The boho chic belt with a secret pocket is not an entirely new concept. The first time I saw this belt was on a model's waist in a swanky dance club in Philadelphia, but that was eons and eons ago. At that time, I admired with marvel how she produced money to pay for drinks from somewhere way inside her waist. While waiting for the drinks, lip gloss and chewing gum made it out of there somehow as well. To me it looked like a Swiss army knife made out of cloth! I looked closer and saw a bunch of keys hanging from the belt. I asked her what do they open? “Nothing, nothing at all!” she said rather mysteriously..
Fast forward a couple of decades later, the boho chic belt trend is back. This time though, you are supposed to hang all sort of trinkets around the belt. So in case you feel lazy, or you are going somewhere where a purse is a hassle to carry, this version has a pocket large enough for a thin wallet or your mobile phone. And of course there's a place to hang my measuring tape..
We've done a few articles recently about the boho chic fashion trend, so if you're wondering So What is Boho Chic Anyway?, please have a read here.
We also published a Boho Chic Tunic that would look rather nice with this belt. Please check it out!
Key Features of the Boho Chic Belt:
- Secret pocket at the back
- Easy to make
- Excellent alternative to a purse
- Casual yet elegant, fashionable yet practical
Materials:
- one rectangle of fabric the size of your waist by 5 1/4″ (main fabric)
- one rectangle of fabric the size of your waist by 5 1/4″ (contrasting fabric)
- two rectangles the size of your waist by 3 1/4″ (contrasting fabric)
- grommets 3/8″
- very stiff interfacing, I am using Stitch and Sew, Buckram or Pellon are excellent alternatives.
- leather strip cord or decorative cord 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 yards according to our waist measurements (29- 40) , (to go around the waist twice) or just one yard to lace in front.
- one 7″ invisible zipper
- lobster claw for hanging your trinkets
- sprayable glue (optional)
- thin interfacing (optional)
You can find the options for sourcing all the required materials at very competitive prices in the So Sew Easy Store.
Tools
- invisible zipper foot
- grommet pliers
- sewing machine
- grading or quilting ruler
Could this be reversible if you skipped the zipper pocket?
Definitely, Even with the secret pocket, you can make it reversible.
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Love this. Exactly what I’ve been wanting to make. Also love the dress in the picture, is there a pattern for if?
Hi Emilly, yes there is a pattern and it will be released early September. Stay tuned 🙂
I’ll look forward to that pattern. Also, what material is the dress made of ?
It is Challis made from rayon.
It looks fun. wondering how it will look on a not so thin model (ie me!), Also, is there a printable pdf? I don’t generally have a tablet of laptop on the sewing and cutting table.
Hi Denise, all the instructions for this belt are free on our website. You need to draft the pattern yourself following the instructions.
I don’t see the tutorial or how to go to the “next page” to see recommended fabric. What am I missing?
Hi Stacey, I am assuming you are on a mobile device, the next page buttons are before the comments.
I agree with Debbie Holterman, and also would love the pattern for the dress if it is available! 😀
I agree with Debbie Holterman above. Love the belt! I have seen cool leather custom belts made like this and you can totally personalize it! <3
Do you have a pattern for the dress the Boho belt is shown on? I love it.
I do, this is not a novice sewing project because of the collar and will require a video, which always takes me a week or more to make. I let know when is done.
I must say this brings back disco memories for me. I had one that was heavy black leather, with a heavy large brass hook and eye to close it. There was a 6 or 7 inch pouch that was stitched inside the front on one side. Very handy. I carried a loose car key and house key, drivers license (I was always designated driver) lip gloss (oh, the shiny lips) and money. That and the lucite heels.
Oh Jennie, that sound fantastic, I think I will make another one with the pouch, thank you so much!!!!
I love it except for the zipper. I know I would mess that up! I wonder if velcro could somehow be used in place of it?
It can work, for sure! Just keep in mind it will thicker than a zipper. If you are afraid of sewing an invisible zipper, don’t be please. Buy a metal invisible zipper, the one with the little hole in the middle and it will take you literally 2 minutes to sew a zipper, I promise!
I really like this, but I think the secret pocket zipper should be off-center, with the zipper closer to the top of the belt. It would be easier to slip something larger (like that phone) in and straight down rather than putting the bottom half of the phone into the pocket and trying to flip or fold the top half of the pocket over it to zip. Cool belt, though!
Yes I tried that, for me at least the bulk created by the zipper and the edge of the phone really bothered me. I have a short torso so maybe that is the reason. Do let us know how your design went, I am sure others will benefit from your opinion. Thanks for your comment!