How to Use a Hula Hoop to Make a Round Costume

A great costume can be accented with an exaggerated piece or focal point. Adding a hula hoop is a prime example of a focal point in an eye-catching costume. It can be used for a school play or Halloween, but whatever the occasion, having the perfect costume will make the event go much more smoothly.

Things You'll Need

• Fabric Hula Hoop Sewing machine Thread Pins

Instructions

1. Draw out the costume that is going to be made. Make note of the overall shape, patterns, and size.

2. Use scrap fabric or paper to make a pattern for the costume. Measure the person the costume is going to fit. Write down all measurements.

3. Apply the measurements to the scrap fabric for the pattern. Pin the pieces together around the person who is going to wear it to roughly fit.

4. Use long ribbon or elastic pieces to go around the hula hoop and then loop the ribbon or elastic over the shoulders of the person to estimate the placing for the final costume.

5. 

   Match the pattern pieces to cover the hula hoop and its placing. This is very important if the costume is a one-piece jumpsuit like a clown outfit. When it's just for the skirt piece, it can be easily sewn in without the need for the suspension around the shoulders.

6. Measure the circumference of the hula hoop. Cut a piece of fabric several inches longer than the circumference that was measured and at least 3 to 4 inches wide.

7. Fold the edges of the fabric down 1/4 inch for seam allowance. Do this on each side of the fabric rough edge. Place the two folded edges around the hula hoop and pin them together.

8. Carefully place the edges under the sewing machine arm and remove pins as you sew down the seam. Connect the next piece of the pattern that flows from the hula hoop to the rest of the costume and sew seams.

9. For a one-piece costume such as a clown, sew the top piece and bottom piece in total, before connecting the middle piece with the hula hoop. Sew in the ribbon or elastic holders into the shoulders of the top piece to hold the hula hoop in place. For the skirt piece, sew the entire skirt piece first and then connect the hula hoop bottom.

Tips & Warnings

• Be careful with all needles and pins.