How to Make Suspenders Without Elastic

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Things You'll Need

  • Measuring tape

  • Fabric

  • Scissors

  • Needles

  • Thread

  • 4 suspender clips

  • Pins

Make a pair of black suspenders to match black pants.

Suspenders are a once-common way to hold up pants, and they recall a bygone era. Today, you can make your own suspenders which work in lieu of a belt to keep the line of your clothing straight, or you can simply make a pair for a costume. Use black fabric for a plain set, or use quilting cotton for a colorful set. While elastic is a common component for suspenders, make a pair without elastic simply by measuring carefully.

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Step 1

Measure from a point 4 inches to the right of the center seam on the front of your pants, over your right shoulder and down to a point 4 inches to the left of the center seam on the rear of your pants.

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Step 2

Cut 2 strips of fabric that are as long as the measurement you found in step 1 and 3 inches wide.

Step 3

Turn the short ends of the fabric strips towards the wrong side, creating a fold that is ¼ inch deep, and sew it flat.

Step 4

Fold the long edges of the fabric strips towards the wrong side, creating a fold that is ¼ inch deep and ironing it flat.

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Step 5

Fold the strips in half across the length and iron the fold flat.

Step 6

Sew along the long edge of the fabric using a running stitch or an overcast stitch to finish the edge.

Step 7

Loop each end of the strips through a suspender clip and sew the loop closed, securing the suspender clip to the strips of fabric.

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Step 8

Attach one end of each strip to the front of your pants at the waistband, using the suspender clips. Place each one 4 inches away from the center seam of your pants.

Step 9

Bring each strip over your shoulder and cross them in the back, securing them to the rear waistband of your pants

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Step 10

Pin the area where the suspenders cross in the back.

Step 11

Open the suspender clips and remove them.

Step 12

Sew the two strips together where they cross at your back.

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