How to Make Native American Dance Outfits

There are many types of Native American outfits.

There are several different types of Native American dance outfits, but one of the most commonly worn by females is the decorative skirt or dress. There are many variations on the dance outfit. Dresses and skirts can be made from buckskin, wool or other types of cloth. They are adorned with ribbon work that ranges from simple to complicated designs.

Things You'll Need

• Wool, cotton, buckskin or other material for the dress or skirt
• Iron
• Sewing machine
• Marking pen
• Ribbons
• Cardboard template, cut into a geometric shape
• Dress or skirt pattern
• Thread

Instructions

1. 

   Geometric shapes are popular in Native American dance outfits.

   First, create the dress or skirt. Use a simple pattern purchased from a fabric shop and stitch it together using a sewing machine. You'll want to choose a pattern with a full skirt so that it moves during a dance and shows off the ribbon work you'll stitch onto the skirt.

2. 

   A sewing machine will help make more accurate stitching along your pattern.

   Next, prepare the ribbon for application onto your dance outfit. Make sure you have enough ribbon; add an inch to each measurement you take so that you'll have room for mistakes. A good type of ribbon to use is silk taffeta. Cut your ribbons on the cross-grain and begin by stitching the ribbon to the bottom of the material.

3. 

   Dancers show off the patterns and colors of their dress during ceremonial dances.

   There are several kinds of designs that are used on Native American dance outfits, including floral, zigzags and geometric patterns, each originating from different tribes. Zigzags and geometrics are a bit more simple for beginners. Start the ribbon work with the color you want on the bottom. Cut a geometric pattern or a zigzag out of a piece of thin cardboard. Place the cardboard template onto the ribbons.

4. 

   You can also add colored feathers and beads to your outfit.

   Take your iron and press the ribbon to the template to create the shape you want and then cut the material. Repeat these steps for the other colors of ribbon you are going to include on your pattern.

5. 

   Native American traditional dances are full of color and movement.

   Finally, using your sewing machine, sew the ribbon patterns to the dress or skirt. Use thread that matches the ribbons so the stitching won't show.

References

• Crazy Crow: Native American Dance Shawls
• Turtle Track: Cancku Ota: Ribbonwork
• Medicine Horse 7: Native American Ribbonwork

Resources

• Native Languages: American Indian Clothing and Regalia