How to Make a Suede Pirate Belt

Dressing like Captain Jack Sparrow from "Pirates of the Caribbean" would definitely make a statement at any costume party.

Pirate costumes typically consist of white, frilly shirts with big cuffs, leather boots, head scarves, eye patch and tattered, 18th-century-style jackets. But no pirate costume would be complete without a wide belt with a large shiny buckle. Making a pirate belt out of suede will give your pirate costume a polished, professionally made look.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• 4- to 6-inch wide strip of suede
• Fabric glue
• Buckle
• Leather needle
• Gold or silver thread

Instructions

1. Measure around your waist. Add four inches to your waist measurement and double the number. Cut this length from the suede.

2. Thread the belt buckle to the middle of the suede strip and fold the strip in half so the ends line up. Threading the buckle through the fabric before gluing it down will secure the buckle to the belt without having to use additional fasteners. Place dots of fabric glue on the inside of the belt to adhere the two sides together. Press down firmly along the belt.

3. Stitch along the sides of the belt with the gold or silver thread. According to Sea Leather Wear, suede edges don't unravel or require edge finishing, so the stitches you're making are purely decorative. Stitch x's or stitch in loops according to the type of decorative look you want. Suede is a thicker fabric and is difficult to pierce with a regular needle. Use a three-edged, sharp needle -- called a leather needle. Work with clean, dry hands as suede is easily soiled.

4. Put on the belt and thread the end through the buckle.

References

• Sea Leather Wear; A Leather Stitcher's Guide; Sandy Scrivano

Resources

• I Heart Design: Piratetude: March 2011