How to Make a Belly Dance Hip Scarf Out of a Shawl or Scarf

Belly dancing is everywhere! Once popular in the seventies, belly dancing is back in full force among women and men. It' s a great way to get fit, and very liberating and relaxing, as well. And, unlike other dance styles, belly dance comes with a vast array of beautiful and expressive clothing choices.

The first, and most important item in any beginning dancer's wardrobe is the hip scarf. Tying a scarf around the hips helps to emphasize movement, and to make the dancer more aware of that region of the body. And, it's very easy to make! Almost everyone can obtain a beautiful, unique scarf at a department store, or own one already. To test out the size, simply fold the scarf in half at the diagonal and wrap around the hips. Generally, the triangle goes over the bottom or on the side of the hip. Don't worry if the ends don't tie. For comfort and durability, we will be making ties. If you have a tiny piece that speaks to you but is way too small, such as dinner napkin or place mat size, don't automatically throw it away, as you can stitch the small items onto another, larger piece of cloth for an interesting variation.

Making a hip scarf can be done by hand, but it's much easier and faster if you have access to a sewing machine. After you've made your lovely base, you can get creative and add detailing by hand, such as coins, beads, and luscious fringe. The possibilities are endless, and there are many examples on the Internet to give you inspiration and guidance. Are you ready? Ok! Grab your scarf!

1.) First thing you want to do is get the fold on your garment where you want it. Some scarves will match up perfectly, others might be a little off. That's ok, as it just makes it look like a scarf folded in half. Try to get a straight line. Ironing or starching the piece might not be a bad idea to begin with. The scarf goes wide end around the hips, with the triangle pointing down towards the feet.