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Instructions for Grosgrain Belt

reversible watchband
Printable Version
Shown above: Lime Good'n Plenty 1 1/2" with Black Polka Dot 1 1/2", Chocolate Swirl 1 1/2" and Brown Polka Dots 1 1/2", Bermuda Hot 1 1/2" and Multi Polka Dots on Shocking Pink 1 1/2".

Materials Needed:
  • 2 lengths of 1 1/2" wide ribbon (waist size plus 8", usually 36-46")
  • 2 1-1/2" D-Rings
  • 7/8" and 5/8" Heat 'n Bond Ultrahold
Step 1:

Measure the waistband of the pants you will be wearing the belt with and add 8 inches for the belt. Select two ribbons that either match really well or are wildly different- whatever fits your personal taste. Also, select a grosgrain or other ribbon with some thickness- otherwise you'll find the ribbon slick and hard to work with. Do realize that even though you select ribbons of the same width there will be some variation in their widths-- as much as 1/8"-- so a bit of the wider one will be seen on the other side. Cut both pieces of grosgrain to the length you calculated.

Step 2:

Cut a piece of 7/8" and 5/8" Heat 'n Bond to the length of the ribbon. Iron both strips of Heat 'n Bond to the wrong side of the narrowest ribbon, making sure the paper backing is against the iron. Overlap the two pieces of Heat 'n Bond to make them narrower than the ribbon, if necessary. Place the wider ribbon on your ironing board, wrong side up. Peel the paper backing off of the Heat 'n Bond and place the narrower ribbon, right side up, centered on the bottom ribbon. Iron until the Heat 'n Bond has melted. Be careful not to get it too hot, as the Heat 'n Bond tape can lose its stickiness with too much heat. Let it cool before you handle it. I love Heat 'n Bond, as it not only holds the pieces together for sewing, but it adds a little body like an interfacing.

 Step 2
Step 3:

Stitch the ribbon down both sides approximately 1/8" from the edge. If you are particular, make the thread and bobbin thread match the ribbon it will be sewn on.

 Step 3
Step 4:

Hem one end of the belt by folding it over twice approximately 1/2" each time. Stitch across the hem.

Step 4
Step 5:

Turn the belt over and on the other end of the belt, place that end through the two D-rings. Fold the ribbon under approximately 1/2" and again approximately 2" inches. Stitch across the belt.

Step 5
Other ideas and suggestions:
  • You can use belt buckles instead of D-rings, if desired. Use a belt buckle that is flat or smaller than 1 1/2" to ensure that the belt stays tight.
  • Standard waist sizing: Small 28-30", medium 32-34", large 36-38", XL 40-42", XXL 44-46". Add 8" to these measurements for a belt.
Printable Version
copyright 2005 j. caroline designs, l.p.