Pattern: Easy Fabric Belt

Summer is quickly approaching, so get a head start on your accessories with this cute reversible belt. It's a great project for a beginner - you just need to be able to sew a consistent 1/4" seam. Yes...that's it. And that awesome buckle? I got it at Crafter's Vision! Love their buckles!

Hip sizes vary, so you'll need to take some measurements first.

• Hip Measurement: measure your hips and add 7" -- this is the length of your fabric. If it's close to 42" (or the typical width of cotton quilting fabric), you will be fine. If it's bigger than that, you'll have to add some fabric.

1. Cut Fabric:

• For front of belt: 1 strip of fabric that is 2" wide x hip measurement. If your hip measurement is greater than 42", you'll need to cut two strips and sew them together, then cut to the correct length.

• For back of belt: 1 strip of fabric that is 3" wide x hip measurement. If your hip measurement is greater than 42", you'll need to cut two strips and sew them together, then cut to the correct length.

• Fusible fleece: cut 2" x hip measurement. If your hip measurement is greater than the fusible fleece, cut two pieces but DON'T sew together. You'll just butt the ends together and fuse them to the fabric.

2. Remove selvages.

3. Fuse fleece to the 2" strip of fabric:

• Place the fleece on the ironing board with the rough side up (that's the glue). Place the 2" strip of fabric on top with the right side (pretty side) facing up. Cut off or add fleece as needed. Place the iron on top and fuse according to directions.

Fuse fleece to fabric.

4. Mark your opening:

• You'll need to leave an area open to turn this right side out. To make it easier, it will be in the middle of the belt.
• Flip the 2" fused front fabric over so the fleece side is right side up. 
• Using your fabric marker, mark the middle of the belt (on the fleece). Then mark 2" to the right and to 2" to the left of that mark. 
• You now have marked your 4" opening. You don't sew in this area.
• It's not a big deal if you are a little off, so don't worry. I often mark approximates.

Mark opening.

5. Sew along one long side of your belt:

• Place the 2" strip on top of the 3" strip, right sides together (RST) with the FLEECE SIDE UP. 
• Line up one long side of fabric (there will be an extra inch on the other side).
• Using a 1/4" seam, sew along one side (be sure to back stitch when you begin and end).
• When you reach the end of the belt, stop sewing, back stitch, clip threads, and remove from machine.

Sew along one side.

6.  Sew along the other long side of your belt:

• Line up the other long side of your belt. That extra 1" of fabric will create a bubble in the middle. That's what it is supposed to do! Be sure that you don't sew this.
• Place in machine with the FLEECE SIDE UP.
• Using a 1/4" seam, sew along the side.
• When you reach the end of the belt, stop sewing, back stitch, clip your threads, and remove from the machine.

The bubble on the back.

Sew along other side.

7.  Sew the short ends:

• Because the back is wider than the front, you'll have to even out the ends.
• Finger press the excess fabric so it is flat and the fold lines up with the edge of the 2" piece. 
• Sew the ends using a 1/4' seam (fleece side up!)

8. Press:

• On the fabric side of you belt (fleece side down), set your seams (press them flat - don't open the seams). Doing this sets your thread into your fabric and makes for a crisp edge to your belt.
• Find the opening and press that seam open. 

9. Turn right side out:

• This is a bit tricky, but with your fingers, start to push the belt through the opening.

• Place the belt on a smooth, small, and long curtain rod. This will help you turn the belt right side out. 

• Gently pull the belt over the rod the belt. 

• Poke out the corners.

10. Finish up!

• Press belt flat - you should have about 1/4" of the back fabric folded over and on the front side of the belt. Try to keep this even.
• Pay particular attention to the opening. Keep it even. 

11. Top stitch closed:

• Change your stitch length so it's at about a 3. 
• Start at one end of your belt, and sew along the outside of the belt (using about a 1/4" seam allowance). Sew non-stop, all the way around, pivoting at the corners.
• Take extra care when you sew the opening closed - it might shift a bit.

12. Weave your buckle on and wear with pride!