Auralynne's guide to buying Quality HipscarfsThe fabric used is not a really big deal. I prefer velvet fabric to chiffon, since chiffon will sometimes snag on the coins. If you can find one that is completely knitted or crocheted, that is the best value, and will last the longest. The most important thing to consider, however, is the arrangement of beads and coins. Usually hip scarves have several beads strung above each coin. This makes the coins swing and gives the scarf a better sound. If, however, there are lots of beads before the coin, it will weigh down the coin and cause the sharp metal to cut through the stringing thread. Avoid buying any hipscarf made like the example below.
My own experience: I bought a hipscarf made in Egypt with about 2 1/2 inches of beads before each coin. After the first time wearing it to class, it had lost about 20% of it's coins. I wore it 3 times more before it was completely unusable - about 70% of the coins had fallen off at this point and it just looked too bad to wear.
The above picture shows an arrangement that might work if you are lucky. I bought one like this made in India. I'm not totally sure why, but the V design and the crochet makes it last longer. I wore mine a couple times before it lost a coin, and it still looks great today after I've had it nearly a year.
About a year and a half ago I bought a hipscarf with coins sewn on it like in the above sketch. It has gotten considerable use, and is still in wonderful condition. This is the only way I'd recommend getting a hipscarf with straight rows of coins. Coins are knitted directly to the hipscarf, with no beads strung on.
The above picture shows the best arrangement of beads and coins for a hipscarf. Now that I've gotten wise, nearly all my hipscarves are this style. I have a white knitted hipscarf that has lasted 5 years without losing a single coin! If you get a hipscarf in this style, try to make sure the crochet is made from thick, good quality thread.
Guide to buying Hipscarfs |
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