scrappy summer belts

Hi all.

I'm back with another tutorial. Honestly don't get too used to this cause there's no way I can keep these coming on a regular basis. Just way too time consuming...

BUT, for now I have a fun way to use up some of those scraps...

Yup, scrappy belts! They seem like a summer thing to me, but of course you could wear them any season you'd like. They're equal opportunity belts.

Materials/tools:
- a bunch of fabric scraps or really any cuts of fabric in the colors you love
- belt buckle - the kind with the bar across the middle
- long skinny strip of heavy interfacing (approximately 2 1/2" x 50")
- a strip of the backing fabric of the same size
- a strip of muslin the same size
- coordinating thread
- scissors
- sewing machine
- iron

1. Start by measuring the interior of your belt buckle (length of the little bar across it) and either your waist or a similar belt you like.

2. Cut a strip of interfacing. The width should be the buckle's interior dimension + 1 1/4 inch. The length should be the length you want the belt (at least 6-8 inches more than your waist, especially if you wear your pants low) + 3-4 inches (depending on the size of your buckle). (My strip was 2 3/4" x 47")

3. Cut your first fabric piece. Just roughly cut it larger than the interfacing...accuracy isn't important.
(NOTE: in the pictures I used muslin not interfacing, but a second attempt yielded better results :) )

4. Cut another fabric making sure it is wider than the interfacing strip.

5. Fold under one edge of the 2nd fabric 1/4" to 1/2" and press. Slanted edges in either direction are encouraged for a random look.

6. Lay the first fabric over the end of the interfacing right side up.

7. Layer the 2nd fabric over the first with the right side up and the pressed edge to the left.

8. Edgestich in place. Trim the seam allowance down to approximately 1/4" being careful not to cut the interfacing. (I always forget to do this...but it does help reduce the bulk)

9. Repeat steps 4, 5, 7, & 8 with as many different fabrics as desired until the entire interfacing strip is covered.

10. Trim the excess fabric away using the interfacing as a guide.

11. Cut a strip of your backing material the same size as the interfacing strip...it's OK to piece it if you need to. Baste the same size strip of muslin to the wrong side of this backing strip.

12. Sew the front and back of the belt together with right sides together with a 1/2" seam

14. Turn right side out and press.

15. Open up the belt again and on the 2 raw edges, turn in 1/2" and press down the length.

16. Fold it back, matching the pressed edges. Pin in place. (Don't do like I did and skip this step, because the interfaced side won't stretch, but the fabric will)

**EDIT** Just a note that at this point you could fold in both short edges before you edgestitch the length. Then to finish the ends you would only have to stitch across the end and there would be less bulk. This is particularly useful on the end with the buckle. Thanx Meagan!

17. Edgestitch down the length.

18. Edgestitch down the other side for an even finished look.

19. Trim each end just a little to make it a nice clean even edge.

20. On the tail end, fold it towards the back 1/4" twice. Press. Stitch in place.

21. Folding toward the back, make a "loop" for the belt buckle. This depends on the size of your buckle...I has to be bigger than 1/2 the diameter or your buckle so you will be able to sew next to the buckle. Mine was approximately 2" plus 1/4" more to tuck under and make a finished edge. Press flat. Insert the buckle in the loop. Sew down with the edge tucked under.

22. Trim all threads and press the whole belt, and...
You're done!

I hope you find them as stress-free and fun as I do!

And as always...I'd love to see pictures!

JT

***EDIT - 8/7/08 - After actually wearing my belt, I made a few changes to the tutorial above...I found that the belt did't stay put as much as I'd have liked, so I added a muslin layer and made it 1/4" wider. If you come up with any helpful modifications, please let me know.

Comments

[Amy]

Well done Jess. Since I'm not quite wearing belts again, I think I'll use your technique for making Jake a new guitar strap. Thank you for the great tutorial.

[Heidi Elliott]

Great tut! BTW, Sew Mama Sew is having a Create & Celebrate blog entry (http://sewmamasew.com/blog2/?p=535). You could submit this wonderful tut ;)

I could use a new camera strap. I think I will try it out using your instructions. Thanks!

[Doris at Threads of Conversation]

Thanks again for the great tutorial! Love the ideas!

[melissa@yummygoods]

awesome job, you!

[Alexis]

Thanks for the tutorial! I have to make one of those for my daughter--she'll flip!

[Hannah]

These belts are beautiful! I'm not much of a sewer but I think you've inspired me to try!

[Paige]

Those are just lovely! Unfortunately, I'm afraid of belts...maybe someday I'll dare to tuck, but for now it's all about the tunic-length tops for me. Ugh! I have a friend who'd love something like this, though. Christmas gift?? Hmm...

[scott at Blue Nickel Studios]

great tutorial, Jess! Your pictures are great examples!

[Amy @ parkcitygirl]

Super cute & a great tutorial! Thanks for sharing :)

[Amy]

I'm looking forward to trying this out! Really cute!

[Rachel]

This is such a fantastic tutorial! I'll be including this in this afternoon's Daily DIY! I can't wait to make some myself as well!

[Denise Felton]

This tute SO rocks. My readers are going to love it! I've scheduled a link to your post to go live on my blog early Sunday morning (Central USA time). Thank you so much for making this resource available.

Denise
http://needlework.craftgossip.com

[Primdoll]

wonderful tut I love it!! have tons of scraps of fun fabrics now I know how to use them!! too fun! thanks a bunch!! Hugs Linda

[Amy]

What is your source for the belt buckles?

[Carrie]

I LOVE LOVE LOVE the one with the dark buckle. I can't wait to try my hand at it.