Ask the Costume Goddess:

Tying a Hip Scarf

by Dina Lydia

The Question

Dear Costume Goddess:

I bought this lovely coin/beaded triangle belt. But it's heavy and it keeps sliding down my hips. I hate to tie it--that pulls some of the beads and coins into the knot and I'm afraid they will pull off. Help! Is there some way to keep it from slipping without hurting the bead / coin work?

--Clueless On Coins

The Costume Goddess Responds

Dear Clueless,

You're right. Tying a beaded hip scarf risks damaging the scarf and produces an unattractive golf-ball-sized knot that doesn't hold securely anyway.

I collect decorative pins from flea markets and thrift stores, like those shown in the photo. When I wear a hip scarf, I select a suitable matching pin, then simply cross the ends of the scarf for a snug fit and pin through all layers, including some fabric from the skirt or dress underneath. Using this method, the scarf can't slip down and it looks much nicer too.

If the scarf is especially heavy, it wouldn't hurt to pin an edge on the opposite side as well.

--The Costume Goddess

About the Costume Goddess

Dina has been sewing for more than twenty-five years (yes, she started as a toddler!)

She's also an artist (Maryland Institute of Art) and perfected her sewing techniques apprenticed to various designers, freelancing for small theaters, restyling vintage garments, and altering wedding gowns.

Dina fell in love with belly dancing costumes upon her very first lesson. Now the pleasure of wearing her own designs, and seeing others wear them, offers as much pleasure as dancing. She's become expert as well in altering those troublesome ready-made Egyptian costumes, and modifying designs to flatter individual figures.

She holds workshops in Seattle to teach design and construction of cabaret costumes, and analysis of figure characteristics. She will also give private lessons, or resize or repair a secondhand costume. She's thus earned her Costume Goddess title.

Photo of Dina Lydia, The Costume Goddess

The Costume Goddess Tells All Costuming Books

Dina has published six books of her own on belly dance costuming as well as writing nearly all the costuming section for The Belly Dance Book. For information on her series of books, The Costume Goddess Tells All, see her web site at www.costumegoddess.com. For reviews here on Shira.net of some of her books, see:

Volume 1: Flattering Costume for Bellydancers. Advice on designing a belly dance costume that will look flattering for your figure type.
Volume 2: Easy Costume for Bellydancers. Explains how to create easy-to-make costume items if you have very little sewing experience.
Volume 3: Cabaret Belt and Bra for Bellydancers. Detailed instructions for making your own bra/belt set. Emphasis on the beaded/sequined look, but some coin information too.
Volume 4: Arm Costume for Bellydancers. Creative ideas for sleeves, armbands, gauntlets, and drapes.
Volume 5: Tribal Toppings for Bellydancers. Cholis, vests, and other tops suitable for U.S. Tribal costuming.
Volume 6: Thrifty Chic for Bellydancers. Transforming thrift shop bargains into belly dance costume pieces.
Volume 7: Headpieces for Bellydancers. Many simple, inexpensive ideas for costuming from the neck up.

Costume Goddess Photos

To view a photo gallery featuring pictures of Dina, costumes she has designed, and her friends, either click on the choices below or visit her web site: