Ready to make a cute lace overskirt to make your dance lessons even more fun? 😉
This is the last this belly dance practice outfit series, but definitely not the least! So far, we made….
And in Part 4 (this tutorial), I’m excited to share with you how to make this cute and easy lace overskirt! It matches the wrap top and completes the outfit. Let’s get started!
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To make this lace ruffle overskirt, you need:
- Pattern paper – like you saw in the previous tutorials, this can be any leftover paper you have. Cut it to a rectangle that is 32.5cm (13in) tall, and as wide as your fabric width.
- Stretch lace – If your fabric stretches from selvage to selvage, you’ll need about 70cm (28in) long stretch lace. If you use 150cm wide fabric, you get long ruffles. But if you use 100cm wide fabric, you get shorter ruffles. If your fabric stretches lengthwise, then you need 1-1.5m (1-1.5yd). I’ll explain more in detail when we cut the fabric.
- Matching color thread
How to make DIY lace overskirt
Preparation
First, measure your belt line. This is where you want the waistband of the overskirt to sit.
Make lace overskirt pattern
Take your pattern paper, and cut it into a rectangle that’s 32.5cm (13in) tall, and as wide as your fabric width. Fold it in half, make a crease, and open it up.
Now, do a quick calculation. Take your belt line measurement, and divide it by 4. And subtract 5cm (2in).
Measure this number from the fold along the top edge, and make a mark. Do this on both sides of the fold line.
From the marks, draw vertical lines.
On one of the lines, measure 2.5cm (1in) from the top edge and make a mark.
On the other line, measure 2.5cm (1in) from the top edge and make a mark, and from there, measure 20cm (8in) and make a mark.
From this 20cm (8in) mark, draw a horizontal line to the edge of the paper.
Now connect the end of this line to the 2.5cm (1in) mark on the vertical line. And connect the other end of the line to the bottom of the other vertical line.
And connect this corner of the paper and the 2.5cm (1in) mark on this vertical line.
Now around these 2 areas, smooth out the lines with nice curves.
And cut out the pattern.
Alright, the rest is easy!
Cut fabric
First, take your stretch lace and first check the direction of stretch. If it stretches from the selvage edge to selvage edge, you can use the whole width of the fabric.
In my case, this fabric stretched lengthwise, so I cut the fabric into a 70cm x 120cm (28in x 47in) rectangle (the longer sides are parallel to the direction of stretch). And the pattern I made earlier was based on this 120cm width.
Fold your fabric right sides together, and place your pattern on top like this, so the fabric stretches along the waistband of the overskirt.
Then cut according to the pattern and you have 2 panels.
Sew your lace overskirt!
First, take each panel, and fold 2.5cm (1in) from the top edge towards the wrong side. And do a zigzag stitch along the edge of the fabric.
Also, if you want to finish the raw edges, do so at this point. You have many options for this. For example, you can fold the edge towards the wrong side and do a zigzag stitch, or you can sew on trimming along the edges. Or you can use a serger, or leave the edges unfinished since the fabric doesn’t fray. It’s up to you.
Then place the panels right sides together, and do a narrow zigzag stitch about 2.5cm (1in) down from the top edge.
Turn it inside out, and you have a pretty lace overskirt!
It’s a really easy project, and it’s actually a modified version of my 10-minute overskirt. If you want to try an overskirt that’s even easier than this one, have a look at that.
This lace overskirt version has a little nicer finish, and features this fun asymmetrical design. It goes perfectly with the matching wrap top, and great for layering over the unitard outfit.
Now you have a brand new belly dance practice outfit ready for your lessons! Make these items in different colors, prints and textures, and soon you’ll have a wardrobe with exciting lesson outfits to show off at your next class!
And if you love lace outfits and want more practice wear, have a look at this Jamila Flare Pants premium course!
In this course, you can create a custom pants pattern, completely based on your measurements! You will never have to worry about tripping over your pants again 😉
Plus, there are 3 designs to choose from, so it’s a perfect course if you want to expand your practice outfit wardrobe!
Click here to learn more about the Jamila Flare Pants course!
Hope you liked this lace overskirt tutorial, and the practice outfit series, and if you did, please share this tutorial with your dancer friends!
And if you make your own practice outfit, share your creation in Sparkly Belly’s Facebook group! It’s such a great place to share your handmade costumes, get creative ideas, and ask questions. Join us here!
Also, if you want to see more beginner-friendly DIY’s like this lace overskirt, sign up for my free course, Belly Dance Costume Making 101 below!
Click here to sign up for the free course! 🙂
Thanks for reading, and keep sparkling!
P.S. Pin this image on your practice wear board! 🙂
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