How to Make a Fabric Belt or Sash

Cutting Instructions:

• To make a belt that is 52″ long, you will need to cut two pieces of fabric, each 6″ wide on the bias. To do this, I just leave my fabric folded the way that it came on the bolt. Since it is doubled over, you can cut both pieces at the same time.
  
• If you want your belt longer, then cut another piece the same width, either to the right or the left of the first cut you make.
• To make the cut, line up the 45-degree angle mark on your ruler with the folded edge of the fabric. Cut it from the fabric’s fold to its edge.
• Measure over 6″ and cut it again, at the same 45-degree angle.
• Unfold your fabric; it will look like a V. Cut it apart along the fold.
• You will end up with two pieces that look like the ones below.
  
• Next, stitch the two pieces together along one end. To do this, you’ll need to rotate the fabric. You want one long piece of fabric that is straight. If you’re worried about lining up the angled ends, just blunt off one end of each of the pieces and stitch them together this way. Also, if you are matching a fabric, you’ll need to do it that way as well, as rotating the fabric will change the direction of the pattern. Trim your seam allowance down to 1/8″ – 1/4″.
• If you want your belt longer, just stitch another piece to the long strip. Make sure it is also cut on the bias.
  
• Once you have your long piece of fabric (52″ x 6″), fold it in half lengthwise with the right sides facing. Pin it in place.
• Stitch around the perimeter of the piece, with a 1/4″ seam allowance, leaving an opening in the center of the sash.
• Clip the corners, then turn the piece right side out.
• Press it well, making sure to “catch” the opening as you press. Using a needle and thread, whip stitch the opening closed.
• That’s it!