The nice thing about making your own belts is that you get to choose the color, texture, and materials used. This particular design I came up with for my mother. She picked the color and the beads on the end were her idea. We found the buckle at a local fabric store after reading in a magazine an article on making belts.

I thought that this year in honor of all Mothers, I would share my pattern so that perhaps you might make one for yours.

Size 10 cotton thread (bedspread weight)one 350yard ball
Size 7 (1.65mm) steel crochet hook
Buckle
Tapestry Needle
Pony Beads (5)

1 1/2" wide
length is your choice

8dc and 5dc rows = one inch

Uses FPdc(front post dc), BPdc (back post dc), sc, ch st, sl st, dc
Ch 3 at beginning of row counts as first dc

Ch 21

Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in each ch across, turn.(20sc)

Row 2: Ch 3, dc in each sc across, turn. (20dc)

Row 3: Ch 3, FPdc around each of next 3 dc,(BPdc around each of next 4 dc, FPdc around each of next 4 dc)twice, turn.

Row 4: Ch 3, BPdc around each of next 3 dc, (FPdc around each of next 4 dc, BPdc around each of next 4 dc)twice, turn.

Row 5: Rep Row 3

Rows 6 & 7: Rep Row 4

Row 8: Rep Row 3

Rows 9 & 10: Rep Row 4

Continue in established pattern until belt measures desired length.

Next Row: Ch 1, sc in each dc across. Work 3sc in last dc, turn belt so that long edge is now on top, sc evenly across long edge, work 3 sc across, turn sc evenly across long edge, work 2 more sc in last corner, then join with sl st. DO NOT FASTEN OFF

Fold Belt in half, length-wise, ch 1, using sc join edges all around belt, sc into folded edge also for a more finished look. When you have sc all around the now doubled belt, fasten off. Weave in any loose ends. Sew buckle on one end of belt and pony beads on opposite end.

Nothing says spring like flowers! This belt is a quick and fun “I’m so glad it’s finally warming up” gift for every girl you know! Go chic with a vintage buckle and yarn from a thrifted, recycled sweater. Or, glam it up with shimmery silk yarn and beaded fringe. Make it casual in cotton for a walk in the park. Proper fitting doesn’t get any easier than this measure-as-you-go belt. Wrap your waist (and everyone else’s) in this versatile bouquet.

• Yarn of your choice (shown is Bernat Cool Crochet in Neapolitan shades, 200 yds per 50 g).  Belt shown used ½ a skein)
• Plastic cabone rings by Boye (belt shown used twenty ¾”. rings.)
• Crochet hook of your choice (belt shown used, US H / 5.00mm)
• Yarn needle
• Belt hardware of your choice
• Beads (optional)

Custom

Not important.

Special Stitch Patterns:

Cluster (cl): *Yo, insert hook through ring, draw up loop, yo, pull through 1 loop, yo, pull through 2 loops,* rep from * to * 2 more times. Yo, pull through all 4 loops on hook.

Flower Pattern: Ch 1, drop ring over hook, sl st around ring and pull tight. When making first 3 petals, work over sl st and connecting st between current flower and the previous one.  Ch 4, cl, ch 3, sl st around ring, *ch 2, cl, ch 3, sl st around ring,* rep from * to * 4 more times (6 petals total). Insert hook into ring and draw up loop, insert hook from front to back through the back of first 2 loops on ring, yo, and pull through all loops on hook, pull tight (one flower made).

Do you secretly love old doilies?  Well, my secret’s out, I do; but what I am I going to do with a bunch of doilies?  I’m not too into tablecloths or jar covers.  Then that magic crochet bug hit me, dissect them!  What I found is a deep love for the intricate edgings.  Go on check them out.  They are amazing.  Immediately I thought, BELT!  The stitch pattern below is an edging that has been around for over a hundred years, but in this setting you take all the fuddy-duddy out and are left with a great belt.  Very Bohemian, very hip, very now.  So next time grandma wants to give you another doily, say, thanks!  And start imagining all that you can re-create with it.

• Kroy Socks by Patons, #54013 Hickory, (75% wool, 25% nylon), 150 yards, less then 1 skein
• D/ 3.25mm Hook
• Needle for weaving in ends
• Steam Iron and straight pins for blocking
• (optional) Starch Spray or Liquid Starch
• Silver keychain loop with ball ends (find in jewelry section of local crafts store)
• 9mm metal loop

First two rounds = 2 1/4” Diameter

Gauge is not critical. If your stitches are typically loose, I would suggest a hook one size smaller then recommended on label.)

dc: double crochet
sc: single crochet
sl st: slip stitch
ch: chain
st: stitch

Main Belt Body

Ch 20.