Tutorial: How to Make a Braided Belt with Leftover Bias Tape

Looking to do something with that leftover bias tape? Why not try braiding it into a cute belt? I’m all about finding uses for fabric scraps and leftover notions, so I thought this belt would be a fun idea, and I absolutely love the results. If you like how it looks and don’t have enough bias tape left over, you can also create a similar look with leftover strips of fabric.

Check out more DIY belt tutorials

Supplies Needed:

4 bias tape strands (long enough to fit around your waist at least 2 times)
A buckle

Step 1

sew bias tape closed

Sew down the length of each strand of bias tape to sew it closed and encase the raw edges.

Step 2

sew strands together at one end

Fan out the ends a little bit instead of stacking them right on top of each other. This will help you start the braid more easily.

Step 3

fold the leftmost strand over one

Fold the left (black) strand over the yellow strand. Try to make a clean fold when moving the strand so you can avoid crinkling the fabric and keep the braid looking nice and neat.

Braid overview: To do a four strand braid, you move the 1st and 3rd strands over one, and then the 4th strand back. So if you look at the first picture I have up there, you’ll move the black strand over to the right, then the gray strand back one to the left. Then continue that pattern on repeat.

Step 4

fold the third strand over one (so now it’s on the right)

Now fold the the third strand (red) over top of the gray strand.

Step 5

fold the new third strand over the 2nd strand

move the (new) third strand to the left

Next, move the gray strand the the left, over the black strand.

Step 6

continue in the same pattern for the braid

Repeat the pattern. (1) Left (yellow) over the gray strand, (2) third (black) strand over the red, (3) red back over yellow

At the end of each round, make sure all the strands are folded neatly and they are all straightened and facing down the braid (not turned up)

left over one — fold the left (yellow) over one

third over one — fold the third (black) over the the right

new third back over second — fold the third (red) to the left over yellow

make sure the rightmost strand is straightened out at the end — make sure the end strand (black) is straightened at the end of each braiding cycle

Step 7

when you get to the end fold over each strand to create a point

At the end, fold each strand over to the back

When your belt is long enough, trim each strand to a similar length. Then fold them all over the end to create a point.

Step 8

Pin and sew in place

Sew the point in place to keep the braid from falling apart.

Step 9

fold over center prong of a belt buckle or slider and sew in place

wrap around a belt buckle and hand sew

Now all you have to do is wrap the starting end of the belt around the buckle and hand sew it in place.

Finished!

Tutorial: How to Make a Braided Belt with Leftover Bias Tape