The hula skirt is the clothing item associated with the traditional Hawaiian dance, the luau. These skirts are made from a variety of materials, including cellophane and leaves, and they range in length from above the knee to nearly touching the floor. If you're in need of a hula skirt for a costume party or any other event, making one on your own is a fairly simple process that involves tying lengths of raffia to an elastic band. The end result will be a flowing skirt that will sway when you move.
Instructions
1. Measure the elastic band. Wrap the elastic band around your waist so it hugs your waist snugly. Cut the elastic band about an inch longer than the circumference of your waist.
2. Tie the elastic band. While holding the band around your waist, tie the ends together. Make a tight triple knot in the band to ensure it won't come undone while you're wearing it. Remove the band by pulling it down and stepping out of it, the same as you would if taking off a skirt or pair of pants.
3. Determine how long you want the skirt to be. Hold the top of a tape measure at your waist. Let the tape measure hang down until it reaches the desired length against your leg, and then record that measurement.
4. Cut the raffia double the length of the previous measurement, adding a little extra to allow for tying it to the elastic band. So for example, if you want the skirt to be 36 inches long, you'll need to cut the raffia about 73 inches long. Use the first piece of raffia you cut as a reference point for measuring the remaining pieces -- before cutting each piece, measure it against the first piece. Cut as many lengths as you think you'll need, but remember you may need to cut more as you move forward with the project.
5. Place a piece of raffia over the elastic band so the center of it is hanging over the band, allowing both ends to hang down evenly. Tie a knot in the raffia to secure it to the band. Continue tying each piece of raffia to the elastic band in this fashion until the entire band is covered. Cut extra pieces of raffia as you go, as needed.
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