Thread: Homemade tummy covers?

I have an audition coming up this weekend and would like some advice on homemade tummy covers.

Hi,
Here's an easy DIY project. Make your own Shabaka.

From a pair of fishnet stockings you can make 2 shabakas:

Lay the stockings flat and cut off the legs 3 cm below the crotch.
You now have a tube. Turn the tube so the longer ends are in the center.
Fishnet doesn't tear open so no need to turn the edges, unless you prefer a neater look.
Cut two pieces of 2cm wide, 25cm long flat elastic band.
Place the two bands one on top of the other and stitch them to the front center edge of the bottom of the tube.
Stitch the other ends to the back center of the tube ca. 10cm apart.
That's it.

Now stitch the upper part where the elastic is to the inside of your bra, leaving approx. 15cm open at the back so you can step into it comfortably. When you close the bra, the back edge will be covered.

The second Shabaka is made from the legs, so will have side seams.

Cut one length from each leg to measure the same length as the first tube.
Cut each leg open up the side, and lay the pieces out flat.
Place on top of each other.
Roll the side edges and zig-zag with the machine or stitch by hand.
The rest is the same as above.

Hope this is clear! You can also make Shabakas from old bodysuits this way, any color and decorate to match your costume.

Note: So that the stones on your costume don't tear the net during transport and storage, roll the net up into the bra and fold the straps over.

Greetings,
Marta

I have made a few of these.

Dina's Bellydance Costume Galleries

Brea, do a search for belly covers - there is excellent directions for making ones out of Danskin fishnet tights - similar to what Marta described and super easy. I even like them more than the bodystockings you can buy!

I have gotten mine from SugarPetals; powernet, of course, with the built-in shaping. If I used fishnet, which I like, I'd probably end up looking like a sausage!

Hmmmm . . . come to think of it, I saw a dancer once with a shaping SugarPetals-like body stocking and fishnet on top! It disguised the body stocking, so it looked like she was wearing the fishnet only -- looked great! <pondering>

Deborah

I made some for a friend, had her lay on a piece of paper, I traced her shape from bra band to hips (lower hip and then some), took powermesh and cut two pieces that shape and sewed together at the sides. The bottom I finished with an over cast stitch, and the the top, in added a piece of elastic. They fit her perfectly, and the weight of skirts/belts holds the bottom in place and we tack the top band to her bra/choli/whatever.

I actually thought the bottom would ride up, and had intended to tack that to her belt or pin it at the side seam, but it was not necessary.

Originally Posted by basina

I made some for a friend, had her lay on a piece of paper, I traced her shape from bra band to hips (lower hip and then some), took powermesh and cut two pieces that shape and sewed together at the sides. The bottom I finished with an over cast stitch, and the the top, in added a piece of elastic. They fit her perfectly, and the weight of skirts/belts holds the bottom in place and we tack the top band to her bra/choli/whatever.

I actually thought the bottom would ride up, and had intended to tack that to her belt or pin it at the side seam, but it was not necessary.

Where did you find the powernet? Was it available in colors? Inquiring minds want to know. Now I just have to figure out how to get my husband to trace me without him laughing hysterically . . . .

Deborah

Wow, thanks everyone! I braved the audition without one but it is useful information for the future.

At the time I was able to get powernet from Denverfabrics (online), but they have changed owners and I am not sure how much they carry (and yes it comes in colors). Look for online stores that carry alot of lycra fabrics and they usually have it as well. (Spandex World, Spandex Warehouse, the Lycra Lady)

Originally Posted by basina

At the time I was able to get powernet from Denverfabrics (online), but they have changed owners and I am not sure how much they carry (and yes it comes in colors). Look for online stores that carry alot of lycra fabrics and they usually have it as well. (Spandex World, Spandex Warehouse, the Lycra Lady)

Thanks, Basina!

Deborah

Originally Posted by BreaMorgiane

Wow, thanks everyone! I braved the audition without one but it is useful information for the future.

and . . .

Like, was the experience different from what you've done before? Was it good/bad/indifferent? Will you do it again?

Details, please . . . well, as many as you're willing to share!

Deborah

The audition? It was all right. I stepped on my veil ,m::

The audience seemed to enjoy it, and I'd do it again, I think. I was just concerned that an audition audience might not enjoy my extra fluff, so to speak. ..g.:

Originally Posted by BreaMorgiane

The audition? It was all right. I stepped on my veil ,m::

The audience seemed to enjoy it, and I'd do it again, I think. I was just concerned that an audition audience might not enjoy my extra fluff, so to speak. ..g.:

Heck, girl, I step on my veil -- or my skirt --occasionally and I've been BDing for 30 years. It's okay . . . some nights are like that.

Glad it was at least an "all right" experience for you!

Deborah

..g.: Thanks, Deborah. The video's up under "The Rest - Bellydance" if you'd like to take a look!

I get the feeling that the stepping-on-stuff-by-accident problem never goes away.