dance clothing alterations...

[Chronus24]

Treading as lightly as I can here, I was wondering if anyone knew of a way to alter a dancebelt down a half a size or so...my increased schedule has trimmed me up more than I expected and I'm not finding them as...supportive...as they used to be. Buying new ones isn't a likely option since even at discount dance they are around $20 a pop. My only reservation with self-altering them is that it might look odd under the tights if I do it incorrectly, hence my seeking advice here. If it helps, it's the Capezio quilted kind with the wide waistband.

 

Thanks!

[Mel Johnson]

I did that once, and what I did was to cut the elastic waistband in the back, seal the cut ends with Duco Household Cement, then overlapped them and sewed them in place with a double line of close stiches. It had to be offcenter just a bit in order to miss the thong attachment in the back, which I could have removed and reattached, but I didn't have the time, and my sewing skills were not really equal to that task.

[MJ]

Is it loose in the waist or in the thong?

 

If it is loose in the waist and sliding down to your hips, I would go with Mister Major Mel's Suggestion. If the thong is loose, you will need to remove the label covering the end of the thong, move it higher on the belt, or cut it short. Resew the thong and the label back on as well, the smooth material will prevent the end from chafing you on the waist. I recommend using strong cotton button weight thread. Polyester thread is not comfy in a sweaty environment.

 

You should invest in an extra DB or two.

[Mel Johnson]

I agree; having a ready reserve is always a good idea when it comes to tights and dance belts. If you have to sew the thong part back on, I recommend a flat fell seam, well stitched down, and the stitches to be relatively small. And yes, button and carpet thread is best for this job.

 

You can use either "Mr." or "Major", by the way, but not both. My sig line should be a clue as to my preferred form of address, although I won't kick at the rank; I am legally entitled to it under §§ 240-241 of New York State Military Law.

[Chronus24]

Well, I'm thinking it's the waist that too loose since the main problem is that the front portion doesn't keep things in place like it should...

 

Oh, and I have a weeks supply worth, hence me not wanting to have to buy 6 new ones.

[MJ]

I agree; having a ready reserve is always a good idea when it comes to tights and dance belts. If you have to sew the thong part back on, I recommend a flat fell seam, well stitched down, and the stitches to be relatively small. And yes, button and carpet thread is best for this job.

 

You can use either "Mr." or "Major", by the way, but not both. My sig line should be a clue as to my preferred form of address, although I won't kick at the rank; I am legally entitled to it under §§ 240-241 of New York State Military Law.

 

One of the Mods said I was not offering enough "respect" for the moderators. So do I listen to the mods or Governor Patterson?

 

But you all can call me MJ

 

Chronus, you are on your own. Only you can determine where the DB is too loose. Before tearing any DBs apart, find one that fits best and compare it to the others.

[Mel Johnson]

One of the Mods said I was not offering enough "respect" for the moderators. So do I listen to the mods or Governor Patterson?

 

MJ, the remedy is simple. Consult Elizabeth L. Post on modern etiquette.

[silvergreydancer]

Treading as lightly as I can here, I was wondering if anyone knew of a way to alter a dancebelt down a half a size or so...my increased schedule has trimmed me up more than I expected and I'm not finding them as...supportive...as they used to be. Buying new ones isn't a likely option since even at discount dance they are around $20 a pop. My only reservation with self-altering them is that it might look odd under the tights if I do it incorrectly, hence my seeking advice here. If it helps, it's the Capezio quilted kind with the wide waistband.

 

Thanks!

Having done this myself. It's not really that hard. It sort of depends on the dance belt and how it's constructed.

Capezio quilted are easy! You can just detach the waist band from the front at the seam with scissors, then move the edges under the old seam use a few safety pins to test the fit before restitching. this assumes that you have access to a sewing machine and know how to use it. I've also done Mel suggestion but I removed the the thong part and cut in the center took it in the required amount. I then folded the seam allowance back and zig zagged it down, restitched the thong and label in place. It worked fine. either alteration will look fine under tights. Good luck!