Thread: Recommended costume fabrics?

Ok, this might be a silly question, but what is the fabric content of the lyrca used for most belly dance costumes? I am asking because I need particular plum color and so far I've only found lycra that's 96% cotton and 4% lycra. (I have to shop online because there's no fabric stores nearby!) I'm afraid it will be too matte and casual for something like a costume.

Also, what are your thoughts on stretch satin? Does anyone have any costumes they've made entirely in stretch satin that turned out well? I was concerned it might look too much like an evening gown...

Would appreciate any suggestions! Or any websites with hard to find colors...

Cheers! ,r:;

If your area has a good garment district, that is your best bet, so you can touch & see the fabrics.

You can also go with straight up spandex. I'm having a costume made with the most amazing colour magenta and it's spandex.

No experience with stretch satin. My guess is that you would have a fairly stiff garment, unless that is what you're after.

I've used stretch satin with good results, but it will depend on the exact look you are after. I don't think I would like it for a circle skirt, but using it for a fitted dress was great for me. I made the costume for someone else, so I have no pics, sorry =( Cutting on the bias will result in a better flow and drape, so you will need extra fabric. I actually like the look of matte fabric against sequins and rhinestones, to me it makes them stand out more, but it probably depends on how you are planning on doing this dress.

As for regular spandex, the heavier fabric you can find, the better. I don't actually know how to determine fabric weight, which is why I don't shop online, but perhaps calling the seller will help. I don't like the cheapy thin spandex for costumes-too thin to look nice, although it might work for a circle skirt or something. Swimsuit weight is okay, if you are desperate and talented. The best spandex (in my opion) is a heavy weight, that I don't know the name of. You'll find it used sometimes for guys shirts, and I think it what those gaucho pants are made of that are popular right now. This stuff has wonderful drape and flow, and is probably close to 1/8" thick. Again, the customer service people should know.

Have you thought about stretch velvet? I don't like the crushed kind, but this website seems to several smooth colors of purples, plus you can request three free swatches from the main page!

Stretch Velvet:

I haven't used them before, so I can't say anything about them, although I did just order three swatches. If they have the white I need, I will order from them and let you know what I think of them. Good luck!
Nikki

I've done a HUGE amount of sewing for the years, and I would agree with your instinct that the 96% cotton fabric would be too matte.

I haven't made anything in stretch satin, but when I've seen it in fabric stores, I've thought, "That looks like it would be great for a costume." For what that's worth.... I don't think you need to worry that it will look too much like an evening gown. After all, that's what most belly dance lycra costumes look like!

I also concur with Azhia that spandex (used for skating costumes, swimsuits, etc.) could be a good choice.

Quick update-I think the "heavy spandex" I mentioned is actually called "doubleknit rayon blend 4-way" for those who are interested.
Nikki

Thanks for all your feedback. I tried searching for spandex, but the color I need is even harder to find in this fabric.

micamica-- That website actually has the perfect color I need, but I'm not sure velvet would work for this. I was planning on putting chiffon on the bra and belt for a "light" look.

I might try out that stretch satin... it's soooo cheap on ebay, I don't have much to lose. I planned on making a trumpet skirt, otherwise I could use chiffon.

Hope I finish (or start!) this project soon so I can show everyone how it turns out...

I just bought some stretch satin to make a costume, which I haven't started yet -- but I kind of want it to look like an evening gown! I've never used this fabric before, but if you're interested, I can give you an update on how it's going.

Originally Posted by lallakahina

Ok, this might be a silly question, but what is the fabric content of the lyrca used for most belly dance costumes? I am asking because I need particular plum color and so far I've only found lycra that's 96% cotton and 4% lycra. (I have to shop online because there's no fabric stores nearby!) I'm afraid it will be too matte and casual for something like a costume.

Also, what are your thoughts on stretch satin? Does anyone have any costumes they've made entirely in stretch satin that turned out well? I was concerned it might look too much like an evening gown...

Would appreciate any suggestions! Or any websites with hard to find colors...

Cheers! ,r:;

stretch satin is amazing! I love the way it looks and sews and flows, everything. I can say that it does SNAG easily though. I would be careful with rhinestone chain on this material. I guess it's rough on any material, but anyhow.

If you're shopping online, I'd be sure to feel for the type of fabric texture you want in store first then find the fabric online. I personally love stretch velvet, but some people hate it. Who knows!

Jeanne- I'd love to see the costume when you start it!

Jen- thanks for the suggestion, this is encouraging :)

Ok, here's another idea I have. I wonder how chiffon over stretch satin would work for a trumpet skirt? Has anyone tried this? I love the look of chiffon, plus I love trumpet skirts, but I'm worried that it might not work with an elastic waist since the chiffon is not stretch.

OK, I'll try to get this going soon and let you know how it goes. I'm probably going to make the skirt first, which shouldn't be too difficult since I'm planning just a basic straight skirt, and maybe wait for a while to work on the bra (in typically overambitious fashion I'm juggling multiple sewing projects). Embellishment will also take some time, but you can at least get an idea of how the construction is coming along.

I like chiffon sometimes over other fabrics, especially if you are experimenting with contrast colors. If you are concerned about stretchy fabric with nonstretchy chiffon, you might want to try making a chiffon overskirt as a separate garment and see how it looks. That way you could also use it with other pieces (and have a use for it if it doesn't work out with the satin).

Jenn -- thanks for the warning about rhinestone chain. I had been considering using some on this, but I may rethink that.

I think the black trumpet skirt uses stretch satin: http://www.bhuz.com/forum/fitness-be...ng-thread.html

Have you looked at the spandex house? they will send samples so you can check the weight, color, pattern, etc of the spandex.
Welcome to Spandex House Inc. Spandex House, One of the Largest Spandex Collection of The World.

I love their patterns . . . got a turquoise with leopard spots a la dina . . . but I've just got the fabric sitting around waiting for a good time to sew it up!! and some orange too . . . although I am starting to think I should just sell it because I'm never having the time to sew.

kiyaana- true! I do remember that stretch satin skirt by firefly. It looks so great with the black and chiffon, but something about this plum purple pinkish color I need just reminds me too much of a prom dress ..c::

cbarros- hallelujah! I think that website has the color I need. thanks so much!