As a Plus Size girl (or guy!) it is very hard to find a cute belt that fits you. Here is a simple DIY to make your own belt! Feel free to make changes to my instructions–go crazy!
PLEASE NOTE: This DIY can also be used for NON-Plus Sizes, as well!
*Note: The type of interfacing I used was FUSIBLE INTERFACING that is a paper fabric. Also, it is best to use a WOVEN fabric.
1. Measure your WAIST (or, where you wish the belt to lie on your body). To get the LENGTH of your belt:
WAIST MEASUREMENT + 9 inches = BELT LENGTH
***If you want your belt to be longer than the one I made, feel free to add more than 9 inches.
2. Measure the WIDTH of your ‘D-Rings.’ This will be the BELT WIDTH.
3. Take the WIDTH MEASUREMENT (from STEP 2) and multiply this number by X4. So:
WIDTH X 4 = WIDTH OF FABRIC
4. Lie your fabric on a flat surface with the print/fabric going in the direction of your choosing. Measure out the BELT LENGTH (from Step 1). With your scissors SNIP around 1/2″ in at this measurement. Then, measure the WIDTH OF FABRIC (from Step 3) and SNIP around 1/2″ in.
5. TEAR the BELT LENGTH SNIP then repeat for the WIDTH OF FABRIC SNIP.
You will end up with a long rectangular piece of fabric.
6. Lay your piece of fabric (flat) RIGHT SIDE DOWN on an ironing board.
Take your FUSIBLE INTERFACING and lay it ON TOP of your fabric (fusible side DOWN).
Use a pencil and trace the shape of the fabric. Leave around 1/8 inch allowance along the edge of the interfacing. Then, CUT the interfacing along drawn lines. (This doesn’t have to be exact or perfect, you won’t see the interfacing when you’re done.)
***You DO NOT want the interfacing to be the same or larger than your fabric. This is how it should look:
7. IRON on your Fusible Interfacing. Follow the instructions that came with your interfacing.
8. Fold your fabric (that now has the attached interfacing) IN HALF and IRON. Open it back up and you will have a line in the center. This line is your GUIDE LINE for the next step.
9. Fold the edge of your fabric up (along belt LENGTH) to your GUIDE LINE. Iron it in place as you fold. Repeat this for the second edge of your fabric.
Fold WIDTH EDGES IN 1/4″ and iron.
Fold LENGTH EDGES UP, once more, AT GUIDE LINE. Iron and pin in place.
10. Sew an EDGE STITCH along ALL EDGES of the belt. AT CORNERS (with needle in fabric) lift up your PRESSER FOOT UP and PIVOT (turn) your fabric. This will allow you to sew the next edge. In the end you will sew one big rectangle. Repeat for all edges and corners.
11. Now you will need your D-RINGS.
Take your newly sewn belt and slip one end through BOTH of the D-RINGS. Pull the belt through, leaving about 1 INCH OVERLAP as seam allowance, pin in place.
Sew a box with an “X” in the middle to hold the overlap in place. See below for details.
12. YOU ARE DONE! Try on your belt!
