How to Make a Cinch Belt

Adding a cinch belt can make you look thinner.

When it comes to fashion, a cinch belt is a must-have; it is the perfect accessory for a dress or a tunic. Chic and flattering, cinch belts enhance your figure by accentuating the waist. A cinch belt can transform an outfit or camouflage a few extra pounds around the middle. Cinch belts come in a huge variety of fabrics, widths, colors and styles; you can even make your own.

Things You'll Need

• Fabric pencil
• French curve
• 1/2 yard of 45-inch fabric
• 2 yards of 3/8-inch to 11/4-inch ribbon or flat trim
• 1/4 yard of interfacing or felt

Instructions

1. Choose your fabric. For most fabrics, light or medium interfacing will work --- but if you choose leather, use interfacing that can be sewn in or felt to give it more support.

2. Put the wrong sides together and fold the fabric in half lengthwise. Use a fabric pencil to mark a 26-inch-long, 5-inch-wide rectangle and pin it in place. Use a French curve to round out the corners. If you don't have a French curve, you can use something as simple as a coaster. Cut into 2 pieces to make the front and back of the belt.

3. Cut 1 piece of felt or interfacing. Layer the pieces with the first piece right side up and the next wrong side up. Pin together in that order.

4. Stitch through in a 1/2-inch seam and leave a 2-inch opening for turning. If there is extra felt, trim off. If you use interfacing, trimming isn't necessary. Clip the curves.

5. Turn right side out and stitch the opening. Depending on the fabric, you can press it with an iron. If using leather, use fabric clips or weigh it down overnight.

6. Stitch the top of the entire belt 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch from the edge.

7. Add the belt ties. Fold the belt in half and mark a horizontal line where you want the the ribbon or trim to be. Place the ribbon on the line and pin, leaving enough of the ribbon fabric for the desired length of the ties. Edge stitch the ribbon or trim to your belt and cut off any excess. If necessary, knot the ends to keep from fraying.

References

• Simplicity: How To Make a Wide Cinch Belt
• A Chic Critique: Your New Best Friend: The Cinch Belt