Love knotted belts? Here’s a tutorial on how to make your own. Easy to throw onto skirts with elastic waistbands or to pair with dresses that need some waist definition :)

Here’s how:

Cut 4 cords – each strip should be the length of your waist plus 10 inches.

Lay out the first cord in a loop. Take the second cord and weave it under and over the first cord loop (the pictures should make it clear!)

Next, loop the second cord back around, and weave it under and over the first cord loop. Leave the cords in this formation.

Now BREATHE. The jumble of cords isn’t as crazy as it seems if you take it a step at a time! The pair of images above are the same, just zoomed in for greater clarity in the second image.

Keeping the left two cords in the previous formation, take a third cord and follow step A (i.e. weave it under and over the top loop of the previous set).

Then, take the fourth cord and weave it under and over the third cord loop. (Almost there for the knotting!)

Loop the fourth cord back and weave it under, over, under and then over the respective second and third cords according to the image above. You should get this pattern below:

Now all you need to do is slowly tighten the loops while keeping the weaves intact. Once you’re happy with the tightness of the knots, stick pins in the top and bottom to hold the knot and cords in place.

Now to stitching all the cords together. I’d recommend starting near the knot to hold it tight and starting from the second layer of cords to hide your knot – if you start your stitch from the bottom, your knot will stick out!

Stick your needle through the entire width of the belt and keep stitching up and down to keep the cords together:

Stitch to the end on both sides. Make sure it’s the exact length plus a few inches for overlap.

To seal the edges, just grab some ribbon and wrap it such that the frayed edges are tucked inside. Stitch all around. (Feel free to use leather or fabric for a different touch!)

You should get a neat edge like this.

Now fix on some press studs and you’re done! I’d recommend larger press studs if you have any – makes it easier to put on :)

Hope you enjoyed this tutorial! Neon knotted belts anyone?

Special thanks to jennybean who posted a comment and asked for a tutorial on this belt seen with my ipad/ kindle sleeve tutorial here. Feel free to let me know if there are other tutorials or reviews you’d love to see on this site!

p/s the original belt which I bought some years ago used thin cords (three to form one cord in this tutorial, all sewn together using zig-zag stitches) – doable but it’ll just take quite some time. Do use flatter cords if you can find some for a thinner belt overall :)