I wasn’t sure if I should call this project Hippy Chick– because you will look kind of like a Bohemian chick wearing it- or Hippy Chic– because it has elements of “hippy-ness” and “chic-ness…”  You can call it whatever you want! This is a great way to use up your scraps- accessorize your favorite jeans or skirt & be a totally cool hip chick! I love the possibilities for this accessory- make a belt in colors to match every one of your outfits!

All seam allowances are 1/4″.

Supplies:

• Fabric (solid or print)- 3” x width of fabric (for reverse side of belt)
• Fabric Scraps (about 5-8 different fabrics for patchwork side of belt)
• 2-  1” curtain grommets
• 1 ½” wide grosgrain ribbon (about 1 5/8 yards, for bow)
• Lightweight fusible interfacing
• Trim of your choice, such as ric rac, ribbon, lace, etc.
• Thread for topstitching

To calculate the length of fabric that you need for your belt, measure your waist and subtract 3 ½”. For example, if your waist measures 30”, you will be cutting your fabric 26 ½” long. This will be referred to as belt length.

For the reverse side of your belt: Cut a piece of fabric 3” wide by belt length. Cut a piece of fusible interfacing 2 ¾” wide by belt length (if you don’t have a piece that is long enough, you can place two pieces next to each other with edges abutting). Center interfacing on wrong side of fabric strip, fuse according to package instructions, and set aside. (If you don’t have a piece of interfacing that is long enough, you can place two pieces next to each other with edges abutting.)

For the patchwork side of belt: Cut 3” x 4” rectangles from your fabric scraps and sew together along 3” edges until you have a strip that is slightly longer than your required belt length. Trim the ends of the strip equally so that the strip is the correct belt length.

Sew desired trim to patchwork belt strip. Leave cut ends of trim raw and even with end of patchwork strip (raw ends of trim will be sewn into the seam allowance.)

Place patchwork strip and fabric strip with fused interfacing RIGHT sides together and pin. Sew together, backstitching at beginning and end of seam, and leave about 12” open for turning.

Clip corners. Turn belt right side out. Gently push out corners with a wooden dowel. Press. Turn edges of opening in toward each other and pin. Topstitch around all edges of belt, about 1/8” from edge. (See photo at right.)

Trace circle for grommet onto ends of belt, about ¾” from end of belt. Cut out circle (including any trim if necessary). If cut edges of trim are loose, tack down with a few hand stitches to secure. Secure grommets to belt according to package instructions.

Place 1 ½” wide grosgrain ribbon through grommets, tie, trim ends as necessary.

Wear with your favorite outfit and graciously accept all the compliments you receive!!!