Thread: Dress pattern

I am thinking about making myself one of these lovely lycra dresses and covering the mother in fringe (Something some what similar to what Shira has on in the pic for her website for plus size gals). Problem is, I am no seamstress. Since the dress will be a little heavy, what fabric is best if I still want some stretch to it? Where on earth do I find a pattern that will give me an idea on how to get started on something like this? Belts and bras are starting to seem super easy when I get to thinking about how to do this. Help!

I would suggest the "All-in-one Urban Beladi" pattern. Scheherezade imports sells it for $13 on her website. Its a really nice pattern.

BD patterns has a couple of nice dress patterns including a one sleeve dress with a mermaid skirt. I think Bellydanceshoppe.com carries some of the patterns, but not all. The BD pattern site is gone but I think her email is bdpat@aol.com

Scherazade sells BD patterns. So does Adira. I love the all in one Urban Beledi pattern which is based on a zip up body suit with attached skirt and sleeve options.

If you wanted to go a different route, have L Rose make up up a lycra beledi dress without sleeves. They can make them with a pinched neckline, sweetheart neckline, or round neckline or cut under the bust so that you can wear a decorated bra with it. You can get the deluxe trumpet skirt with slit. Order a matching headband and gauntlets. Then you can make a second set of chiffon or net sleeves that can be easily detached from the dress when you want to use gauntlets. You can do all the embellishing with sequins and beads and add chiffon drapes wherever you want to.

A good quality heavyweight lycra would probably be ok. Alternatively I'd go for something like a stage satin, or a jersey maybe, so that there is some stability vertically and the weight of the fringe doesn't pull the fabric out of shape, but there is some stretch horizontally.

Great thread! I am always looking for BD patterns. I never find them in my size.

Thanks for the suggestions!

The brand, BD patterns, fit just about everyone. Each pattern has cutting lines sized from 4 to 24. I also believe that their sizing runs a bit big so there is more wiggle room.

The Urban Beledi All In One pattern comes in two sizes S to L and XL to XXL.

since everyone has already discussed patterns...
my input: you're going to want a 2-way stretch fabric, cut so the stretch is horizontal (around the booty), and not vertical (letting gravity pull it to the ground. Avoid 4-way stretches.

You can often find nice 2-ways in satin, crushed velvets, lycra, even in the suitings section sometimes.

Originally Posted by Souzan

The brand, BD patterns, fit just about everyone. Each pattern has cutting lines sized from 4 to 24. I also believe that their sizing runs a bit big so there is more wiggle room.

The Urban Beledi All In One pattern comes in two sizes S to L and XL to XXL.

Thanks! I am really going to try it out! I would love to make my own dress!

I notice that they have a ton of other patterns too! This is really so wonderful!

I've always liked slinky knits with patterns, but they have to be the heavier weight of slinky (it feels much thicker). Has a bit more "holding power" than the thinner slinkies.

Originally Posted by jetgirl

I've always liked slinky knits with patterns, but they have to be the heavier weight of slinky (it feels much thicker). Has a bit more "holding power" than the thinner slinkies.

Watch the content if you buy slinky. Slinky with lycra holds up much better than the 100% polyester.

Wow, walk away for a few days. I will have to check out some of these sites. Thanks all! Keep em coming if you have em!