Beauty pageants for children began in the 1960s, and many children are entered into pageants every year. Children competing in pageants are often required to answer an interview question, model certain types of clothing and perform a specific talent. The beauty competition is one common element in all pageants, in which children dress up in elegant clothing and model on-stage for a couple of minutes. Although some parents spend thousands of dollars on dresses for the beauty competition, you can make the dress at home for substantially less. If you have a dress-up dress, a few alterations can turn it into a crown-winning garment.
Instructions
Corset Back
1. Hem the dress to the desired length. Most pageant dresses are either really short, knee-length or ankle length. If the dress is ankle-length, you don't want it too long; otherwise, she may trip while on stage.
2. Hem the sleeves to the desired length and width. If you don't like the sleeves, cut them off completely and make the dress strapless. Alternatively, add a ribbon around the neck to turn it into a halter dress.
3. Sew a corset into the back of the dress to help achieve the perfect fit. Corset backs allow you to form the body, exaggerating an hourglass figure or sucking in excess fat. To make a corset back, attach fabric loops along the back of the dress; lace a matching ribbon through the loops; and sew a piece of matching fabric behind the corset.
4. Decorate the dress. Since pageant dresses are often covered in rhinestones, add as much sparkle as desired. Purchase stick-on or iron-on rhinestones, or glue them to the dress. Additionally, you can add rhinestone swirls, hearts or flowers. Alternatively, decorate the dress with lace, bows, beads and sequins.
5. Change the buttons on the dress if desired. If the dress has plastic buttons down the front, replace them with more elegant buttons. Button options include rhinestone or pearl buttons.
Tags: make, child, pageant, dress, back dress, beauty competition, desired length, dress desired, make dress, pageant dresses
