Thread: Tips on how to do beaded fringe

I bought this absolutely gorgeous burgundy sequined fabric that would be perfect for a belly dance costume. It has different shades of burgundy that makes a lovely pattern.

I have never made a costume before. I have a general idea how to put the bra part together and the belt. My question is what is the best way to make beaded fringe. Can I buy some already put together or is it best to make it yourself and if so, what is the best thread to use?

Kizzie

Buying is usually my first choice, as making fringe is pretty tedious. If you can't find the right color and need to make it yourself, I would suggest using a battery-operated bead spinner (I bought one at Joann's a few weeks ago for $15) and button thread. Good luck!

Do these bead spinners work? I have always made my fringe one bead at a time or bought it already made.

Yeah, bead spinners are definitely faster than doing it one bead at a time. You have to play with it a bit to get the right angle. I have a manual one, but I really like the battery operated one even better. Here's a video of the battery operated one: [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AwtTI1lpgYs]YouTube - The Bead Spinner By Darice[/ame]. Here's one that shows a different method with the needle. [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6uMQkYWsBJI]YouTube - Bead Spinner - Demo 2[/ame]I've tried it both ways, and I like using the J method better than the straight method.

Thanks khalisah - this looks like it would be a great time saver! I may try it someday.

kdizzle - what style of fringe are you thinking of? A few scattered here and there or solid walls of fringe?

The bead spinner does look like a definite time saver! I will have to get one of those.

I am planning on do a solid wall of fringe for the belt but just some on the center of the bra and with some fringe looped to the center going to the main center fringe of the bra.

If I buy some ready made fringe, what are some good places to buy? I am looking but I am having a hard time finding anything in burgundy.

I will take a pic of the fabric I bought when I get home so you can see it. Maybe you can give me some pointers.

Originally Posted by khalisah

Buying is usually my first choice, as making fringe is pretty tedious. If you can't find the right color and need to make it yourself, I would suggest using a battery-operated bead spinner (I bought one at Joann's a few weeks ago for $15) and button thread. Good luck!

do you know if the bead spinner would work for bugle beads or just seed beads?

Burgundy fringe isn't easy to find already made. When I have made fringe I used a good solid ribbon about 1/2" wide and attached it to a board so it was stretched out and flat. Then went through the ribbon just about at the bottom with my needle, added beads to length desired then took needle around the outside of the bottom bead and then back up through all the beads and through the ribbon at the top, made a knot, and continued along the length of ribbon. When done I put a spot of glue on every knot to make it durable. Hope that made some sense to you. When the ribbon has fringe done and is the right size for the belt I just handsew it onto the inside bottom of the belt or if on the top side later cover the ribbon with sequins/beads.

Buying fringe:
Beaded Fringe Lucy's fringe is of excellent quality! She has lots of colors, but they're not listed on the site. Call or email her for color info. (She's at Rak East this weekend.)

https://turquoiseintl.com/store/inde...8657cf900e46d0 I have not purchased from here, but have heard good things about the fringe. Again, I would contact them directly for color options. I'm sure they have more than what is on the site.

DARK RED BRA & BELT EGYPTIAN BELLY DANCE FRINGE - eBay (item 220290109168 end time Nov-03-08 12:50:08 PST) This ebay vendor has been mentioned on Bhuz before. I remember positive comments about the fringe. (And you can't beat the price - even if it's not the "first quality" fringe that Sch. Imp. and Turq. Int'l carry, it would probably be fine, especially for making your first costume!)

Consider using gold or even silver if you don't find a good match for color. Lots of costumes use one or the other for the accent color. Most of Hanan's costumes do this. Even this burgundy Eman has gold fringe on the belt Belly Dance Store.com.

I put a bunch of sewing links on post #6 on this thread: http://www.bhuz.com/forum/fitness-be...learn-sew.html

The only fringe I have done by hand (so far) is the loop type - and I kept it really simple. (My sherbet costume in my gallery.)

Surida-Your directions totally makes sense. I will be printing that out so I can have that in my sewing box.

Kiyaana-I will check out the links you sent me when I get home. I was thinking of maybe doing a silver accent if I couldn't find anything. I am going to look at your sewing links as I don't sew all that often. Though I do make my own belly dance skirts.

Good Luck!..g.: There is nothing more satisfying for me than getting a compliment on my costume and being able to say "I made it"!

This is your first costume? (even if it is your 60th costume) I would vote for purchasing fringe!!! Beading fringe is tedious. I hate it.
Weigh out the cost of supplies and time doing it yourself verses purchasing it ready done- purchasing works out best.

I am working on a costume right now- and I added some accent color tuffs of fringe and I was cursing the entire time. But maybe you'll like it- who knows!

Sarah-I have always bought my costume with just making the accompanying skirt. I saw this fabric and had to have it. Figured I could try to finally make my own with this beautiful fabric.

I make all my fringe cause I am to cheap to buy it already made. I also don't usually have to have a costume done in a short amount of time so I can take my time about it. I make it the same way as Surida.