How to Make a Twirling Costume

Twirling costumes come in many different varieties.

Twirling is the art of spinning a baton or other object while performing dance steps. Twirling is often used in cheerleading, drill team and school dance groups. While most twirling teams have specific uniforms, it is possible to make an informal twirling costume at home with a few sewing supplies and a basic leotard. Use the homemade costume for individual twirling competitions or as a costume for Halloween. Girls of all ages can wear twirling costumes whether or not they actually participate in the event.

Things You'll Need

• Sheer fabric
• Scissors
• Sewing machine
• Thread
• 1-inch wide elastic
• Paper
• Pencil
• Basic leotard
• Tailor's chalk
• Shiny fabric
• Flexible fabric glue
• Trim pieces, such as tassels or sequins

Instructions

Removable Skirt

1. Cut two 14-inch by 13-inch rectangles from the sheer fabric. Sew a quarter-inch hem into all sides of both rectangles.

2. Cut a piece of elastic one inch shorter than the circumference of your waist. Sew the elastic together to make a circular waistband for the skirt.

3. Sew one long side of each rectangle to the elastic to complete the skirt.

Leotard

1. Draw a design of the desired leotard pattern onto a piece of paper. Mark the placement of the fabric additions on the leotard with tailor's chalk.

2. Cut shiny fabric pieces that fit inside of the outlines. Glue the fabric to the leotard with flexible fabric glue.

3. Glue trim pieces to the leotard around the arm openings, neck opening and place around the body of the costume. Glue sequins randomly around the costume or place them in specific patterns on the costume. Allow the glue to dry for 24 hours before wearing the costume.

References

• Specialty Sportswear: Twirl Leotard Pattern
• "Baton Twirling: A Complete Illustrated Guide;" Doris Wheelus; 1975