How to Make Capri Sun Belts

Turn an ordinary belt into a fun accessory with Capri Sun pouches.

Accessories made from Capri Sun pouches are popular with kids, teenagers and even some adults. You can make nearly anything from Capri Sun pouches, from purses to wallets to belts. Capri Sun belts are inexpensive to make because you use pouches you would ordinarily be throwing away, a belt you already have on hand and fabric scraps. This would also be a good craft for children who are just learning to sew.

Things You'll Need

• 10 empty Capri Sun pouches
• Scissors
• Sewing machine
• Thread
• 2-inch to 3-inch canvas belt
• 1/8 yard of cotton fabric
• Masking tape

Instructions

1. Cut off the top 1 inch of each pouch and clean the inside with a damp rag and a small amount of soap.

2. Place two pouches together with one pouch upside-down and their right sides facing. The top of one pouch should be touching the bottom of the other one. Sew a straight seam across one of the short ends of the pouches.

3. Place another packet together with one of the packets you already sewed. Be sure the right sides are together and the top edge of one pouch is touching the bottom edge of the other pouch. Sew a straight seam. Continue this process until all the pouches are sewn together.

4. Lay out the belt and cut the string of packets and the fabric to be the same length. Cut the fabric to be about 3 inches wider than the width of the belt. Do not cut the width of the Capri Sun pouches.

5. Turn the Capri Sun pouches upside-down. Fold the edges in until they are slightly overlapping and tape them there.

6. Fold the fabric strip the same way you folded the pouches in Step 5. Sew a straight seam down the middle of the fabric strip to hold the ends in place, instead of taping them.

7. Place the fabric strip and the Capri Sun strip with right sides together. Poke a small hole in one end of the Capri Sun pouches, about 2 inches from the edge. Fold one end of the fabric strip under 1/4 inch. Sew the strips together with a straight seam.

8. Turn the strips so that their wrong sides are touching. Place them on top of the belt and put the tongue of the belt through the hole that was poked in the Capri Sun pouches.

9. Begin sewing all three layers together at the buckle. Use a zigzag stitch and gather the fabric every 1/4-inch to ruffle it as you go.

10. Sew all the way around the belt until you reach the buckle again.

Tips & Warnings

• Choose fabric that coordinates with your Capri Sun pouches.

• Exercise caution when using a sewing machine.

References

• Sherbert Cafe: Capri Sun Belt