Tutorial: How to Make an Obi-Style Wrap Belt
I’ve always liked how wrap-around belts look with the thin string going around the middle. So, I decided to make my own using some fabric scraps that I have on hand. This is actually a fairly simple tutorial that’s great even if you’re a beginner. You can download the pattern that I used for this, just remember to adjust it to match your own waist size.
Check out more DIY belt tutorials
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Supplies Needed:
Step 1
Make your obi pattern
I’ve digitized my pattern if you want to download that. You’ll just need to adjust the length of the belt so that it fits around your waist plus 3 inches for overlap. You can use a ribbon instead of the long fabric rectangle if you prefer.
Step 2
cut out your fabric pieces
Cut two belt pieces on the fold and two long, narrow rectangles for the ribbon. The front and back fabric don’t have to match.
Step 3
cut out and apply the interfacing
Cut 2 interfacing on the fold and fuse it to the two fabric pieces.
Step 4
sew the ribbon
Double fold the ribbon the same way you would fold belt carriers or bias tape, then sew down the length of the ribbon.
Step 5
baste ONE ribbon to one side of the belt
Put the other ribbon aside, it will be added later.
Step 6
sandwich the ribbon between the two belt pieces and sew them together
Leave a gap in the center of the belt for turning it out.
Step 7
turn right side out
The ribbon should be sewn into the center of one side.
Step 8
press the belt flat and sew up the gap
You can hand sew with an invisible stitch or machine stitch with matching thread.
Step 9
sew the second ribbon on the other side of the belt
Sew it about 3 inches in from the edge of the belt so that it will be at the spot where the belt wrap overlaps. Start with the ribbon facing in toward the center of the belt.
Step 10
flip the ribbon and sew again to cover the raw edges
After sewing in place, fold the ribbon over so that now it faces the end of the belt. Sew close to the fold.
Finished!
