DIY Running Belt And Travel Belt – FREE Pattern & Tutorial

running belt

Here's a pattern for a running belt with pockets and an elasticized adjustable strap so you can tailor it to any waist size.  This pouch could also be called a money belt, travel belt or sports belt.  Place the pouch on your front or back and cover it with a T-shirt and no one will know it is there.  There is enough room for a big phone, money, keys and even coins.  Keep your valuables safe while at the gym, jogging or traveling.

money belt

I have come up with a new scheme for making excuses not to exercise.  My gym wear does not have enough pockets.  That's it!  When I am in the gym, I worry about my phone, the locker key, the earphones, and money.  The thing is that all these items plus the towel leave me with the annoying habit of picking and dropping my small baggage every time I change machines.  How annoying!  I guess I could put all that in the locker and concentrate on doing a workout, but nothing is more boring to me than repeating a motion in 3 sets, just to move to another machine and do the same.  So, I need music to avoid quitting within the first 30 minutes of my workout.  The funny part of this scheme is that I have begun to avoid walking the dog too.  And guess why? Again, I don't have enough pockets…  I need a change of attitude, so this new pattern is the way I'm going to do it!

Fabric scraps are ideal for this project. Probably the best fabric for this project is nylon taffeta rated at 190T.  I can only dream getting my hands on this though where I live.  You may have better luck.  By the way, this is Pattern #6 in our New Workout Wardrobe series.

travel belt

If you're planning to do some traveling this summer, this money belt would not only help keep your most important valuables safe (passport, ID, credit cards, cash, phone) but would make a great accompaniment to an Anti-Pickpocket Bag.




Materials:

Tools:

  • Sewing machine
  • Thread
  • Zipper foot
  • Fabric pencil or Frixion pen

Skill Level:

Confident Beginner:  must know how to attach bias tape and follow instructions.

Pattern layout

Pattern Download

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Download the Free Pattern

You can download the pattern for this DIY Money Belt from our account at Payhip.

For help downloading and printing PDF patterns, please CLICK HERE.

Use the latest version of Adobe Reader with print settings for Actual Size and Landscape.  Print the first page first to test the 2″ x 2″ square to make sure the sizing is correct before printing out all the other pages.

How to make the DIY running belt with pouch

There are four layers of fabric and four zippers to attach.  I have labeled all the pieces so I will be asking you to join pieces #____ with pieces #____.  Cut 3″ off the elastic and put aside.  You will need this later.  Label all your pieces on the back with a Frixion pen or a fabric pencil.  There is no need to purchase bias tape as you can make your own continuous bias tape using this free tutorial.

Follow the steps below in the sequence described.  I suggest you label the pattern pieces on the back of the fabric so you do not get lost.  We will start to work from the back (close to the body) to the front.

Step One: Joining pieces #9 to #8

Lay the 6″ zipper facing up.

If your elastic has a print like mine, place the print right side up, over the metal stopper of the zipper.

running belt

Place piece #8 print side up and align it with the top end of the 6″ zipper.

running belt

Using your zipper foot and sewing as close to the teeth as possible, sew from the bottom of the zipper to the top.  It is easier in that direction.

running belt

running belt

Print side down, place piece #9 on the right side of the zipper.  Sew using your zipper foot as above.

running belt

This is what you should have by now.

running belt

Step Two: Joining piece #7 with #8

Place the second 6″ zipper right side up.

Sew piece #7 to the left side of the zipper as above.  Align the top of the zipper with the top of the fabric.  The print side of the fabric should face down.

running belt

Step Three: Adding one side of the buckle

You will need the 3″ elastic piece that we and the female side of the buckle.

running belt

Thread the 3″ elastic piece through the buckle and place it elastic on top of the zipper buckle towards the fabric.

running belt

Take it to the machine and sew as close to the teeth of the zipper as possible.

Sew piece #8 to the right side of the zipper.  Align the fabric to the top of the zipper.

Add pieces print side down #9 and #8 (with the long elastic strap).  Both pieces of elastic are effectively under piece #8.

running belt

Open the zipper to make it easier to sew.  Sew.

running belt

This is what you should have by now.

running belt

Step Four: Adding piece #6

Flip your work upside down.  The curved side is up and the long elastic strap is on your right.

running belt

Piece #6 will be placed on top of #8.  Align with the straight edges and the zipper tape.  

running belt

Pick up the work by the zipper edge and take this to the sewing machine and sew.

running belt

running belt

Step Five: Joining pieces #5 and the rest of the work

You will need pieces #5, #4, one of the 14″ zippers and the rest of the work that we assembled above.  Remember that pieces #5 and #4 are from the same pattern piece but cut twice.

Place piece #5 print side up flat edge to the top.

running belt

Place the work you've done so far on top.  Pin together making sure the zipper tape is straight.

running belt

Flip your work to make sure it all lines up.

running belt

I suggest you zigzag the top to keep the zipper tape straight.  Pinning sometimes is not enough to keep layers together.

(I have grown incredibly disappointed with my machine.  No matter what I do, the stitches are loose.  Don't be surprised if I move to my industrial machine.  Hopefully, your machine will be up to the task.)

running belt
my sewing machine is dying 🙁

Place the 14″ zipper right side down.  Align with the top edge of the running belt.  Change the top thread of your sewing machine to match the zipper.  Sew the zipper down. 

running belt

running belt

Change your machine needle to match the fabric of the pouch.  Make sure your work looks like the picture below.  Pin the fabric all together folding the seam allowance towards, the fabric.

running belt

Topstitch from the left to right and from right to left. Stopping both times at the buckle.

running belt

Topstitching from left to right use your right side of the zipper foot.  Reverse this step from right to left, this means you have to use the left side of the zipper. I do not have a picture of this, but I think you get the picture.

running belt

This topstitching will let the zipper lay flat.  Check that your seam allowance doesn't show behind the zipper tape.  If it does, trim it flush.

running belt

Step Six: Adding piece #4 and #3

Grab piece #3 print side down and lay it on top of the zipper tape.  Place piece #4 print side up under all your work and align with the flat edge.  You will have a sandwich of piece #4 (print side up), the zipper and piece #3.  

running belt

running belt

Sew as close to the zipper as you can.  At this point, you should have four layers in total.

running belt

Turn piece #3 print side up and top stitch.

running belt

Back view.

running belt

This is where you should be by now.

running belt

Step Seven: Adding the last zipper and piece #2 to the rest of the pouch

Place your second 14″ zipper right side up so it opens from right to left.

Place piece #2 print side down on the top edge of the zipper.  Sew and put aside.

Take the belt/pouch piece and fold the seam allowance over the zipper tape.

running belt

Bring back piece #2 and attached zipper.

running belt

Pin the combined pieces to the zipper tape of piece #2 as shown below.

Sew using the zipper foot.

running belt

Step Eight: Adding piece #1

Place piece #1 print side down and pin the rest of the belt on top.  Pin all around.  Make sure you have the zippers open. 

Stay-stitch 3/8″ all around. 

running belt

Step Nine: Making the adjustable belt

For this step, we will be using the slider (on right) and the male part of the buckle.

running belt

Pass the decorative elastic band print side up, under and through the first hole of the slider.  Over the bridge and down the other hole.

running belt

Repeat the same procedure with the buckle, under the first hole,

running belt

over the bridge, and out the other hole.

running belt

running belt

running belt

Hold the buckle with one hand and pull the end of the elastic about halfway through and fold back the end to the slider.  Working on the underside of the slider, thread the end of the elastic in through the first hole and out.  Pull towards the buckle and fold the end of the elastic about 1 1/2″.  Sew 1/8″ from the edge a few times to secure the elastic.

Step Ten: Finishing up your running belt

Sew bias tape all around the edge.  I suggest you start where the elastic will cover when in use to hide the seam.  Open your bias tape and place it right side down on the front of the running belt.  Fold the end and sew all around following the first crease of the tape. Turn and sew on the right side of the bias tape very close to the stitching line.

Finally, make a small tack with your machine to make the belt stay horizontal on the pouch. And you're done!

I think I will make another running belt that is a bit more bright next time.  This one looks too serious and manly for me.  I think I have a Father's Day gift now…

Until next time! Happy sewing!


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Heather
Heather

Hi from South Africa. How do I download and print the pattern pieces and instructions without all the ads and photos? Thanks.

Donna
Donna

This is great. I have a heart monitor that will shock my heart when having heart attack. Have to keep phone within 6 feet at all times which can be a pain . I have a shoulder strap that carries phone but wanted something for my waist. This fits that need as I can make it to size as to not be so combersome. Thank you so much for this and all the wonderful patterns you have given us!

Teresa
Teresa

Thank you for the lovely pattern! I made one yesterday, but it’s not quite right. I really struggled with Step #5. I may wait for a video the make next one. The pictures are excellent, but not quite enough. It gets a bit complicated with all the layer, lol.

Thank you again for the pattern. I have recently discovered your Youtube channel and I’m loving it!

trackback
Hip Bag Free Sewing Pattern

[…] Running Belt,Travel Belt or Money Belt with Pouch […]

Pritha Maharaj
Pritha Maharaj

Hi Mayra. I am new to your site and absolutely love your patterns especially the Running Belt tutorial. I am unfortunately unable to download the pattern as I’m asked for a coupon code. Please help. Regards

leigha
leigha

I am having trouble attaching piece #6
I don’t understand which side zipper to attach it to

Elara
Elara

I’m having trouble attaching #4 and #3. #4 and #5 are supposed to be cut out of the same pattern piece and therefore be the same size. However, #5 attaches to the bottom edge of the zipper tape while #4 attaches to the top edge of the same zipper tape. Once sewn, #4 is too short and doesn’t reach to the bottom of the belt so it’s not aligned with the other pieces. What’s the fix?

Elara
Elara
Reply to  Elara

Still hoping for help on this

Taffy
Taffy

I just completed my money belt. It was fun to make and I will use it on an upcoming trip to Northern Europe.

trackback

[…] had a look through our previous designs and some would work well, particularly the running belt pattern linked below, and maybe even the super popular small backpack pattern that we did a few years ago, […]

GrrannyH
GrrannyH

Thanks for the pattern. From the photos, I am guessing this finishes at about 11 x 7 inches?

Sue Polmateer
Sue Polmateer

I think this is a great item to have. It frees up your hands when shopping or traveling.

Patricia Kirkham
Patricia Kirkham

great pattern. How do I obtain the tutorial for the instructions to make. I have already downloaded the pattern.
Thank-you
Pat

So Sew Easy
Admin
Active Member

Hi Patrica, you can just follow the instructions from the website. It works well if you have an iPad or some form of a tablet. Otherwise, you can use a laptop. Happy sewing!

Liz
Liz

This looks great thank you so much. Can the vertical zips be undone whilst the belt is fastened?

Dawn Tenneson
Dawn Tenneson

Thank you so much for an awesome pattern!

Christine Bennett
Christine Bennett

This is exactly what I am looking for for an upcoming trip to Europe!! Can’t wait to get it cutout and sewn!! Thank you!!

Imajean Yuss
Imajean Yuss

Thank you for this pattern. It looks like the elastic is covering the top of the zippers on the two front pockets. Is that correct? Seems like that would make it difficult to unzip and get stuff out of those two pockets without removing the belt completely. I’m hoping for a money belt I can wear under my clothes and just hike up my shirt and get things out any pocket without having to remove it. Will that work?

Imajean Yuss
Imajean Yuss
Reply to  Mayra Cecilia

Thanks for the reply. I’m now at the point where “piece #6 will be placed on top of #8. Align with the straight edges and the zipper tape.” The photo directly below that instruction shows the number 5 written on the back of the fabric (not #6). Also, my piece #6 extends all the way over piece 8 to the left edge of the second zipper. In your photo, it only covers piece 9 up to the zipper on the right. (hope that made sense). What am I doing wrong?

Imajean Yuss
Imajean Yuss
Reply to  Mayra Cecilia

Thanks. I figured it out and finished the belt. I was taking the instructions a bit too literally. One more question though. On the page of the PDF that has instructions for printing the pattern, there is the following instruction:
“Also note that you will need to cut two straps at 4 inches by 22 inches, for which no pattern piece is supplied – it’s just a rectangle! You can draw the straps on the reverse of your fabric to cut.”

I cut those pieces in addition to the pattern pieces as instructed, but never used them. I didn’t see anywhere in the instructions where it called for them and my belt is complete. For future reference, where were they supposed to be used?

Elara
Elara
Reply to  Imajean Yuss

Perhaps Imajean was looking at the numbers that printed on the pattern pieces. In at least two cases, those are not the pattern piece numbers.

Ishka McNulty
Ishka McNulty

Thanks for the pattern I really love it as it stays so flat when on, easy to wear over or under clothes. Made mine out of medium weight cotton fabric. Not much choice where I bought the elastic banking but looks OK. I do find that I can’t put heavy things in it or it pulls down – maybe need a firmer elastic but that’s OK works for money & cards and I don’t even notice it when wearing it. Photos here You mention at the end to bar-tack somewhere but you don’t say or show where

Petra
Petra

I made this belt for my 2 1/2 years old grandson, so he can take his dinky toys everywhere he goes.
Thanks from the Netherlands.

So Sew Easy
Admin
Active Member
Reply to  Petra

What a great use for this design. Thanks for sharing the idea.

Jean
Jean

This pattern turned out really well! I used narrower bias tape and cut two of piece number one because I wanted a bright colored lining for the back zipper pocket. Thank you, Mayra, for the nice pattern.

Malin
Malin
Reply to  Mayra Cecilia

Cant find how to download the pattern. Thanks for help.
Malin, Sweden

Evelyn Houska
Evelyn Houska

I am unable to see the’button” to access the running belt travel belt pattern. Please be more specific. Thank you. evelynhouska77@gmail.com

MPaula Whelan
MPaula Whelan

I thought you might find it amusing to know that the acetate fabric at Amazon.ca is $66.46 for a metre! I would use the fabric from a broken umbrella.

NatalieF
NatalieF

ohh this is just what I need! Thanks so much for the pattern!

Elizabeth
Elizabeth

I am possibly overthinking this thing? When I place the consruction of pieces 6-9 on top of piece 5, there is a difference in height of about 1/4″. This corresponds to the broken line on pattern piece 4/5, so I am assuming this is deliberate – but how should I be matching things up?

Patti Proffer
Patti Proffer

Thank you for the free pattern I have read through the instructions and have the material I will be using. I just have to get the hardware and the elastic. I grew up with fanny packs, but the ones you can buy in the store now do not fit my very full figure, so making my own and having it be a thinner pack will be great for my travels this summer!!

Brenda Jerles
Brenda Jerles

Myra,
Have you flossed your tension discs on your machine? There could be thread bits stuck in there. Just use a folded, kind of stiff piece of thinner fabric and run it up and down your tension discs. Or you could use unwaxed dental floss or a crisp dollar bill. Hopefully that will fix your tension issue.

robynd

Oh yes, I remember fanny packs. Much bulkier. This looks perfect for travel and also for those outfits that don’t have pockets (I just hate that, too!) I know I should just add pockets, but sometimes there is no right spot for them. Thanks for this.

Margie from Texas
Margie from Texas

Hi Myra, I had that tension issue on my singer sewing machine too. got so frustrated with it that I actually quit sewing for a while. then I remembered the sewing machine shop in town and took it in for a tuneup. for about a third of the cost of the machine it is now running like new again. something I’ll have to do every 2-3 years but is much better than chucking it out and buying a new one.

Cheryl Vogt
Cheryl Vogt

Thank you, this is wonderful. I did not get the instruction for the lining part. Do we cut a lining piece from each pattern piece?

mixedupmax
mixedupmax

Thank you for the pattern and for all the great patterns and tutorials that you generously provide on a regular basis. I love ? your site!!
Chris

Vickie Howell
Vickie Howell

This was perfect timing, my purse was stolen at a store this past week. I want to down load patern but do not see the next page button. (having hard time seeing)
thanks Vickie

Vickie Howell
Vickie Howell
Reply to  Mayra Cecilia

Thanks for your help, I found the down load, but when I try to check out it says my password is invalid (note I’ve tried to reset it twice. Does it have to be something specific(ie: contain numbers or syllable)
Sorry to be a pest.
Thanks Vickie

So Sew Easy
Admin
Active Member
Reply to  Vickie Howell

Hi Vickie, are you talking about your password on Craftsy? There shouldn’t be any other passwords involved in this download, only Craftsy. You can get there by clicking the orange button in the box right at the top of this page: https://so-sew-easy.com/running-belt-money-belt-travel-belt/2/

Vickie Howell
Vickie Howell
Reply to  Vickie Howell

I got the pattern by signing in with facebook. Thanks so much for all the help.

Vickie

Tesa Fox
Tesa Fox

About the Tension issue you had, my whole family has brother machines and all have that issue, apparently on brother machines the tension screw in the bottom slowly comes loose and can’t be fully re tightened

Beth Morrow
Beth Morrow

I am starting a walking regimen, and I use my phone for music, to count my steps & my heart rate. I sweat so bad I hate having it on my arm, this will be sooo much better. I like thinner material – not see thru – I’m not there – never will be, but so wind can keep me cool as I do need full body coverage, this will work great to hold my phone a little money 7 maybe I can figure out a way to snap on a water to the band! Thank you!!

Jeretta
Jeretta

I think it is a good idea no matter what you call it!

Gina
Gina

Nice item to have! I can see many uses for something like this! Downloading the pattern and will try to make it. Thanks for giving us the free pattern! 🙂

Victoria
Victoria

“This pouch could also be called a money belt, travel belt or sports belt”

That’s so funny, when I was growing up, they were called fanny packs!

So Sew Easy
Admin
Active Member
Reply to  Victoria

Hi Victoria, I certainly grew up with fanny packs as well, but they were generally a bit thicker and not necessarily meant to go smoothly under your t-shirt or another outer garment. This money belt/travel belt/sports belt is much thinner and serves a different purpose than most fanny pack I think. Thanks in any case for the comment and kind regards.