Thread: Hip Scarves with Real Coins

I am still pretty new to this. I just started some costume projects and I have a question. I was wondering why hip scarves always have fake coins on them. I have searched for over one year and I have yet to find one with real coins. I am thinking about making my own but thought that because there aren't any, there must be a valid reason for it. The most obvious would be weight but.....we carry other heavy items on our hips- like genuine coin belts. Why not geniune coin scarves? Thanks to anyone that responds!

Maybe real coins are too noisy for class, which is the place where they are most commonly worn. Perhaps it's hard to hear instructions over their jangling. Lame idea, but that's all I can come up with.

It would take pretty substantial fabric to support the weight of real coins. And, real coins are not cheap.

I think since hip scarves are primarily worn for class (not for performing) so most would think - why go through that kind of expense for practice wear.

Thank you for the input. I really like the authenticity of using genuine materials.

I am thinking I will try it. Using your thoughts about weight/noise and cost -I will practice on an old scarf and reinforce it with heavy velvet and put minimal coins on it- I'll see how it goes. If it looks good enough, I post some pics!

Thanks agian Ladies!

You can get some fake (stamped) coins that look a little better than others. They are slightly thicker with a deeper design and antiqued. Even a very old Egyptian coin head scarf my teacher has has the "fake coins" on it.

I LOVE real coins. I own many real coin costumes.

But I no interest in having a class hip scarf with real coins. If you are getting into making the base fabric strong enouph- then you are getting close to wearing a costume belt. And if you put enouph coins on so that it jingles then it starts getting really heavy. Thats more than I want to be dragging to class each week on my shoulder.

But if you are keeping the base shape small - like some embroidered mirror work fabric with some cool coins and pendents as decoration- that keeps it lighter and causal for class.

Have fun!

Hi Sarah- Love your costumes! I should have stated before this is not for class. I have two performance costumes now that have hip scarves and I would like them more if the coins were real. I have worn out a peacock hipscarf - the beads are missing in many places- So I thinking about backing it in velvet and trimming the edges with coins instead. I'll see how heavy it is at that point. Sadly the Fabric Store near me did not have the fabric I was looking for so I may order on-line. Anyone recommend an online Fabric Supply?