I've always loved the pleated, wide cummerbund belts so common on formal wear and little girls' dresses. Recently when sewing a dress for a special occasion (check back next week for photos!) I was wishing to spice up the normal matching belt a little just for an extra elegant touch, and had the idea to make a narrow, easy version of a pleated cummerbund. Enter the Pleated Belt.

It's easy! And quick!

To make it, cut out 2 pieces of fabric 3 in. wide and about 3 in. longer than your waist measurement. There is lots of leeway here for your own creativity. If you want a wider belt or one with a wider pleat, you can easily just cut the belt wider.

Because of its construction, you won't want to use interfacing unless you're using a sheer fabric. Then you can cut out an interfacing of muslin. For my belt I used just the 2 pieces of rayon.

Sew down one long side, across a short end, and up the other long side, using a 3/8 in. seam (presser foot width). This way you shouldn't need to trim the seam allowance. Clip the corners; leave the other narrow end open.

Turn and press the belt.

Turn in the open end and top stitch it shut. At this point it's reversible and so far it's been like any other belt.

Now to make the pleat you fold it in half horizontally, with the long sides together, and stitch the fold at 3/8 in. seam allowance. Keep the edges even, and make sure both piece of folded fabric are smooth under the sewing machine foot.

Next you can open up the belt. The fold will stick up in the middle. You can flatten the fold you just stitched by pushing it down on the top so the fold's seam is in the center bottom of the fold, and press it flat. You may need to press with some care to keep it even and flatten it sufficiently. This forms the pleat, and gives enough sturdiness to the belt that it should retain its shape without interfacing. It will end up about 1 1/4 – 1 1/2 in. wide.

Sew a skirt hook and eye or a large snap to the ends, with the top-stitched end underneath. You can try it on and adjust the overlap for the perfect fit. Then hide the ends under a flower clip for a perfect vintage-y touch! (I wear it here as vintage appropriate but of course you can wear it with modern outfits too.)

Flowers were often worn at the waist, especially for formal or dressier gowns. Wear the closure and flower in the center, or off to the side, depending on what looks best. And presto! A quick and easy pleated belt to add just the right special touch to a special outfit.

Thanks for stopping by this month!

Till next time,

~Kristen – Verity Vintage Studio

Look for my new tutorials posted sometime during the first full week of every month. Hairstyles, crafts, repurposing, project journals, do-it-yourself vintage or alterations, etc.