Dance costumes draw inspiration from various sources, both within and outside the dance world. Recently, ballroom dance costumes sparked an idea: crafting armbands using nude elastic. This material is a favorite in dance costumes for its lightweight feel and secure hold, making it ideal for summer dancewear. Continuing our Summer Costume series, following Perky Ruffles and Drape Sleeves, we delve into nude elastics.
While searching online for DIY methods, resources were surprisingly scarce. Some suggest using pre-colored nude elastic, but it often lacks a professional look and durability. Covering elastic with nude fabric seemed a more promising and refined approach.
Through experimentation, I’ve found a technique that works beautifully. Whether you’re aiming for delicate armbands, secure leg accessories, or reliable bra straps, mastering nude elastic will elevate your dance costume creations. Let’s begin!
Watch the Video:
Discover how to create a Swirly Belt!
To create your own nude elastics, gather these materials:
Elastic: Choose any width; 1/2in (1cm) elastic is used here.
Nude Fabric: Four-way stretch fabric is optimal, but two-way stretch also works. A quarter yard (0.25m) is ample.
Safety Pin
Standard Sewing Tools: (Refer to recommended tools on the Resources page)
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Nude Elastic Straps
First, cut your elastic to the desired length for your project.
Next, prepare your nude fabric. Cut a rectangle of fabric that matches the elastic’s length. The fabric’s width should be double the elastic’s width, plus an extra 1/2in (1cm) for seam allowance. Ensure the stretch direction runs parallel to the longer edges of the fabric.
Nude elastic strap pattern for dance costumes
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 1/4in (5mm) seam allowance.
Sewing nude elastic straps for belly dance costumes
Attach a safety pin to one end of the fabric tube. Use the safety pin to turn the fabric tube inside out, creating a neat, right-side-out tube.
Turning nude fabric tube inside out using safety pin for DIY straps
Now, insert the elastic into the fabric tube. Attach the safety pin to one end of the elastic and carefully feed it through the fabric tube. Secure the other end of the elastic with a pin or clip to prevent it from slipping inside. Distribute the fabric evenly over the elastic. If there’s excess fabric due to the stretch, trim it carefully.
DIY nude elastic straps for invisible dance costume support
Use a zigzag stitch to secure the elastic ends. Stitch across both ends, ensuring the elastic is firmly anchored within the fabric. A short stitch length, like 1mm, is recommended for secure fastening.
Sewing ends of DIY nude elastic strap for strength
Your nude elastic strap is now complete! You can attach it to appliques to create elegant armbands or leg accessories for your belly dance costume. For added sparkle, embellish the nude elastic by gluing rhinestones. Space the rhinestones to allow for fabric stretch, preventing them from detaching. For rhinestone application techniques, refer to the tutorial here.
DIY armband with rhinestones on nude strap for bellydance costume
Enjoy incorporating nude elastic into your costume creations. Nude tones are perfect for light and airy summer costumes, offering support without visual distraction.
Belly dance armband and leg accessory using nude elastic straps
If you admire the swirly, sparkly appliques featured in these examples, you can now learn to create them yourself in the premium course, Swirly Belt & Appliques! 😀
Tired of conventional belt designs? Elevate your dance costume with a unique, designer-inspired belt. The Swirly Belt & Applique course is available now, offering comprehensive instruction here.
Imagine dancing in your custom Swirly Belt next month, captivating onlookers! 😉 Explore the course at learn.sparklybelly.com/swirlybelt.
Swirly Belt – Sparkly Belly Premium Course for unique dance costumes
Thank you for reading, and keep your creations sparkling! 😀
