Thread: decorated skirt hems

So, I have a costume with decoration on the hem of the skirt -- little loops of seed beads and sequins -- and this Saturday I stepped on the hem and broke it. It's not *too* hard to repair (I have matching sequins, and extra beads, and it's really obvious how to sew it back together) but before I do, I was wondering if anyone has any tips for making this kind of decoration more durable and step-proof. (Different thread, for example?) And/or is there anything I can do while dancing to keep from breaking it again? (Higher heels? or alternatively, barefoot so I can feel where I'm stepping?) It's the second time I've done this and if I have to do it a third time, I'm going to run out of beads. Thanks for your help. I'm not much of a sew-er!

I like to dance barefoot whenever I can. It helps to be able to feel that you're stepping on your skirt so you can gracefully step off of it. If you can't go barefoot for safety reasons, then choosing a high enough heel so the skirt is well off the floor would be an option.

When I put a beaded edge on my skirts, I always use heavy thread, but if you crack open a glass bead by stepping on it, the possiblility is that the raw edge of the bead might cut the thread.

You want to make sure that yoiu don't sew the loops to tightly so that the thread snaps with any pressure. But not so loosely that it catches on everything. If youi decide to redo the hem, knot frequently and put a dab of white glue on the knots. You should use heavy thread like button or carpet thread so that it is less likely to break.

Would be a good idea to make a knot after each loop of beads and put a drop of "Fray Check" or "Fray Away" on each knot.



Qamar

Thanks for the help, everyone!