The other night, while watching this movie, I sewed the first belt-scarf. It all started when I bought some very cute but kinda long t-shirts on sale at old navy.
I figured they could use a belt. So I made one. Then I realized that the belt can also be worn as a scarf. And so the belt-scarf was born.
The belt came together very quickly and the movie was pretty good (especially if you read the books) so I decided to try a belt with rounded edges using a linen blend fabric.
I wore it to a birthday party yesterday and received lots of compliments so I wrote up a quick tutorial. I feel a little silly providing instructions for sewing together two pieces of fabric but I'm hoping that the measurements I used will help you decide what length and width you'd like to make and spare you some trial and error.
This is a super easy beginner sewing project so I'm hoping that you will pull out your favorite fabric and whip up a new belt-scarf for fall.
You will need 1/2 yard of your favorite fabric.
Cut the fabric into 4 strips, selvedge to selvedge. The strips should be between 4" - 5" wide.
For the lotus print belt above, the fabric was cut 4 inches wide, resulting in a 3 1/2 inch wide belt. For the linen belt, fabric was cut 5 inches wide, resulting in a 4 1/2 wide belt.
Sew two of the strips together along the short edge to make one longer strip.
Sew the other two strips together.
Press the seams open.
Next decide on the length you'd like for your belt.
Use a length of scrap yarn (I know you have some!) or an existing belt to gauge your ideal length. Keep in mind that most cotton fabric is 42" selvage to selvage making your strip about 80" long.
Cut fabric 4 inches longer than desired length.
Cutting is not necessary - you can choose to use the whole length.
The lotus fabric belt above is 70" long and the linen belt measures 77".
Sew the 2 strips together along one long edge, right sides together.
At this point, decide whether you would like 45 degree angle or rounded ends.
If you'd like the angled edge, use a pencil to draw a line on an angle and sew along that line. Cut off the excess fabric. Snip points for turning.
If you choose a rounded edge, use a compass or a large round bowl to draw a curve at each end.
Sew along the curve.
Cut off the excess fabric.
Use scissors to cut notches along the seam so that you get a smooth curve when you turn your belt-scarf right side out.
Next, sew along the other long side.
You will have to leave a large (12 inch) opening in the middle of this side for turning the belt. To do this begin on one end and sew 'til you reach the middle of the belt, backstitch to secure your thread, and cut the thread. Turn your belt and begin sewing from the opposite side. Sew until you have a 12-14 inch opening in the center of the belt, and backstich to secure thread.
Turn belt right side out. Take your time and use a chopstick or above pictured poke-y tool to help turn the points.
Press well with steam - it will be wrinkled.
Whip stitch the opening closed by hand.
Enjoy!
This is how abigail watches Sunday morning cartoons. Yes, I let my kiddos watch tv. Do I think it will turn them into couch potatoes? Umm... no. But there's no telling what their tv viewing will turn my couch into! Have a great Sunday!
Oh I LOVE LOVE LOVE this! This one is going on my new inspiration section in the morning :)
Posted by: Heather | August 23, 2009 at 11:33 PM
you're so great! the belt-scarf looks great on you! I thought Abagail might be doing youth couch yoga.
Posted by: kristyn | August 24, 2009 at 12:03 AM
These are so fun! I like the option to wear them either way. I also really like your pokey tool...i usually use whatever is on hand and it's not that professional looking at all. Thanks so much for sharing. Maybe you should just put a jungle gym in your living room instead of a couch! She is too cute! If only I were that active while watching cartoons!
Posted by: Lisa Q | August 24, 2009 at 07:43 AM
Very cute.
Don't worry about Abigail watching TV, my Scout has an unhealthy obsession with Scooby Doo but she hasn't turned into a couch potato. Yet.
Posted by: AJ | August 25, 2009 at 04:40 PM
they are ADORABLE! thanks so much for putting together the tutorial!!!
and i let my kids watch tv, too. :)
Posted by: leslie | August 27, 2009 at 02:10 PM
isn't it amazing when one idea leads to another? the scarf/belf is lovely. thanks for sharing the tutorial.
Posted by: lucy | August 27, 2009 at 05:36 PM
I love the belt tied around your waist - this may perk up an old outfit or two. Thanks for the great idea.
Posted by: Beth | September 01, 2009 at 07:15 PM
I love this belt, i might make a bright red one.
Posted by: Imene | November 28, 2009 at 10:30 AM
what a great belt/scarf and looks especially fetching on your slender self. something to aspire to. weirder: I'm also Larissa, also have a daughter Abigail and also blog. ha! I so rarely meet other Larissas so I get a little excited when I do. Larissas unite!
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