How to Make a Tassel Belt

A tassel belt is a very popular accessory for tribal-style belly dance. Luckily, it is also quite easy to make. There are many ways that you can decorate your tassel belt for a unique personal look, but the basic construction method is the same.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Fabric
• Scissors
• Needle
• Thread
• Yarn
• Clasps, velcro or other fastening device
• Measuring tape
• Chalk
• Mirrors
• Coins
• Bells
• Shells
• Buttons

1. Take a measurement for your belt. Tassel belts are generally worn low around the hips, so measure yourself in this area over a few layers of clothes. Add a few extra inches to your measurement if you will be using a type of fastener that requires overlap.

2. Draw the shape of your belt with chalk on the back of the fabric. Tassel belts are generally quite wide (at least a few inches). A basic pattern would be a rectangle as long as your first measurement plus one inch, and as wide as you want your belt plus one inch. You'll need the extra inch as a seam allowance. Fancier patterns could include organic curved shapes or points that hang down.

3. Fold your fabric in half, with the chalk lines on top. Cut your pattern out of this double layer--so that you have a front and a back for your belt.

4. Place your pieces with the right sides of the fabric together. Sew most of the way around the edges, leaving a gap of a few inches.

5. Turn your belt right-side-out. Turn the edges of the gap under and sew it closed by hand.

6. Make a fat tassel by winding yarn around one of your hands many times. When it's quite thick, slide the loops of yarn off of your hand. Pass a long piece of yarn through the middle of the bundle of loops and tie tightly in a secure knot, leaving a long yarn tail.

7. Finish the tassel by cutting through the loops--opposite your knot. Tie a short piece of yarn around the top of the tassel, just a bit below the knot. Repeat the last two steps to make as many tassels as you want.

8. Sew these tassels onto your belt, leaving the attaching yarn as long or short as you like. Sew and knot securely. Consider attaching them to the inner layer of the belt so these stitches won't be visible from the outside.

9. Decorate your belt however you like. Common methods include embroidery and attaching small mirrors, shells and coins.

10. Attach a means of fastening your belt, such as heavy-duty hooks and eyes, velcro or sturdy ties. Try the belt on to determine where to attach these finishing touches.

[faunajohann]

on 3/31/2009 I am in the process of making some right now, what great directions!!!!