Quilted Belt - free pattern and tutorial!

Hello friends, 

Some of you asked if the belt I wear in the photo with the Edith dress (below) is a part of the pattern. The answer is no, but I did promise to provide it as a free pattern and tutorial here on the blog. So here we go! I hope you enjoy it : )

Download the Quilted Belt free pattern here and follow the tutorial below.

You need no more than 30cm(1/3 yard) of  any woven fabric for the front, back and ties, a strip of quilt wadding about 10cm x 110cm (4" x 26-43.5") and the same amount of any lightweight woven fabric for lining. The lining will end up in the inside and never seen so use or repurpose a scrap of anything you like. In fact, I would encourage you to make the whole thing from leftover scraps of fabric. 

Note: the sample is made with calico fabric and a contrasting thread for the purpose of this tutorial, although it's perfectly usable so you might very well see me wear it one day.

Sandwich the wadding in between the lining and one of the main pieces of fabric, right sides out (RS=right side, WS=wrong side).

Starting from the centre point, mark parallel quilting lines about 3cm apart (1 and 1/4") across the whole belt. 

Sew with a straight stitch, following the marked lines. You can go simple with a matching thread, or go bold with a contrast - totally up to you! You could also add hand-shtitched details or embroidery, which is on my very long to-do list.

Fold the tie pieces in half lengthwise, right sides together...

...and sew the long raw edges with a straight stitch, including one of the short sides. Leave the other short side open for turning.

I always use some long knitting needle to turn the ties right side out, but you can use other methods if you wish. 

This is another way of turning the ties. Place a long string inside the folded tie fabric.

Secure the end by backstitching a few times...

...then sew the long edges together while keeping the string inside the fabric, away from the needle.

Pull the string to turn the ties right side out then cut it off.

Press the ties flat with an iron and place one either side of the quilted belt piece. Align the raw end of the tie with the side edge of the belt then pin.

I like to trim the long edges of the backing piece by 2-3mm  (1/8") to make it slightly narrower and ensure the backing fabric does not show on the front. Place this on top of the front piece, which has the ties pinned either side, right sides together. Fold the ties neatly in the middle so they don't end up getting stitched when you sew the sides. Pin all around.

Sew with a straight stitch, leaving a 10cm (4") gap on one long side and pivoting at the corners. Trim the corners...

...then pull the ties out to turn the whole belt right side out.

Pull one side out then the other.

Pick the corners out with an awl or large needle.

Sew the opening up by hand using a ladder stitch. 

Press the belt flat with an iron and you're all done! Wear it with anything you like, but I do hope you try it with the dress version of Edith pattern - it does seem to instantly elevate it to evening wear!

Enjoy  and if you make it and post it on social media, don't forget to tag with #DDquiltedbelt and #dhuratadaviespatterns - would love to see it,

Dhurata x