Discover 10 skirt patterns you can sew today! From circle skirts to mermaid and tiered skirts, every style is built from 3 simple constructions. This video explains each pattern step-by-step with tutorials, perfect for DIY outfits or belly dance costumes. Learn skirt design basics and create stunning handmade skirts. Read more →
Ever finish a costume and feel like it’s just… okay? I’ve found one simple ruffle skirt technique that took my plain skirts from basic to showstopping. In this post, I’ll show you how to use it on any skirt you already have! Read more →
Not sure how to dress now that you’re pregnant? Here are 5 pregnant belly dance costume ideas that are beautiful, comfortable and safe! Read more →
If you’re interested in making a professional belly dance costume, you must know this secret ingredient every famous designer uses – It’s horsehair braid 🙂 You’ve probably seen it being used to finish the hem of skirts and dresses for dance costumes or wedding dresses or evening gowns. It’s also used to accentuate ruffle details. It creates large waves and… Read more →
A belly dance outfit usually comes with a bra top, belt, and a skirt, or you may choose a belly dance skirt without a belt. If you’re making a costume from scratch, the second option is less time-consuming, so it’s a great option for simpler costumes or troupe costumes. 🙂 But the problem is, how do you make the waistband… Read more →
4 different types of belly dance mermaid skirts, how they are constructed, and which one YOU should choose. Read more →
Do you have a skirt that could use a little makeover? You can easily transform a simple skirt into an exciting ruffle skirt if you know how to add a ruffle to a skirt! The original skirt is from my 3-panel mermaid skirt tutorial, and I decided to add ruffles to upgrade it. In this video, you’ll see how to… Read more →
In Part 1 of this 3-panel mermaid skirt series, I showed you how to make your own pattern for this 3-panel belly dance mermaid skirt. If you missed it, start from there 🙂 In this tutorial, I’ll show you how to cut the fabric, and assemble all pieces together. Let’s get started! Click here to sign up for the Sparkly… Read more →
I shared this 5-panel mermaid skirt tutorial years ago, and it has been one of the most popular tutorials at Sparkly Belly. And since I published it, so many of you have requested a simpler, 3-panel mermaid skirt. Thank you! So today I’m thrilled to share with you my 3-panel mermaid skirt over the next 2 posts, more straightforward than… Read more →
The last of the Mermaid Costume series is this beautiful fishtail mermaid skirt! 🙂 Last 2 weeks, we made the mermaid shell bra top and the curly seaweed armband! And today we’ll complete the costume with this fishtail mermaid skirt with a little train. It’s pretty simple to make, yet looks pretty impressive when it’s finished. Let’s get started! Click… Read more →