Categories: Crafts & Hobbies

How to Make a Belly Dance Hip Scarf Out of a Shawl or Scarf

Belly dancing is everywhere! Once popular in the seventies, belly dancing is back in full force among women and men. It’ s a great way to get fit, and very liberating and relaxing, as well. And, unlike other dance styles, belly dance comes with a vast array of beautiful and expressive clothing choices.

The first, and most important item in any beginning dancer’s wardrobe is the hip scarf. Tying a scarf around the hips helps to emphasize movement, and to make the dancer more aware of that region of the body. And, it’s very easy to make! Almost everyone can obtain a beautiful, unique scarf at a department store, or own one already. To test out the size, simply fold the scarf in half at the diagonal and wrap around the hips. Generally, the triangle goes over the bottom or on the side of the hip. Don’t worry if the ends don’t tie. For comfort and durability, we will be making ties. If you have a tiny piece that speaks to you but is way too small, such as dinner napkin or place mat size, don’t automatically throw it away, as you can stitch the small items onto another, larger piece of cloth for an interesting variation.

Making a hip scarf can be done by hand, but it’s much easier and faster if you have access to a sewing machine. After you’ve made your lovely base, you can get creative and add detailing by hand, such as coins, beads, and luscious fringe. The possibilities are endless, and there are many examples on the Internet to give you inspiration and guidance. Are you ready? Ok! Grab your scarf!

1.) First thing you want to do is get the fold on your garment where you want it. Some scarves will match up perfectly, others might be a little off. That’s ok, as it just makes it look like a scarf folded in half. Try to get a straight line. Ironing or starching the piece might not be a bad idea to begin with. The scarf goes wide end around the hips, with the triangle pointing down towards the feet.

2.) Once you’ve got your crease set, you need to get out a tape measure to measure your hips. Go from back to front, at a point below your bellybutton that feels comfortable. I generally measure right above the fullest part of my hips, as I like a low set and it’s guaranteed to fit that way. Whatever the number is, add around 12 inches to each side, 24 inches total. This extra length will be for the fabric ties we’ll be making, and you don’t want to make them too short! You’ll have to tie them comfortably later, and the extra length can add pleasing movement and volume to your piece.

3.) Here’s where you may need to go to the fabric store and buy a few things, though not necessarily. You need a strip of fabric, not thinner than three inches wide, that measures the length you just measured with your hips. For ease of teaching, let’s say I measured my hips at 36 inches. I add 24 onto that, for ties, making the total length of fabric I need to obtain 60 inches, at around 6 inches wide. Smaller lengths can be sewn together for this. For a first scarf, I recommend checking out the remnants or bargain bin at the store. Over time, if you get into the hobby of making your own costumes, you will accumulate fabric you can use for something else, or find ways to use your street clothes. This whole step does not apply if you have an unusually large scarf, such as a full shawl, and you can tie the ends easily without adding any length. I don’t recommend you use such a large piece, however, as the hip scarf will look bulky and probably will drag the ground! It’s easier, in my opinion, to add ties to a fitting piece than to resize and shape a piece that is too large.

4.) Once you have your ties, you will need to hem them around the edges. If they are really thin, you will have to hem them around all four sides. If you bought something thicker, you have the option of folding the strip in half and hemming just one side and the ends. Once this is accomplished, you are ready to attach the “belt” onto the decorative wrap piece!

5.) Place the belt on the wide end of the triangle, where it will be riding the hips. You can either pin it to the outside of the wrap, or, my personal favorite, tuck the belt in between the two ironed folds, at the crease. Now all you have to do is sew across the top of the whole thing, and you have your base hip scarf! So, using the model I spoke of earlier, I just sewed a roughly 3 inch belt or tie onto my scarf, which now is a total of 60 inches long.

That’s it! You may want to sew more parts together, for extra strength, but the main part is done. Now comes the fun, creative part, decorating! You can keep it simple, adding maybe some fringe to the bottom of the scarf, or on the ends of the ties, or, if you’re a beader, now’s your chance to shine! You can add beads, coins, shells, you name it. Bring out all the pops and whistles! Belly dance really allows for freedom of expression.

Once again, look online for some great ideas and methods. There’s a great multitude of sewing books out there, also, that specialize in belly dance. I recommend “From Turban To Toe Ring” or “Costuming From The Hip”, both by Dawn Devine Brown and Barry Brown.(Ibexa Press, 1999) If you take classes, your classmates will be able to offer encouragement and ideas, as well. Happy sewing, and dancing!