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How to Make Dancing Anklets

Belly dancing is a classic Middle Eastern dance form associated with seduction and entertainment. Dancers often wear ankle bells to add to the music. Ankle bells are rows of jingle bells sewn onto a cushioned ankle bracelet and worn during an active belly dancing routine. While you could purchase ankle bells from any belly dancing supplier, you can also make this costume piece at home.

Things You'll Need

  • Tape measure
  • Velvet fabric, color to match your costume
  • Scissors
  • Quilt batting
  • Pins
  • Sewing machine
  • Jingle bells
  • Needle and thread
  • 2 jewelry clasps
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Instructions

    • 1

      Measure your ankle with a tape measure to determine the correct size for the ankle bracelet. You'll want the bracelet to fit tight on your ankle.

    • 2

      Cut out one rectangle of velvet fabric and quilt batting, twice the length you measured and 1 inch wide.

    • 3

      Pin the batting to the fabric and fold the fabric in half, batting side out.

    • 4

      Straight stitch the two long ends of the bracelet closed on a sewing machine and turn right side out through the short end.

    • 5

      Cut the batting back slightly and tuck, fold and sew the bracelet closed.

    • 6

      Sew jingle bells along the outside of the bracelet, using a needle and thread. Pack the bells as tightly together as possible, trying to get at least 30 on the bracelet.

    • 7

      Sew two jewelry clasps onto the upper and lower ends of the bracelet for a tight hold during dancing.

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