How to Make Your Own Belt

Creating your own belt for a special occasion, or simply as a means of making a unique fashion statement, can be a lot of fun. You can use all sorts of materials to make a belt, including leather, plastic, fabric or even something off-the-wall like old neckties, guitar straps or beer-bottle caps. Regardless of the basic materials used, there are a few simple steps that will always come in handy when making your own belt.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Sketch pad and pencil
• Materials of your choice
• Belt buckle
• Scissors
• Tape measure
• Permanent adhesive
• Grommets and tool
• Heavy-duty stapler

1. Start by getting the basic measurements for the belt. The first measurement to take the waist size of the individual who will be wearing the belt. If the intended wearer is not available, go with the waist size of a favorite pair of jeans or slacks the individual owns, then add a couple of extra inches. For the second measurement, determine the desired width of the belt. Keep both measurements handy for use when selecting materials.
2. Choose a design for your belt. Your choice of design may be dictated by some special intended use for the belt, or by the type of outfits you plan on wearing the belt with on an ongoing basis. Knowing how you plan to use the accessory will help you determine which basic materials you need for the project. Sketch out the basic design and keep it to use as a guide later in the project.
3. Gather the materials you will be using to make the belt. How much you will need is determined by the measurements taken in Step 1. If at all possible, always collect a little extra material, just in case an unforeseen problem crops up during the assembly phase of the project.
4. Assemble the materials into the design of your belt. This will often include measuring lengths and widths, cutting the base material to proper size, punching holes, and finishing the holes with grommets. In the event the belt is designed to tie rather than buckle shut, the holes and grommets will be unnecessary. If applying fabric over a length of flexible plastic, make sure to use an adhesive that will secure the fabric without staining the material.
5. Attach the belt buckle. If using a prefabricated belt buckle, this will often involve looping a small section of the belt through one end of the buckle and securing the fold with the stapler.
6. Seal the belt by applying a layer of sealant to the finished surface. This will help keep the belt stain-resistant, and will also prevent fading over time.

Tips & Warnings

• Select the materials for the belt carefully, and allow plenty of time for the project. Depending on the complexity of the design, it may take you several sessions to complete the belt.
• By all means, use all your creative powers, but beware attempting a design that is too ambitious for your abilities. There is an increased chance you will become discouraged with the project and abandon the effort before the belt is completed.