A wrap dress I sewed quite a while back now has a matching belt. It fits OK at the waist when I wear it as the waist is in the right place (because we all make our clothes to fit us as best we can right), but it bugs me when I hang up the dress and the belt is separate and I have to hang it over the hanger – and invariably it slips off and ends up on the floor with my cat dragging it around.
I need some of those thread belt loops that you used to see on dresses to hold the belt. I think these add a nice touch, hold the belt where it should be when worn, and when you take it off, the belt can still stay with the dress, ready for when you wear it next.
So I set out to make some. You can sort of crochet them with needle and thread, but goodness, who has time for all that with thin thread these days. Not sure my middle-aged eye-sight could cope with that! I was looking for a quick and easy way – by machine with minimal hand-sewing. Here's my attempt.
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How to make thread belt loops quickly and easily with your machine
- Pick a matching thread color. Use a book and wrap your thread around 4 times.
- Carefully take the threads off the book and straighten them out. You'll have 8 pieces of thread and loops at each end. Tie off the end that has the loose threads in a knot.
- Set your sewing machine to a medium zig-zag stitch. I used a width of 4.0. Stitch length is probably irrelevant.
- Place your threads under the center of the presser foot, holding onto the loops front and back.
- Zigzag over the threads.
- Your machine feed dogs probably won't feed through so you'll have to use the loops to hold the thread taut and pull it through slowly from the back as you zig-zag.
- Thread the completed piece through a needle with a large eye. To add to an existing dress, sew your belt loops into your side seams at the waist, knotting securely at the back.
- OR, if you are adding them at the time of construction, you can pin it in place as you sew your side seams. Sew back and forth over a couple of times to make sure they are in there securely. Maybe knot the ends too at the seam.
Tah-dah smart belt loops. No more belts on the floor being attacked by cats.
What if i used cut parts of a shoe lace for a more punk look? would work out? What kind of sewing should i do?
btw I’m new to sewing, ive done a button or two on my suit jacket but, that’s my full resume in that department.
Any help would be wonderful.
Hi Rob, I would approach it as if I was sewing a beltloop, that is, assuming the show laces are the flat type.
Thank you for this great time saver! I used 2 strands of size 5 crochet thread instead of the 8 strands of regular thread. I used regular thread in my sewing machine. Worked perfectly.
Thank you I will remember this.
I had an AWWWWWW moment!
awesome tip and technique
What a BRILLIANT time saver! I can do it, but hate making belt loops, button loops and little chains used at coat and skirt hems to keep linings in place. These can be made ahead of time in neutral colors so they’re ready for use when needed. I’ve been sewing for a LONG time and this is one of the best tips I’ve ever seen! Thank you so (sew!) much!
I have always put my serger on ‘rolled hem’ setting and run off the length I need.
Genius! This would also work to make a “loop buttonhole” on the back of a dress neckline. So much easier than the loop-loop-loop-wrap-wrap-wrap… that I have been doing for YEARS! j Thank you!
I Agee with Mary Ellen and Bonnie. This method is ingenious and much less time consuming. Your article is perfectly timed as I am cutting out a wraparound dress now. I can’t wait to try this. Thank you for sharing.
You could use tear away stabilizer to put the threads on so the machine will feed evenly. When you’re done just remove stabilizer.
Thanks! Great idea to ‘file’ away
for future projects
Thank you so much! I’ve always “crocheted” my belt loops with a needle. This is so much easier.
A nice idea. For years I took crochet cord and did a chain stitch to make this sort of belt loop. This method looks pretty nifty.
I will be using this from now on. I remember these being on dresses. Great ideal Thank You
Great , I love that just what I need
Ingenious! Thanks.
Thank you! So, sew simple! Great idea to do it on the machine!
This is such a great idea!! Every young woman should know this trick or every parent of a girl!!
Many years ago my dear sweet Grandmother taught me how to do this with a needle and thread. Thank you for touching my “remember” button! Your method with the machine is ingenious and so easy. Thank you do very much!
I love it! What a quick and easy method!
What a genius idea. I just love your website. You Have so many good ideas. And you make it simple. Thank you for sharing, Linda
Well hot dang, I never knew it was that easy! Thank you!
These guys are so cute!
Thanks I had no idea they could be made on my sewing machine. Great idea.
Brilliant! Thank you.
you can use a crochet hook and crochet a chain the length you need leaving a tail on each end to sew to your garment.
I had no idea that they were that easy; thank you!
Thank You….Just when I thought I knew everything! I’ve been doing a sort of crochet type but just using the needle and making loop after loop after loop….not only looks terrible and uneven…but it takes forever. I make miniatures and some miniature clothing…and I need to make button loops quite often…but you end up with only one or two threads to attach each end and they’re not very secure. I’m sure your method will work but I might have to use fewer strands…any ways….Great idea. I’m 65 and have been sewing since I was a little girl and had to be lifted up onto my father’s tailor’s work bench…Never would have thought of this idea! Thank You again.
Susan
I’ve been wanting to put loops on several clothing items, but unsure about how to proceed… then I found your blog! What a clever, easy, fast method for an otherwise tedious way to construct these loops. Many thanks, and so happy that I found you!
That´s a great idea. 🙂
You are clever!
Great tutorial, thank you. I usually crochet mine with a very fine crochet hook and the matching thread, it can be a very slow process. This method is certainly speedier and looks just as good.
I have been sewing for decades and am still learning stuff!
Great idea, I wonder if it would feed better through the sewing machine if you put a piece of washaway stabilizer under it.
Yes that might help, but honestly, it was easy enough to just gently pull it through. You get into a rythm with the zig-zags.
Awesome tip! Thanks so much!
What a clever idea. I’d never have thought of that. Nice clear video. Thanks for the tip.
Have just tried this Deby and it works a dream – great tip, thank you. Joy.
Great idea! Thanks for sharing.In the past I’ve made loops with my serger thread but this is much nicer and you can make it so the thread matches the garment!