Tutorial: Pocket Belt

I made this pocket belt from scrap silk and two embroidered panels (which I've been hoarding for ages) from a 1940's handbag that was beyond repair.

How-to:
Click on images for full size.

Make a paper pattern for your pocket. These can be any size/shape.

For each pocket: cut 2 for the lining and 2 for the outside of the pocket.
(total of 4 pieces for each pocket).

For each pocket:

Sew the two lining pieces right sides together, leaving top open. Trim away excess seam allowance.

Sew the two outer pocket pieces together.

Machine sew the lining (one top edge only) to the outer pocket as illustrated in the next three pictures. This is the tricky part (I ended up ripping several times). After turning the lining into the pocket and pressing, you will still have one entire open seam. Press under raw edge and slip stitch lining to pocket front on the inside of the pocket. (To see what this should look like see the next to the last picture)

Still confused? Try this way of assembling the pocket and lining instead. (After clicking through, scroll down to step #13 to see how Dani did it...she left the bottom of her lining open to allow her to stitch the top opening completely).

The belt itself is cut as a basic rectangle twice your desired width and the length of your waist plus sufficient for overlap at the button area (alternately, one could use fabric ties similar to apron ties).

Fold the rectangle in half, length wise, stitch down length and stitch one end closed. Turn and press. Completed pockets are then hand sewn to belt.

I used braided yarn loops inserted into the final end seam of the belt and buttons as closure.






Things I would do differently:
1.I made the basic belt too wide. I would aim for something much narrower next time. When I'm wearing it, I have to fold it over to get it to fit without gaping at the top.
2. I would place the pockets more to the front rather that on the sides (this is not a slimming garment, to say the least, and pockets in the front would help considerably).