Embroider a Belt Made from Scrap Fabric

Kwik Sew 2982

Yesterday I demonstrated how to make a quick and easy belt from scrap fabric using a serger, but not everybody has a serger and those who do don't always want to get it out. Today I'll explain how I use scrap fabric from a dress project to create a wide, embroidered belt using a sewing machine.

Kwik Sew 2982, with belt

Tools
Sewing Machine, with decorative stitches
Sewing scissors or a rotary cutter and cutting mat 
Olfa Ruler  or Styling Design Ruler
1/4-inch piecing foot
Easy threader
Edge stitch foot


Materials
Scrap fabric
Thread
Schmetz Universal Point needle (size 12)

Step 1
Use a ruler to measure the amount of fabric needed. For example, for a belt the wraps once and then ties, I cut the measurements of the waist plus eight to ten inches. For a belt the wraps twice, the formula is two times the waist plus eight to ten inches. You may need to sew pieces of fabric together to get the length you need.

Step 2
Cut the fabric to the width needed using sewing scissors or a rotary cutter and cutting mat. For example, for a 3 inch belt, cut the fabric 6-1/2-inches wide.

Step 3
Fold the fabric in half, right sides together and press with a hot iron.

Step 4
Use your sewing machine to sew the belt closed on the open side. Sew a 1/4-inch seam allowance. Tip: use a 1/4-inch piecing foot to maintain a perfect 1/4-inch seam allowance.

Step 5
Sew one side of the belt closed. Sew a straight line or cut the ends to a point and sew first one side of the point and then the other.

Step 6

Belt made from scrap fabric

Use a pencil or threading tool, such as the easy threader, to turn the belt back right sides out.

Step 7
Turn the open ends inside the belt and stitch closed. Use an edge stitch foot or the edge of your presser foot as a guide to stitch a decorative stitch around the entire edge of the belt.

Step 8
Snip the threads, if any.

Related Tutorials
Embroider a Belt Made from Scrap Fabric

Further Reading
"The Dressmaker's Handbook of Couture Sewing Techniques: Essential Step-by-Step Techniques for Professional Results"; Lynda Maynard; 2010.
"Easy Sewing the KWIK SEW Way"; Kerstin Martensson; 2002.