DIRECTIONS:
Step 1: Take two scarves of the same color and measure them lengthwise for the front and back of the dress (sequin side facing out). The length should be from the top of the shoulder to the top of the foot.

Step 2: Fold over the top edges of the scarves inward to determine the correct length, then with small gold safety pins, pin the front and back scarves together to make the neck opening. Pinning rather than sewing them gives you more versatility as you can use the scarves together or separately. Note: The opening varies with the size of the dancer. On average, the opening is 12”. The opening should be comfortable enough to slip your head through, yet not so large it slips off your shoulders.

Step 3: Tie a coin or coin/bead hip wrap around to secure the scarves. Be sure to fold over the sides of the scarves at your hips with the front scarf over the back. This gives the dress a more finished appearance. Raise your arms overhead to blouse up the scarves and allow more movement when dancing. The hip wrap color can match the scarf color, or you can use an alternate color for contrast. A tie-dyed or multicolored beaded hip wrap matches well with the various sequin colors in the scarf.

Step 4: Satin harem pants are worn underneath in the same or complementary colors.

Step 5: For the top underneath the scarf dress, a solid bra with no lace or a sports bra in the same shade as the scarves works very well. Regular costume bras tend to be too sharp for the delicate scarf material and may snag or tear the fabric.

The result: An inexpensive and versatile way of making a lovely costume! It’s perfect for festivals and fairs in the summer and looks quite showy for indoor stage performances year round.