Making a Half Skirt with Cut Pieces of Fabric

Info about the This section explains how to make a new costume by using simple cut pieces of fabric to fashion a half skirt. The strips could be added on top of a skirt or shorts for extra movement during the dance. The strips are usually the same length as the skirt or shorts, but they could be a little shorter or longer depending on your preference. This half skirt is great if you want a little flow to your costume when you are dancing but you want to keep clean lines.

Supplies:

Shorts or skirt
Fabric for strips
Thread to match fabric and or dance piece
Measuring tape
Scissors
Safety pins
Straight pins

Directions:

Choosing the Material

The strips could be fabric or they could even be lace. Often the strips are different material than the bottom piece or they could be a contrast color or material if that is your preference. You could also mix them up and have strips in two different materials or colors. Again, lycra and lace are the best choices because they do not shred. If you use a different material, check to make sure it does not fray or you will have to turn and sew the fabric on all the edges. .

Cutting the Strips

The first thing you are going to want to do is consider where you want to place the strips. Do you want them on the right side of the costume or on the left side? Think about your lines, your legs, which side would be more flattering with the strips, and which leg you kick the most. The strips are usually placed on the side where the dancer kicks the most. Do you want the fabric flowing with your kicks or do you want it to be the opposite? This technique can also be used for a full skirt by just placing the strips all the way around the waistband rather than on just one side. Additionally, when cutting the strips, you need to think about the shape. Do you want triangular strips, straight strips or strips with wavy edges? You could also shred them up a bit by making random little cuts into the sides of the strips. Additionally, the strips could be in the shape of a leaf. If you use a leaf shape or another shape where each strip needs to be the same, create a pattern that can be used to ensure they are the exact shape and size. You also need to think about the width and length. The width is another thing that is your preference although if they are too wide, they won’t have as much movement. Usually the strips are the same length as the shorts or the skirt. But, that is your choice. They could be the same length, shorter or longer. It is better for the strips to be longer because you can always go back and cut them shorter. All of these things need to be considered before you start cutting the strips.

Placing and Pinning the Strips

When