How To Make A Doll Belt

Are you looking for a quick and easy DIY accessory to complete your doll outfits! A belt is the perfect thing to add some pop and style to her favorite dress, romper, or top! 

This tutorial will show you how to create a belt using fabric and a bit of sewing, but you can also use a flat ribbon in a variety of widths and skip all the sewing in Part 1 and go straight to Part 2 for securing the buckle or slide to make this DIY tutorial even easier!

 

Ok, follow along with the full tutorial here:

Supplies

Doll scale buckles, slides, and d-rings can be hard to find! Here are a few resources to help you find what you're looking for.

Option 1

  • 1-1/2″-wide fabric such as microsuede, vegan leather, or vinyl
  • Slide style buckle, 1/2″ wide

OR

  • 1″-wide strip of fabric such as microsuede, vegan leather, or vinyl
  • Slide style buckle, 3/8″ wide
  • 1/4″-diameter eyelet and eyelet setting tool (optional)

OR

  • Small D-rings (set of two) 1/2" inch works well.

All belts

  • Matching thread
  • Scissors or Rotary Cutter
  • Non-stick presser foot
  • Zipper foot

Part 1: Fold and stitch the belt strap. (if you're using ribbon or trim that is the correct width, skip to Part 2)

1. Cut trim to the desired length

  • 15-1/2″ for 18″ dolls like American Girl®
  • 11-1/2″ for 14″-15" dolls like WellieWishers®
  • 9″ for Ellowyne Wilde™ or Barbie®

2. Fold the trim lengthwise into thirds, with the second fold overlapping the first fold.

3. Using a non-stick presser foot, straight stitch 1/8″ from one folded edge, stopping 1/2″ from the end.

Tip: A non-stick presser foot helps the fabric slide under the foot without having to pull to help it along. If you don't have a non-stick foot, you can apply a small piece of scotch tape to the underside or your regular presser foot to create a non-stick surface. Just be sure to only apply it to the metal, don't cover the hole that the needle will stitch through!

4. With the needle down in the fabric, lift the presser foot.

5. Turn the belt to sew diagonally to a point; sew 4 stitches.

6. With the needle down and presser foot up, turn the belt to sew diagonally back to the opposite side of the point; sew 3 stitches.

7. Straight stitch back down the other long side of the belt. When you get to the end, raise the presser foot, pivot, and sew straight up the short end. Backstitch to secure.

8. Trim the ends of the point along the stitching lines, being careful not to cut through the stitches.

Part 2: Attaching the Slide or Buckle

Option 1:

1. Slide the straight end of the belt through the buckle slide, right side up.

2. Fold back 1/2″ toward the belt, wrong sides together.

3. Using a zipper foot, sew the folded end close to the belt.

 

Option 2:

1. Instead of sewing the buckle/slide, you can also use an eyelet setter and punch a hole and secure it with a tiny eyelet.

 

 

Option 3:

Creating a functional buckle closure

Alternately, if you have a buckle with the prong that fits through adjustable size holes, here's how to finish off that belt. This excerpt is taken from the Liberty Jane Motorcycle Jacket pattern,

 

1. After sewing the belt strip, create a tiny "loop" and secure it 1-1/2" inch from the buckle end of the belt.  Then slide the end through the buckle and secure the fabric back to the belt using a zipper foot and straight stitch.

2. At the opposite pointed end of the belt, 1-1/8" in from the end, create markings about 3/8" apart. In this example, we are using 4 eyelets. Using an eyelet setter, pinch the holes through the belt and then secure the eyelet into each hole.

3. Once the eyelets are set, slide the pointed end through the buckle to secure the buckle.

 

Now it's your turn! Are you ready to make your own doll size belt?

How to make a doll belt Pixie Faire

 

 

Looking for other types of belts designed specifically for dolls? Check out these amazing doll accessory patterns from Pixie Faire designers!

    


We'd love to hear from you. Leave a comment and tell us - What's your favorite way to style a belt, an accessory, or for functionality?

Thanks, everyone!

The Pixie Faire Team


100 Comments

Nancy
Nancy

July 15, 2020

I like to use grosgrain ribbon and a cute slide buckle for the doll belt. Sometimes I braid ribbon for a more colorful look.

Bonny
Bonny

July 15, 2020

The tutorial is very informative. I didn’t realize how easy it was to make a custom belt. I love it!

Sam
Sam

July 15, 2020

Rhinestones and tooling are always nice on a belt.

Linda Turner
Linda Turner

July 15, 2020

The little belts for dolls are so cute! I love the idea of this accessory for my granddaughters American Girl dolls! Thanks for sharing the information, the tutorial and suggestions for where to find buckles that would be appropriate.

Toni C.
Toni C.

July 15, 2020

For dolls, I like purse-type accessories like totes, backpacks, hand-held baskets, etc. Belts are good, too (whether straight and buckled, braided, wrapped, sash, or front tie) because they can add color, texture or shape to an outfit.
For my own outfits, I prefer jewelry, purses, or shoes, to “finish” an outfit.

Kim
Kim

July 15, 2020

A belt can turn a very pretty outfit into a stunning outfit. Therefore a necessary accessory for many outfits

Lydia L
Lydia L

July 15, 2020

Love a belt on a doll!

Peggy
Peggy

July 15, 2020

Love belts as accessories. They are so cute on your patterns.

lisa
lisa

July 15, 2020

Belts are a great accessory and look great on the dolls. Belts are a great way to add bling to an outfit.

Karen L
Karen L

July 15, 2020

Not a huge fan of belts as an accessory for myself, but they do look cute on the dolls!

Cathy
Cathy

July 15, 2020

Belts are a fun accessory. Can add a bit of color or some bling to a outfit.

Fran R
Fran R

July 15, 2020

When I was younger I wore a lot of belts as accessories for my outfits. As I grew older and heavier I didn’t want to emphasize my waist. Would love to get back to wearing coordinating belts again.

Doll Lover
Doll Lover

July 15, 2020

I like to use them on dolls to have color contrast and give more shape to the doll outfit. Thanks for another great tutorial!

J Tabler
J Tabler

July 15, 2020

The only place I use belts is on dolls, they complete the outfit where other accessories can’t!

sheila
sheila

July 15, 2020

i love belts but rarely wear them—only to hold up pants.

Monika
Monika

July 15, 2020

I like a belt as an accessory it adds a different focal point to an outfit!!

Allison T
Allison T

July 15, 2020

I love to style belts with dresses for a casual/dressy look. Thank you for this tutorial!! I’ve been wanting to make some doll belts for a while now, and this is just the thing I needed!

Rita
Rita

July 15, 2020

I like to wear a belt to cinch in a dress, or over the waistline of a skirt.

Christine
Christine

July 15, 2020

I don’t have a favorite type of belt, but I do like the belts with the pretty sparkly buckles. Ive never been brave enough to try making one myself, but I intend to try with this tutorial. Thanks for sharing it with us!

Mary R.
Mary R.

July 15, 2020

I use belts for functionality…holding up my pants and shorts!

Jackie Koepnick
Jackie Koepnick

July 15, 2020

i like belts for the dolls but i don’t wear one

Dianne
Dianne

July 15, 2020

I wear a belt just to give an outfit a little zip. So many options and types available now that I just can’t pass them up.

Rebekah
Rebekah

July 15, 2020

I normally only wear a belt with jeans for functionality, but I think I may need to change that!

LaRae
LaRae

July 15, 2020

I wear belts for holding up my pants that are too big for me now.

Kay
Kay

July 15, 2020

I haven’t been doing much with accessories at this time but I really like the romper with the twisted belt……I am thinking that has to go on my doll sew list to do.

Roxanne
Roxanne

July 15, 2020

I use belts to add color

Rebecca
Rebecca

July 15, 2020

I find belts necessary for such things as sportswear ( jeans, shorts, etc) and a really classy way to add pop to more dressy clothes. The right belt can really make an outfit stand out.

J.J. Goody
J.J. Goody

July 15, 2020

Personally I would wear a belt for its its function as I have a much smaller waist than rear end and I don’t want people seeing my undies when I bend over because of the gap. But for a doll a belt would be an accent.

Rebecca
Rebecca

July 15, 2020

I find belts to be both necessary (depending on the outfit- especially sportsweat) and a nice accessory to add style to dressier outfits.

Dorothy
Dorothy

July 15, 2020

I like using a belt to enhance an outfit. The right belt in the right color can make all the difference between so-so and super.

Diane
Diane

July 15, 2020

I’m looking forward to making a belt to accessorize an outfit!

Dellasue
Dellasue

July 15, 2020

I very seldom wear a belt. I like to make the belts to go with the doll’s dresses.

Debra Luecke
Debra Luecke

July 15, 2020

I love wearing a belt as accessorizing my clothes. All of these are so great. I need to make a few for my Great Niece.

Maryann
Maryann

July 15, 2020

I like to wear belts that can be tied and wear them loose.

Anne C-E
Anne C-E

July 15, 2020

I prefer not to use a belt. It is useful when something has an opening that won’t close any other way.

Rose
Rose

July 15, 2020

So excited to have another option to have matching accessories for outfits!
I think I will try the ribbon idea.
Thank for the link for the buckles!

Beth Sherwin
Beth Sherwin

July 15, 2020

I use a belt for giving shape to a loose top.

Patti Brinnon
Patti Brinnon

July 15, 2020

Besides the normal use, I like using them as head bands, holding items like a purse, wearing in a non traditional way like across the chest diagonally and just about anything else I can think of.
Marilyn
Marilyn

July 15, 2020

I would add a belt to accessorize the outfit.
Marilyn

Rhonda
Rhonda

July 15, 2020

I love to use a cute belt to jazz up outfits!

Joanne Spence
Joanne Spence

July 15, 2020

You can bet that if I am wearing a belt it is for functionality. I am very short waisted and belts do not have very much room to sit comfortably on me. In fact they usually end up riding up my rib cage and looking ridiculous. I have a pair of capris I absolutely love, but I have lost weight and must wear a belt with them now. Unfortunately they do not have a proper belt loop configuration, and as my belt starts riding up my rib cage, my capris lol like they are suspended from four points 😂😂😂. I need to tailor them …

Kathleen A
Kathleen A

July 15, 2020

Thank you!! I’ve been wondering how to make a belt!

jacquie Corrigan
jacquie Corrigan

July 15, 2020

Belts just finish the look! They are a sweet accessory.

Pat
Pat

July 15, 2020

I save buckles from discarded shoes to use when sewing belts for dolls and vests.

Fran Bott
Fran Bott

July 15, 2020

I know it would be tedious, but I would love to make a leather belt to be worn with jeans.

Denise
Denise

July 15, 2020

I wesr a belt for function. I think they would add to a doll outfit. Thanks for the tutorial.

Marge R (mer)
Marge R (mer)

July 15, 2020

For my dolls I use a belt as an accessory most often. Thanks, Pixie Faire Team!

Jessie
Jessie

July 15, 2020

Thanks for the excellent tutorial! I’ll be using it for the dolls as well as the daughter! I love to add a belt to help cover a less-than-attractive plain elasticized waist, as well as to help shape a dress that turns out to be too “boxy”. When I was a little girl, I was too tiny for most of my pants, so a belt was absolutely required if I wanted to keep them from falling off! I never thought of belts as an mere accessory until later in life!

Joanne
Joanne

July 15, 2020

My favorite way to wear a belt is on my kilt. My favorite belt to wear is my kilt belt. If I am wearing a belt and it is not my kilt belt the belt I wear is for functionality.

Eden
Eden

July 15, 2020

Thanks for the post and giveaway. I rarely use belts, but if I do it’ll be for accessories.

Melissa
Melissa

July 15, 2020

Functionality for myself, but I do love the doll belts as an accessory!

Kym
Kym

July 15, 2020

Can’t wait to make some doll belts. This was a great tutorial. My teen has raided my belts and jeans from the 90’s apparently they are “in” again. :)

Dawn K Helm
Dawn K Helm

July 15, 2020

Love the belt ideas. Always make some fun things for my granddaughter’s dolls. Love the buckles you showed and hope I can find some great ones too.

Marian
Marian

July 15, 2020

Belts finish things off beautifully. I remember the 1960s Villager dresses were lovely with their floral print and neat belts, I enjoy including them in doll outfits.

Kami Jan
Kami Jan

July 15, 2020

I like wearing a belt as an accessory.

Ann
Ann

July 15, 2020

Great tutorial. I think belts are accessories that finish a look.

Jane
Jane

July 15, 2020

Belts put a very nice finishing touch on many outfits!

Mae Lynn Be k
Mae Lynn Be k

July 15, 2020

IweR belts asan accessory. I have a belt that I wear often. It has a circular buckle and a snap hook that sort of hangs done from my waist in front. Gives a “V” look.

Deanna
Deanna

July 15, 2020

I wear belts daily, but my favorites are the classic western style, big buckle, leather belts. They put the fun in functional!

Dianne
Dianne

July 15, 2020

I don’t personally wear belts, but I think they add a lot to the doll outfits. I plan to make them for both girl and boy doll clothes as cute little accents. Thanks for the tutorial and the contest!

Lynette McGhee
Lynette McGhee

July 15, 2020

When I make one it will be styled with a girls best friend…diamonds! Love the glam and sparkle for a girly girl!

Christine
Christine

July 15, 2020

this belt idea is so cute. My grand daughter would love one for her dolls made with the bling

Chriss
Chriss

July 15, 2020

I love using belts to add vintage flare to a full-skirted dress!

Linda Bostwick
Linda Bostwick

July 15, 2020

It’s like the icing on a cake!

Lori from AZ
Lori from AZ

July 15, 2020

I just figured out belt loops and now a belt to match!!!

Linda A C
Linda A C

July 15, 2020

I go for a functional, decorative, accessory.

Beth Watness
Beth Watness

July 15, 2020

I generally use buckles for fastening horse saddles and bridles. I am not opposed to the use of belts as doll fashion accessories, but frequently the small items become lost.

Laurie
Laurie

July 15, 2020

I’ve used belts as accessories but might try yhem for function. Thanks for the chance to win!

Debra
Debra

July 15, 2020

Belts add style to any outfit! I loved the tutorial. Thanks so much!

Cindy
Cindy

July 15, 2020

I am amazed by the adaptation of design and the details of the instruction. Looks like a rewarding adventure into minature!

Mary
Mary

July 15, 2020

I made a belt from your tutorial and use it for both an accessory and for function.

Suzi
Suzi

July 15, 2020

I have made several belts of different styles for dolls and like most of them. Nice tutorial.

Lori
Lori

July 15, 2020

Depending on the outfit – belts can be decorative or functional or both at the same time.

Jan Taylor
Jan Taylor

July 15, 2020

Some outfits just cry out for a belt. I have made several. They are a fun accessory.

BL
BL

July 15, 2020

I have made belts for 18 inch dolls using soft flexible leather. Very easy to sew. A leather needle is suggested but a sturdy denim needle works also. I think it would be nice as a leather band on a cowgirl hat

Donna Sherry
Donna Sherry

July 15, 2020

I love the idea of belts for the dolls never thought about it before. Will be adding them to my Great Granddaughter’s clothes collection

candy
candy

July 15, 2020

Belts are great accessories.

Ailsa
Ailsa

July 15, 2020

As another lady said I can’t wear them as they are painful due to health reasons, and to be fair have never thought of making one for the dolls, something else to add to the list

Stacy
Stacy

July 15, 2020

I don’t wear belts because they aren’t comfortable for me, and currently none of my dolls have any either. However I might give making them a try, especially if I can scale this to other scales I work with. (I only have a couple of AG sized dolls, most of mine are 1/6. The other bigger ones are CPK or bigger dolls from when I was a kid.) If I did make belts, they would probably be as accessories to specific outfits that needed them, like dress pants or a loose dress that looks better with some kind of tie or belt at the waist.

Barbara Buehler
Barbara Buehler

July 15, 2020

Belt can make the figure slimmer if worn loosely. Definitely a functional accessory.

Kate
Kate

July 15, 2020

I personally use belts for both functionality and as an accessory depending on what I am wearing. I think the same applies to doll fashion as well. I also sew for my grandson’s boy doll, who has more than one style of belt.

Alison Lauzon
Alison Lauzon

July 15, 2020

There are a couple of dresses I have made that I think I’ll go back to, make a matching belt for a finished look. Thank you for the idea!

Diyana
Diyana

July 15, 2020

Thanks for the tutorial!I use a belt for its functionality

Betty
Betty

July 15, 2020

The doll belts I now make will be a great was to accessorize a lot of outfits.

Betty
Betty

July 15, 2020

The doll belts I now make will be a great was to accessorize a lot of outfits.

Leanna
Leanna

July 15, 2020

I would make it an accessory. Dolly doesn’t do a lot of hard work that would necessitate a belt…but she sure looks cute with one!

Sandra L.
Sandra L.

July 15, 2020

I have never worn a belt for several different shape reasons. But for the dolls that is a great accessory either for boys or girls. Nothing looks better than a pair of boys dress pants, white button down shirt and a belt. Can’t wait to give this a try.

Ruth Ann
Ruth Ann

July 15, 2020

I use a belt mostly as an accessory, especially one that ties rather than has a buckle.

PAIGE P
PAIGE P

July 15, 2020

I don’t wear them. I have made a few for the dolls – as part of an outfit.

Nancyb
Nancyb

July 15, 2020

I rarely ever wore a belt but when I did I wore it as an accessory. I don’t own any belts for my dolls but if I did, it would be an accessory.

Pat
Pat

July 15, 2020

I like belts as an accessory to the doll outfits.

Krista Steele
Krista Steele

July 15, 2020

Need belts for Santa Fe style! Always in demand.

Kelly
Kelly

July 15, 2020

Belts are great to add detail to a plain outfit.

Terri silva
Terri silva

July 15, 2020

I like belts for functionality……holding up my pants!

Alice Denny
Alice Denny

July 15, 2020

I have never used a belt and only use them with the doll clothes when my granddaughters ask for them.

Terri silva
Terri silva

July 15, 2020

I like belts for functionality……holding up my pants!

Cheryl R.
Cheryl R.

July 15, 2020

I personally have never been able to wear belts, but with my dolls I love accessorizing with them, much like jewelry. They can add style, or even a bit of bling, which if fun. :o)

Shasta
Shasta

July 15, 2020

Belts are good for accessories and for functionality.

Bridgette
Bridgette

July 15, 2020

I don’t like belts for myself,but I have made belts for my dolls!

Cindy
Cindy

July 15, 2020

Belts as an accessory.

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