How to Make a Double-Sided Belt

By
Mollie Johanson
Mollie Johanson
Mollie Johanson
Mollie Johanson is a professional needlecrafter with over 10 years of hands-on embroidery, sewing, and knitting experience. She is the author of “Stitch Love: Sweet Creatures Big & Small." Mollie also designs and sells stitching projects, co-hosts a crafting podcast, and has taught online embroidery courses.
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Updated on 10/04/20
Top Stitch and Attach the D-Rings

The Spruce Crafts / Mollie Johanson

Project Overview
  • Skill Level: Beginner

Making your own belt is an easy way to create a custom accessory with your favorite fabrics. With basic hardware and two styles of quilting cotton, you'll have a double-sided belt to match any outfit. This DIY belt is great for kids and teens, but also the perfect way to add some personality to what you're wearing—and you can make it in any size you want!

Tip

Although you only need a small amount of the 1 1/3 yards of interfacing, it's best to have a long cut so you can use one continuous piece.

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What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

  • Rotary cutter
  • Ruler
  • Cutting mat
  • Iron
  • Pressing cloth or kitchen towel
  • Bodkin, safety pin, or large turning tube

Materials

  • 1/8 yard one to two fabrics
  • 1 to 1 1/3 yard lightweight fusible interfacing
  • 2 D-rings
  • Thread

Instructions

  1. Cut and Prepare the Fabric Strips

    Start by deciding what length you want your belt to be. It should be the size of your (or the wearer's) waist, plus 4 to 8 inches, depending on how adjustable you want it to be. You can also measure an existing belt for the length.

    Next, measure the width of the D-Rings and add a 1/2 inch to that measurement. Cut two strips of fabric that match the measurements. Cut matching strips of fusible interfacing. 

    Fuse the interfacing to the back of the fabric strips using a damp pressing cloth or towel.

    Tip

    If you want to make a belt that's longer than the width of your fabric, you can piece two strips together; however, be sure that the seams are not aligned in the next step to avoid bulkiness.

    Cut Strips of Fabric With Interfacing
    Mollie Johanson

  2. Sew the Belt Pieces Together

    Pin the strips with right sides facing. If you plan on using this as a double-sided belt and the fabric is directional, make sure that one fabric is right side up and one is upside down. If you're using just one fabric design, both strips should go in the same direction. 

    Sew the two strips together into a tube. Start at one end, sewing the long side, sew across the end, then sew the second long side. Use a 1/4-inch seam allowance.

    Sew the Strips Into a Tube
    Mollie Johanson

  3. Turn and Press the Belt

    Use a bodkin or turning tool to turn the tube right side out. Roll the seams open with your fingers, then press the belt. Fold in the open end and press.

    Turn and Press the Belt
    Mollie Johanson

  4. Finishing the Belt

    Topstitch along both sides of the belt 1/8-inch from the seam. Fold the open end of the belt around both D-rings. Sew across the folded tab to secure the rings in place.

    Top Stitch and Attach the D-Rings
    Mollie Johanson

Wearing the Double-Sided Belt

To wear the belt, slide the plain end through both D-rings, then slip it between them and through the second ring. This adjusts and secures the belt.

Want to make your belt in other ways?

  • Use cotton webbing for the belt. All you have to do is sew one end to the D-rings and hem the other end.
  • Embellish your belt with embroidery. Use plain fabric and stitch tiny designs along one strip for a fancy accessory.
  • Make it patchwork. Sew smaller strips of fabric together to create a scrappy belt. For this version, don't add fusible interfacing to the pieced strips to help reduce bulk. You'll have a rainbow of fabrics on your waist!
Loop the End Through the D-Rings

The Spruce Crafts / Mollie Johanson