Using Nail Polish on Costumes

[Ainsley]

I've been using clear nail polish to secure the knotted ends of fringe on my costumes. Is nail polish fine for this, or is there some potential problem with it that I should know about? (I might be being overcautious, but I don't want to find out down the line that old nail polish actually becomes corrosive or something!)

[DeborahDances]

It depends on the polish. I've found that some glues and nail polishes dry too hard. I used to use nail polish to hold knots on jewelry that I made, but then the knots started snapping right off of the cord! I've switched to fabric glue that dries clear and flexible, it's worked like a charm on both fringe and jewelry!

[sabrinabellydancer]

deborahdances makes a good point. fabric glue makes the most sense.

i have used nail glue in an emergency, but it is not good because it dries so stiff that it can cut/scratch you and it can crack off eventually taking the fabric with it. it also makes a dark spot. please don't make the same mistake i did... unless you have 2 seconds to get on stage like i did.

[davina]

Glues I love..

There are many types of fabric glue available on the market. While clear nail polish is good in a pinch, fabric glue dries clear, flexible, strong - and most importantly - is generally cheaper in the long run.

Right now, on my sewing table I have a bottle of Beacon Gem-Tac which works great for preventing thread from unravelling, gluing flat-back rhinestones onto costumes and basically, anywhere you want to reinforce any hand stitching.

Dawn Devine ~ Davina
Author - "Costuming from the Hip," "Embellished Bras" and more...
www.davina.us

[nimah]

I take all my costumes to a professional seamstress and bellydancer for alteration, and she told me to use nail polish to secure the knots on bead fringe. She's an encyclopedia of costume and sewing knowledge, and has written articles on costume care, so I trust her advice!

[Ainsley]

Thanks for the insight, everyone -- I'll look into fabric glue next time I'm at the craft store.

I'm just starting a bra/belt set, too, (with help from a couple of your great books, Davina!) and I want to make sure, if I'm going to put that much work in, that it's built to last.