Thread: First project, altering a belt

HI everyone!

So for my March project I have decided to finally tackle making the belt that i have fit me properly. (its part of a set)

and I have read all the info on Shira's site (thank you!)

so Im wondering if anyone has any additional tips for me?

Ive got needles and thead and a little snap lid container to store the removed beads and sequins in.

Sharp scissors and even a brand new sewing machine! (i didn't just get a new machine for the belt, but it will certainly help! LOL)

Im planning on starting this project this week, and am nervous as all heck about it, but I figure there's only one way to learn!

To just DO IT!!!!!!!

Can you post a picture of the belt and tell us what you plan to do with it? It will help us give you some more tips and potentially help you avoid some pitfalls.

Measure Twice.

Cut cautiously. You can always cut away more, but you can't add it back.

Have fun!

well, here's one pic of the belt. you can see that its too big at the top and needs shaping and darts.
I'll try and get a closer pic/better pic after class tonight

get photos inside and out--up close and the whole thing---we need data to evaluate.

okie dokie!

Here are the pics of the belt (finally!)

Ok, maybe I missed something, but in the photo of you wearing it, is it on backwards? Isn't the opening supposed to be in the front? I'd try it that way and make a pretty medallion to cover the closure in the front like Sim does.

Originally Posted by shahla

Ok, maybe I missed something, but in the photo of you wearing it, is it on backwards? Isn't the opening supposed to be in the front? I'd try it that way and make a pretty medallion to cover the closure in the front like Sim does.

possssssssiiibbblllyyyyy..................




I will tried it, and its way too big. it still is going to need to be altered. its too big (and ive lost more weight since that pic was taken)

If it's too big end to end, which is what it sounds like, I'd open the lining on either end, fold the excess belt into the lining to preserve the original size. Then sew the lining back together. That way you shorten the belt for your size, but it could be put back to it's original size if you want to re-sell to a larger dancer in the future.

thanks I'll start there. It is going to need some shaping along the top edge with darts. There's no doubt.
but I'll start with your suggestion first. thanks

I agree with Shahla, in the picture it looks like it it is being worn backwards. The medallion idea is good, that will do nicely to hide the closure. Could you take another picture with it on the other way so we can see how much it overlaps? Since the front parts are pretty straight you can probably get away with moving the hooks tighter and adding a medallion and then you won't have to cut it. If it ends up closing to the side of center you could probably still do an asymmetrical medallion like the way my Bella medallion is in this picture: . You might want to add darts to the back part for the butt-cupping look. It is a cute costume.

LOL, I type so slowly by the time I posted there were 2 more posts!

You might try searching for this idea for a photo, but I've seen pictures where people have added elastic to the top edge of the belt in the back to make the top of the belt hug your shape without gaping. That way you wouldn't have to dart it.

Mintaka's idea of an asymetrical closure is nice. It would save a bunch of work trying to make it shorter.

ok, im adding more photos, however, I should be a little clearer, my question isn't so much how to get it to fit and pinning it etc. I know how to make darts and make garments fit. (Its my full time office job)

Im looking for tips on the easiest way to take it apart, what i should expect inside, and once i have it pinned and ready to go where i should go from there. (I think after this, I'll just make my own pattern. Its what i end up doing for all my period costumes)

Im asking for specific tips on working with dance costume pieces. I haven't worked with beading before, and have never taken apart a belt or piece like this. so once i get it sized, where do i go from there?

Originally Posted by shahla

You might try searching for this idea for a photo, but I've seen pictures where people have added elastic to the top edge of the belt in the back to make the top of the belt hug your shape without gaping. That way you wouldn't have to dart it.

Mintaka's idea of an asymetrical closure is nice. It would save a bunch of work trying to make it shorter.

I'll search that, i just worry that its too stiff for elastic. i would still consider opening the top, and removing some of the lining/interfacing/etc from it and then adding elastic where that had been.

hmmm, that might be an option

You might try searching on "tuna can." The term is slang for a poorly fitted, straight-across, cylindrical Egyptian belt, and it often comes up in conversations about narrowing the top circumference.

Wow, that is a pretty belt, but a heck of a lot of gaping! The top edge is straight as a arrow... and it looks as though you'd lose some of the design if you dart it.

My first thoughts run to reshaping the belt. Start by removing the green pearl beads from the top edge - should be fairly easy, make sure you have a container ready to catch the initial beads that fall off, then the remaining ones you destring. Then cut the belt to a more flattering shape - one that can be made to hug the body more, like Hoda Zaki's belts - and make front into a V closure, still with a medallion to cover any small gape at the front bottom edge (the cut-out pieces of fabric, and any beading that is on them, would be great for making that medallion). You'd cut the main internal belt fabric to shape first, through all the threads and stitches you'll see all over it (use fray-check/clear nail varnish firs to make sure these don't all come undone once they've been cut), then the outside green material a little larger so you can fold it over again. I've kinda sketched it in on your pics in red - see below. You can always attenuate these changes with some well placed elastic and smaller darts if need be. I am suggesting a rather drastic change, but it looks as though your belt may need the it! There's just too much around that top edge to gather with elastic nicely.

If you do go with just the darts idea, I'd actually consider 'darting'/cutting the belt at the sides, and re-attaching it at an appropriate angle to fit your hips better - see the blue lines in your pics below.

You may even find that the best option is a bit of both - dart the sides, and shape the back a little - leaving it straight across will likely have it sit in the small of your back, rather than along the curve of your hips.

No matter what you decide, I'd actually start by getting a piece of heavy non-stretch material that you can trace the shape and size of your belt onto, and playing around with that until you get your changes right. You can trace on the approximate locations of speceific decorations to work around. Once you love it, transfer to the belt.

thank you ladies!!!!

some great ideas flowing, and now i have something to do at work when I run out of garments here to fix! LOL

One piece belts are tougher to alter...the previous suggestions are great, and hopefully you can get it to fit!

Links to thread casing:
Shushanna Designs: Elastic Waist Bands
Costuming Tip: Elastic with Thread Casing - Belly Dance with Karolyne

ETA: The thread casing will distribute the excess evenly along the length of the casein, HOWEVER, if it is a really large amount of fabric you are trying to bring in, it can end up looking 'pucker-y' or lumpy.

Tightening the fit of the belt, possibly adding a medallion to cover the closure (it's definitely meant to close in front), and adding the elastic in a thread casing will go a long way toward getting a better fit. I would try that before more elaborate fixes. If that doesn't work, maybe you should sell this one and get a costume that fits better. Good luck!

I would probably angle it in the front. Then remove the beading on the lower part in the front and cut it/curve it/fold it in as needed (this means of course you'll have to remove the fringe and reattach it later). This way you also have spare beads to decorate a medallion and and to cover darts (which I assume you will still need). And then you can always use elastic.

Looking at the second set of photos you posted, you might also want to set the belt a little lower, especially in the rear, to make sure that the "cupped butt" is cupping the right place. It should be sitting on the outward curve of your butt and not on above your hips. That may take up some of the room. And I agree with others that trying elastic first before you cut anything would be a wise idea.