Replies

1. 
   Teaf5 | Jun 28, 2009 01:03am | #1

   Doesn't the current issue of Threads have a corded belt in it?  Maybe Sew Stylish? If not, you can probably easily figure it out with two easy sources: sites about "covered cord" and "simple macrame belts."

   Instructions for covered cord are in every "how-to" sewing book and sites, and it's very, very easy to make with cotton upholstery cord, a zipper foot, and bias strips of fabric.  A 3-part, 4-part, and 5-part braid is also very easy and especially interesting if some of the cords are different colors.

   In case the instructions don't mention it, braiding takes up some length, so make sure your starting cords are about 1/3 longer than the desired finished length.

   If you can't find instructions, post again on this discussion, and I can explain the how-to's.

1. 
   cactusflower | Jun 29, 2009 12:34am | #3

   Thanks for your suggestions!  I know covered cord is simple enough, and your ideas are a great help.  Thanks again.  Will let you know if I have any more questions.

    

2. 
   sewfar | Jun 28, 2009 02:09am | #2

   The threads newsletter had a good article on making soft flexible cord for ball buttons. I bet it would work equally well for your belt.

   https://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/6996/padded-cord-ties-better-knots

1. 
   cactusflower | Jun 29, 2009 12:36am | #4

   I do have that issue of Theads and will look at it with the idea of applying it to making a braided belt.  Thanks to you for your time and help!  Will follow up with how it turns out.

1. 
   Malindi | Jul 02, 2009 08:14pm | #5

   I have made rouleau belts using the tube method, however if I want it washable I use old pantihose (minus the panty) to provide the stuffing. Apart from being quick drying, the pantihose stuffing is softer and more flexible than cord when interweaving and you can vary the thickness by the number of pantihose legs used.

1. 
   sewfar | Jul 02, 2009 10:40pm | #6

   what a great idea. The fast drying aspect is wonderful. Do you have to give a twist to the panty hose leg legs to thread them through the tubes ? This will be great for button loops too and maybe strips of nylons could be used for the little "trapunto" work or stuffing small appliques that I do mainly on my grandchildren's clothes and on mine if I actually get back to making something for myself. I can see it as light and airy compared to yarn plus I love recycling. Thanks. By the way maybe you can submit your hint to a magazine and get a prize.

1. 
   Malindi | Jul 03, 2009 08:18am | #7

   No, after amputating the panty, I just gather the legs together (the number of legs depends on how fat I want finish product to be), whip the ends together and pull the legs through the tube with a hook, or a safety pin (like slotting elastic through a pair of pajama bottoms). If I need longer lengths then I sew on additional legs, staggering the joins.

2. 
   cactusflower | Jul 15, 2009 11:43pm | #8

   This is a great idea!  The belt would be pliable and more drape-y than using cord.  Thanks for your suggestion.  I think I will try this method to make the belt for the tunic I just constructed.   The whole thing will look more special.