I like belly dance costumes that have decorations sewn onto the skirt. 🙂
For this type of skirt, you don’t have to wear a separate belt, which can be more comfortable for some of you. At least for me – less opportunity for costume malfunction 😉
But how do you sew decorations to the stretch waistband of your skirt to make sure your skirt still stretches after decorating it?
Here’s how to do it! It’s easy 😉
>> Click here to learn how to make this convertible skirt!
How to Decorate on Stretch Waistband / Stretch Fabric
First, find something flat that’s a half the size of your hip measurement in length. You can use a cutting mat or piece of cardboard. I’m using my old cutting mat.
Insert it into the skirt you’d like to decorate. This ensures that the skirt can stretch at least as much as your hip measurement.
Then sew on decoration! 😀
Here are decoration tips:
Tip: If you are sewing beads horizontally, use a diagonal stitch. This stitch or other stitches like a zigzag stitch allow for fabric to stretch.
Tip: Don’t make stitches too tight. Tight stitches put stress on thread when they are pulled. Keep the stitches not too loose but not too tight.
Tip: For gluing on rhinestones, just make sure your skirt is stretched and apply rhinestones. The cutting mat or cardboard will also prevent the glue from sticking to the other side of the skirt.
And that’s it! With this technique, the waistband will still remain stretchy, and you don’t have to worry about losing your hardwork while putting on and taking off your skirt. You can decorate stretch armbands, tops, anything stretchy with the same technique!
And if you are curious about how to make this skirt with cutouts, you can learn how to make your own in my new course, Aurora Convertible Skirt Premium Course. In the course, you’ll learn how to make this exact skirt with side cut outs, removable swags and tail and curvy trim technique to make a very professional looking dance skirt with 32 design options. Learn more here!
Hope you found the sewing technique useful, and if you did, please share with your dance sisters! They’ll appreciate it 🙂
Thanks for reading, and keep sparkling!
P.S. Pin this image for a reminder 🙂
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