Sewing a waistband that matches your outfit is truly the height of chic and it's really easy! Beginners will be delighted to be able to complete this small project that sews up very quickly.

In this article, we will cover two methods: the simple elastic waistband and the gathered elastic waistband, which can be made from the same fabric as your outfit. 

Let's get started!

The simple elastic waistband

As its name suggests, the simple elastic waistband will use a pretty elastic and will have a simple construction. It's a small project that sews up in less than 30 minutes and is very accessible (even for children). 

In the seamstress’s basket, you will find:

• an elastic at least 3cm wide for adults to ensure maximum comfort (you can reduce the width a bit for little girls) 
  You can choose a lurex elastic to add some sparkle. 
• a belt buckle
• matching thread

Regarding the necessary materials, you will need:

• some pins
• some scissors
• a measuring tape
• a sewing machine (and optionally a serger).

You will find all the necessary materials in our haberdashery section. 

The simple elastic waistband tutorial

1. Take your waist measurementThe waist circumference is measured on a bare stomach. Make sure to place the measuring tape parallel to the floor (all around the waist) at the narrowest point on the side. The height of a person's waist varies; it's always the narrowest part on the side that determines it: this is called the natural waist. It is located above the navel and below the last ribs. 

It's best to get help. Indeed, it's always much more accurate when someone else takes your measurements for you. When measuring, breathe normally and don't suck in your stomach (there's no point in cheating). Stand up straight. The measuring tape should lie flat against the skin without cutting into it or pressing in. Also check that the measuring tape is flat (not twisted) all around the waist. 

For extra accuracy, take the measurement three times and average it. 

2. Calculate the required length of elastic

The elastic needed is determined by the formula: waist measurement - 4cm + 4cm

You might say, so it’s the waist measurement, yes you’re right. However, it’s important that you understand the reasoning, as it will allow you to adjust the measurements for other projects later ;-)
We subtract 4cm so the elastic fits the waist (otherwise it would be the same size and wouldn’t apply any pressure). We add 4cm which correspond to the seam allowances in this tutorial (we’ll come back to this later)

3. Cut the elastic to the determined measurement

4. Make a zigzag stitch along the edges of the elastic either with a sewing machine or an overlocker. Tuck in the threads.

5. Attaching the buckle

Take a piece of the buckle and place one end of the elastic into it. Pay attention to the direction of the elastic and the buckle! 

Fold the elastic twice onto itself (like a hem) and pin. Sew with a straight stitch, remembering to backstitch on each side of your seam. If your machine allows, move your needle position to be as unobstructed as possible by the buckle. 

6. Repeat step 5 on the other side of the elastic. Be careful with the placement of the buckle, which must fit into the first one, otherwise you won’t be able to close your belt. 

7. Ta-da! It's already finished. All you have to do is wear it or start again ;-) with other pretty elastic colors

For your information, using the shop materials, that is: 1m of lurex elastic and a belt buckle, it costs me 7.67 euros to complete my little sewing project. 

The gathered elastic belt tutorial

This belt is often made to match a belt to an outfit, for example when you have made a loose dress or a dress where you want to define the waist. So this belt is often made from the same fabric as one of your sewing projects. However, it can also be made from a more neutral fabric that can coordinate with an outfit of your choice to belt a cardigan, jacket, blouse... In short, there are many possibilities!

This project is suitable for the "resourceful" beginner level.

In the seamstress’s basket, you will find:

• a narrow fabric strip (scraps are perfect for this)
• a belt buckle
• an elastic 2 to 3 cm wide
• some matching thread

Regarding the necessary materials, you will need:

• some pins
• some scissors
• a measuring tape
• a sewing machine 

The gathered elastic belt tutorial

1. Take your waist measurement see the simple elastic belt tutorial above for more details

2. Cut the required fabric strip including:

Width of the fabric strip : 2X the width of the chosen elastic + 2cm for the seam + 1cm for the casing ease

For example, for my belt, I chose an elastic in the shop 2.5cm wide so the height of my fabric strip will be: 2X2.5cm + 2cm + 1cm = 8cm 

Length of the fabric strip: waist measurement X coefficient between 1.2 and 1.6 depending on the number of gathers. The higher the coefficient, the more gathered the belt will be. 

For my belt, I chose the coefficient 1.4; that gives 65cm X 1.4 = 91cm

3. Cut the required length of elastic

Here the formula is: waist measurement - 4cm + 2cm

For my belt, that’s: 65-4+2= 63cm

3. Assemble the fabric belt to create a casing.

Fold the fabric strip right sides together and pin. Sew along the entire length at 1cm

4. Turn the fabric strip inside out (which has now become a tube) on the right side. Press it well, making sure to place your seam in the middle. This will hide the seam; once the belt is finished, the seam will be against the dress and therefore invisible on your project. 

5. Slide the elastic into the casing

Be careful to keep it flat (so it doesn’t twist inside the casing), and use a safety pin to help guide it through.

You will slowly see your gathers appear as you gradually pull the elastic through the casing.

6. Place the belt buckle at one end of your belt (be careful to hold your elastic firmly or you’ll have to thread it again). 

The buckle is 3cm in. Fold the fabric end once over itself at 1cm (without the elastic), then fold everything again at 2cm this time including the elastic. Hold everything in place with pins. 

7. Sew with a straight stitch making sure to secure your backstitches on both sides. 

8. Repeat steps 6 and 7 on the other side of the belt. Be sure to place your buckle in the same direction as the first part, otherwise you won’t be able to fasten your belt!

9. Ta-da! Your belt is ready to wear!

For your information, using materials from the shop, that is: 10cm of Japanese fabric, 1m of elastic, and a belt buckle, this second belt costs me 6.98 euros. 

I hope you enjoyed these two tutorials ;-) Let me know in the comments what you think and if you'd like more small projects like this or maybe even a ready-to-sew kit ;-)

Grab your needles, all that's left to do is start!