quilted patchwork belt tutorial

Goodness, almost 2 years ago (that seems crazy but true) I made a couple patchwork belts. Ever since then I have been meaning to write up a tutorial, but never got around to it until now. Total procrastination at its best. Better late then never I guess.

 

Grab your scraps, charms and fat quarters and lets get started.

Supplies:

• Set of d-rings
• Quilt batting like Warm and Natural cotton batting or any other light batting – just stay away from high loft polyester batting
• Solid color fabric for the back (approx 40-46 inches x 2 3/8 inches)
• Enough scraps, charms or fat quarters to create 2 patchwork strips  (approx 40-46 x 2 3/8 inches and 9 x 2 3/8 inches)

Time to Measure:
Measure your favorite, best fitting belt to get an idea of how long your finished belt should be. If you have a ribbon belt, measure it, it will give you a perfect measurement to follow. If you are measuring a notched belt and wear it on the 1st or 2nd notches (the ones closest to the end), add a few inches to the length to make sure the belt is long enough. Once you have your measurement, add 3 inches to the length to account for seam allowances and attaching the d-rings.

For reference, I have a 31-32 inch waist, wear a large belt and a 10-12 pant. My patchwork strip was 46 inches.

Prepare the Batting and Backing:

• Cut batting to your chosen length x 2 3/8 inches.
• Cut your backing fabric by your chosen length - 9 inches x 2 3/8 inches.

Create the Patchwork Strips:

• Sew up two patchwork strips. The first should be your chosen length x 2 3/8 inches. The second should be 9 x 2 3/8 inches.
• After preparing your small, 8 x 2 3/8 inch patchwork strip, attach it to your backing strip to create a final backing strip that matches your large patchwork strip in length
• Iron all the seams open.

Quilt the Patchwork:

• Pin batting to the wrong side of your long patchwork strip.
• Top stitch to one side of the patchwork seams for added detail or just stitch in the ditch to attach batting to the long patchwork strip.

Sew Front and Back Together:

• Pin right side of long patchwork strip to right side of backing.
• Sew along the top edge with a 1/2 inch seam allowance.
• Sew a 1/2 inch seam allowance along the small edge where the front and back patchwork meet.
• Sew a 1/2 inch seam allowance along the bottom edge along the patchwork on the backing.
• See diagram below for guidance.
• Trim the corners on the closed end and turn right side out.
• Grab your pins, ruler and go to your ironing board. Iron a 1/2 inch seam allowance toward the wrong side on both open edges.
• Fold together and pin.

Sew Together and Add Detail

• Top stitch along the pinned edge as close as you can, about 1/4 inches or less.
• Turn and top stitch the other edge.
• Turn again and stitch a 1/2 inch to 5/8 away from the edge. Turn again and stitch a 1/2 inch to 5/8 away from the edge.
• You should have four lines of stitching running the length of your belt.

Attach D-Rings

• On the unfinished edge, about 3/4 inches in from the edge sew a close zig zag from top to bottom. Trim close.
• Fold 1 1/2 inches of the end over d-ring and straight stitch from top to bottom about 1 inch from end. Stitch again to reinforce.

Yay! We are done – now you have a lovely new quilted patchwork belt.

Hope the instructions and photos are clear enough – if you have questions, please let me know so I can update the tutorial to clarify for everyone. And if you make one, please send me a link so I can see your creations.

Comments

[Rachel]

Wow, this is fantastic! I have about 50 of those D rings too. I bought them to make ribbon belts and have about 48 left over, lol. Thanks so much, I'll be linking!

[Dawn]

Great tutorial! I can't wait to try this out.

What size d-rings are you using? I have 1 inch will those work?

[Renee]

Great tutorial! Thanks for sharing it, it looks like a great project.

[amy]

I have been wondering how to do these! Thanks for the great tutorial!

[Pink Stitches]

WoW! Thanks for a fab tutorial! Great clear instructions and photos.

[Michelle]

Wow, to think these things sell for upwards of $40 on etsy, when most of the cost is for the d-rings (assuming you have the fabric & batting in your scrap stash)... So simple, love the tutorial!