Dance costumes draw inspiration from a vast array of sources, both within and outside the world of dance itself. Recently, ballroom dance costumes seen on platforms like Pinterest sparked an idea: crafting armbands using nude elastic.
Nude elastic is a favored material in dance costumes for its ability to provide support while maintaining a visually light and airy aesthetic. It’s ideal for designs where you want security without compromising the delicate look, making it a perfect technique to explore, especially if you’re aiming for that sought-after ‘Dance Nude’ effect. This method is particularly relevant in creating summer-themed costumes, building upon previous explorations like Perky Ruffles and Drape Sleeves.
Researching online revealed limited resources on how to create these nude elastic elements professionally. Simply using bare nude elastic can appear unprofessional and may not offer the desired reliability. Covering elastic with nude fabric seemed like a more refined and promising approach to achieve that seamless ‘dance nude’ look.
Through experimentation, a method that delivers professional results has been developed. Whether you’re designing armbands, leg accessories, or even bra straps that need to blend seamlessly, mastering nude elastic straps is a valuable skill for dance costume creation. Let’s begin crafting these essential components for dancewear.
Watch the video for extra guidance:
Discover how to make a Swirly Belt!
To make your own nude elastic straps, gather these materials:
- Elastic – Choose the width appropriate for your project. A 1/2 inch (1cm) wide elastic is used in this tutorial.
- Nude Fabric – Opt for a 4-way stretch fabric for best results, though 2-way stretch fabric can also work. A quarter of a yard (or meter) is usually sufficient.
- Safety pin
- Standard sewing tools (Refer to recommended tools on the Resources page)
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Nude Elastic Straps
First, cut the elastic to your desired length for the dance costume piece you are creating.
Next, prepare the nude fabric. Cut a rectangle of nude fabric that matches the length of your elastic strip. The width of the fabric should be double the width of the elastic plus an additional 1/2 inch (1cm) for seam allowance. Ensure the stretch direction of the fabric runs parallel to the longer edges to allow for flexibility in your dance movements.
Nude elastic strap pattern for creating seamless dance costume elements
Fold the fabric rectangle in half lengthwise, with the right sides facing each other. Stitch along the long edge using a zigzag stitch or another stretch stitch, maintaining a 1/4 inch (5mm) seam allowance. This creates a tube that will encase the elastic, contributing to the ‘dance nude’ aesthetic by concealing the elastic material.
Sewing nude elastic straps for a professional dance costume finish
Employ a safety pin to turn the fabric tube right side out. This step is crucial for creating a clean, finished look for your nude elastic strap.
Turning nude fabric tube inside out using a safety pin for dancewear straps
Now, insert the elastic into the fabric tube using the safety pin to guide it through. Secure one end of the elastic with a pin or clip to prevent it from slipping inside, and then distribute the fabric evenly over the elastic. Because the fabric stretches, you might find there is excess fabric. Trim any excess to ensure a snug fit and a smooth ‘dance nude’ appearance.
DIY nude elastic straps for a seamless look in dance costumes
Use a zigzag stitch to secure the elastic ends at each end of the fabric tube. Set your sewing machine to a very short stretch length, around 1mm, to ensure the elastic is firmly anchored without compromising its stretch.
Sewing ends of nude elastic strap to secure elastic within fabric casing
Your nude elastic strap is now complete! It’s ready to be incorporated into various dance costume elements. Attach it to an applique to fashion an armband or leg accessory, or use it as part of a more complex costume design. To enhance the sparkle and visual appeal, consider adding rhinestones. Gluing rhinestones at intervals allows the elastic to stretch without dislodging the stones, maintaining both flexibility and brilliance. For detailed guidance on rhinestone application, refer to the tutorial available here.
Armband with nude strap and rhinestones for dance costume embellishment
Start creating accessories and costumes utilizing these nude elastic straps. For summer or any performance requiring a light and airy costume, nude tones are exceptionally effective in achieving that delicate ‘dance nude’ illusion.
Armband and leg accessory featuring nude straps for belly dance performance
If the curly, sparkling appliques featured in recent weeks have captured your interest, you can now learn to create them yourself in the comprehensive premium course, Swirly Belt & Appliques! 😀
For those seeking to move beyond conventional belt designs and create a unique, designer-quality belt, the Swirly Belt & Applique course is available now. Discover more and enroll here.
Imagine crafting your own swirly belt this weekend and, by next month, captivating audiences with your distinctive style on the dance floor. 😉 Explore the course at learn.sparklybelly.com/swirlybelt.
Swirly Belt – Sparkly Belly Premium Course for dance costume design
Thank you for reading, and keep your creations sparkling! 😀
