How to Make Dance Clothes

It's easy to make your own dance clothes if you're handy with the sewing machine. Fabrics come in many colors and textures, making the creation of clothing diversified. You can create different styles and looks by adding texture and embellishments and mixing fabrics. Depending on the type of dance clothes you want, you can usually find cheap patterns at any fabric store, and then alter them.

Things You'll Need

• Sewing machine
• Sewing pattern
• Fabric
• Embellishments
• Measuring tape

Instructions

1. Purchase a pattern for the type of dance that you do. Follow the directions on the pattern, and cut out all the pattern pieces that you need. If you do not have a pattern, you can make an easy dance skirt by taking a yard of fabric, folding down the hem to make a waistline, and then sewing lengthwise down. Add elastic and tighten. You can hem the bottom of the skirt to your height.

2. Another easy dance item you can make without is a pattern is a basic tube top. Take half a yard of fabric and fold down both hemlines to make a tube for elastic. Insert elastic and tighten. Sew down the tube top lengthwise. You can add designs by hand embroidering or adding trims to the top.

3. Purchase a pattern for basic bootleg workout pants. Cut pattern out, pin to fabric, cut fabric and sew. Add embellishments by sewing Egyptians coins, beads and different trims or fringes for a unique look. You can also add layers of fabric to the bottoms of the legs for a Spanish flair.

4. Make arm bands or cuffs by taking strips of fabrics and sewing elastic into them. Add trims, coins and beads, or use fabric markers for a unique look. You can make several pairs to match your different dance outfits.

5. To make a circular dance skirt, use 7 yards of fabric, cut two 3-yard pieces and one 1-yard piece. Take a measuring tape and pin it to the corner of one of the 3-yard pieces. Move the tape in a 90 degree angle, making sure to place the pin or fabric mark every few inches. You want to do this to each piece of fabric, and then cut out. Take bias tape and sew it onto the top portions of each skirt panel. Insert elastic and tie a knot. Add sequin trim to the hemline using your sewing machine.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a zigzag stitch to sew all embellishments. Shop around for the best deal. Try mixing different textures to create flattering new looks.