for the bottom edge.

I left the tie areas untouched because these areas will get pulled and tied and the tassels will get damaged easily. 

And did a straight stitch at the top and bottom of the tape to secure these rows of tassels in place.

I also cut and sewed short pieces to decorate the ends of the hip scarf.

And you have your very own belly dance hip scarf! It’s super easy, so it’s a great idea to make a whole bunch for your troupe members too! You’ll feel awesome showing off your handmade hip scarf at your next class! 

If you’re hooked on making hip scarves, I have lots of other ideas, so if you’re curious, have a look at these tutorials:

Hope you liked this DIY belly dance hip scarf pattern and tutorial, and if you did, please share this tutorial with your dancer and costumer friends!

And if you’re new to belly dance costume making, join my free email course, Belly Dance Costume Making 101 below. It’ll give you a great introduction to costume making and beginner-friendly projects. 

Click here to join the FREE course “Belly Dance Costume Making 101”!

Thanks for reading, and keep sparkling!

P.S. Pin this image on your hip scarf board 🙂

Like what you read? Want to make more costuming bits yourself?

Learn more and sign up for my free email course, Belly Dance Costume Making 101 here!