Making Belt Loops - Sew News Magazine

Sewing Q&A
Terry Siemsen
August 2002 Sewing Q&A Index

Is there an easy method for making belt loops?
Alice T.,
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Making a series of belt loops is easy when you use the fabric selvage- there's no need to make fabric tubes and turn them right side out. A length of fabric is folded and stitched, and then cut into the individual loops. Note: Usually there are two evenly spaced loops on the garment front and three in the back--one at each dart and one at the center.

To determine the fabric strip length, decide on the length of each belt loop and multiply by the number of loops needed.
Using the fabric selvage as one lengthwise edge, cut a fabric strip the determined length and three times the finished belt loop width. Note. If the fabric doesn't have a neat and firm selvage, serge along one edge to finish.
Fold the strip into thirds lengthwise with the raw edge to the inside and the selvage edge to the outside. The selvage edge will give the loop back a neat finish.
Topstitch along each lengthwise edge catching the selvage in the stitching.
Cut the strip into individual belt loops. Apply seam sealant to the raw ends to prevent them from raveling, and attach to the garment.

As a former home economics teacher, Terry Siemsen is always looking for the easiest way to achieve a beautiful-looking garment, both inside and out. She is the owner of Thimbles, Etc., specializing in custom-sized sterling and gold thimbles.

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