How to Make Egyptian Belly Dance Costumes

Making an Egyptian belly dancing costume requires some degree of skill in sewing to make it look amazing. They can be very inexpensive to make, because you can take clothes you already own and simply embellish them into glittering belly dance costumes. The amount of time it will take to make a costume will depend on your skill at sewing and how elaborate you make the costume.

Things You'll Need

• Bra Sequins Glittered thread Strands of fake coins Broomstick skirt Shawls or scarves Slippers

Instructions

1. Take a bra made of a solid material that is well-fitted and comfortable. Sew onto the bra either strands of sequins or strands of metal coins. Either material can be purchased in most fabric and craft stores. You'll want to sew the embellishments onto the bra cups and the strap going around your back. Sew the strands all the way to the bottom so that the coins hang a little below the bra. You can also choose to use glittered thread and sew swirling designs into the material.

2. Find a brightly colored scarf or shawl. Sew the same strands of sequins or coins along the edge of the shawl. If you want the extra jingle and bling, you can sew the fake coins in rows all the way up the shawl. You should have at least one scarf, but more is better.

3. Take a long, broomstick-style skirt in a bright color. Cut either one or two leg slits up the front of the leg, depending on how comfortable that you will be wearing it. The leg slits should come up to at least mid-thigh. Hem back the edges so that the skirt does not fray or rip easily.

4. Sew the strand of sequins or coins along the bottom hem of the skirt and along the waistline. You can also chose to use glittered thread and sew swirling designs right onto the material.

5. Tie the shawl around your waist over the top of the skirt. You can put a second shawl or scarf around your back and hold the ends in your hands.

6. Take a pair of brightly colored ballerina slippers and sew sequins onto them. You can also choose to go barefoot.

Tips & Warnings

• The brighter the colors the better. Egyptian belly dancing costumes are all about bright colors and shiny embellishments.

• Belly dancing costumes are somewhat revealing.

References

• Examples of costumes

Resources

• Sewing supplies