Sewing a Pirate Sash

When making a costume for a child, wrap the sash around the waist three times instead of two.

Emulate famous pirates such as Captain Jack Sparrow and add authenticity to your pirate costume with a sash. Avoid spending money on a commercial pirate sash by making your own, exercising your creativity and maintaining control of all aspects of the design.

Things You'll Need

• Fabric, 1 foot by 12 1/2 feet
• Scissors
• Pins
• Sewing needle
• Thread
• Sewing machine (optional)
• 60 beads

Instructions

1. Fold 1 inch of the fabric back along each edge of the 12 1/2 foot lengths. Pin this strip of fabric down to create a hem that will keep the material from unraveling.

2. Sew along the pinned strip of cloth with a needle and thread or a sewing machine. Remove the pins and snip away excess threads.

3. Cut about 20 strips that are 1/2 inch wide and 4 inches long at both un-hemmed ends of the sash. This is the fringe that gives pirate sashes their rugged appearance.

4. Thread several beads on the end of each piece of fringe. Tie the fringe in a double knot around the last bead to prevent them from slipping off.

5. Wrap the sash snugly around your waist in two loops. Pull the ends through the loops and allow them to hang at your side. Don’t worry if the hemmed portion of the fabric is visible since it enhances the unpolished aesthetic of the pirate costume.

Tips & Warnings

• When choosing fabric for your pirate sash, opt for materials popular in past centuries, such as linen or cotton. Avoid polyester blends for authenticity. Linen is ideal since it best matches the clothing worn by actual pirates and is stronger than cotton. The pattern of the fabric can be checkered, striped, a solid color, plain white or cream.

• Use beads made from plastic or glass that are about 1/4 inch tall. Opt for a bead color that complements or contrasts with your fabric.

References

• Pirate Fashions: Sashes