Summer Belt

I always find myself scraping my brain for summer knits ideas. When I made my Spotty Top, I ran elastic through my turned hem on the bottom band to give the top more support. I started thinking about what else I could do using that technique and my thoughts turned to my love affair with elastic belts.

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I love mixing up my dress and belt combinations in the summer. It’s an easy way to add color and a bit of variety to an outfit without donning a hot layer. I realized that a belt is a perfect summer knit for me. I loved the way my belt turned out and it was a fun quick knit so I thought I’d share my pattern.

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Materials:

  • 45 (50, 50, 55, 60, 60, 65, 70) yds tough DK weight yarn – Turning the casing and threading the elastic is rough on your yarn. Use something tough. I used Jo Sharp DK Classic.
  • 24.5, (26.5, 28.5, 30.5, 32.5, 34.5, 36.5, 38.5) inches of 1 inch elastic – I simply took one yard of elastic, wrapped it around my waist so that it was comfortably snug and cut it at that length. Elastic measurements are just a suggestion.
  • Scrap yarn
  • US 5 (3.75mm) needles
  • A third needle and/or a darning needle
  • 1 hook style belt buckle – You’ll have to eyeball the openings as none of the belt buckles I’ve looked at give a measurement for that. The buckle I used lists 1.25 inches as its total width.
  • Matching thread
  • Sewing needle

Sizes: 24.5 (26.5, 28.5, 30.5, 32.5, 34.5, 36.5, 38.5) inches

Gauge: 12 sts x 16 rows = 2 x 2 inch

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Provisional CO 153 (165, 177, 189, 201, 213, 225, 236) with scrap yarn
Row 1: Switch to main yarn and knit to end.
Row 2: Purl to end.
Row 3: Knit to end.
Row 4: Knit to end.
Row 5: K2, *k2, p1, k3; rep from * to last st, k1.
Row 6: P1, *p2, k1, p1, k1; rep from * to last 2 sts, p2.
Row 7: K2, *p1, k3, p1, k1; rep from * to last st, k1.
Row 8: P1, *k1, p5; rep from * to last 2 sts, k1, p1.
Row 9: Repeat Row 7.
Row 10: Repeat Row 6.
Row 11: Repeat Row 5.
Row 12: Knit to end.
Row 13: Knit to end.
Row 14: Purl to end.
Row 15: Knit to end.

I put together Rows 5-11 as a chart for people who prefer visuals.

Remove provisional CO and place stitches on the third needle. With the WSs facing out, three needle bind off all stitches (this is what I did) OR with RSs facing out, graft together the live stitches using the kitchener stitch. If you used the three needle bind off, your work will be inside out when you finish. Turn you work right side out. Secure all ends and pull them to the inside of the casing.

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Thread the elastic through the knit casing. Arrange the casing so the seam runs down the center of the back with the purl ridges along the edges of the elastic. With the needle and thread, sew the ends of the casing shut, stitching through the elastic ends at the same time to secure it. Make sure that the casing isn’t twisted before sewing the second end.

Thread half an inch of the belt through the loop of one part of the buckle. Sew it down using the needle and thread. Follow your knit stitches when sewing on the outside of the belt to make your sewn stitches as invisible as possible. Repeat for the other half of the belt buckle.

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Comments

27 responses to “Summer Belt”

  1. What a cute idea! And I noticed you used my current, favorite cast on.

  2. This is really clever. I have a few vintage dresses that need an odd-colored belt…it’ll be much easier and cheaper to buy the yarn to make one instead of searching for and purchasing one. Thanks for this!

  3. Lovely! I’ve been looking for small ways to bring variety into my sad little wardrobe. You’ve inspired me.

  4. Very cute idea. I love elasticated belts but I find it hard to find one that will fit me.

  5. Look at you being so clever! What a great idea!

  6. Very cute idea!! Looks so pretty with that dress.

  7. Very cute. I need to make one of these belts.

  8. Adorable! And so is the belt.

  9. I wish I knew how to knit because I LOVE this. I can’t even begin to think what those instructions mean! Gorgeous photo, too. 🙂

  10. I wish I knew how to knit because I LOVE this. I can’t even begin to think what those instructions mean! Gorgeous photo, too. 🙂

  11. Wow, it is so simple, the idea, but the effect is really unique and beautiful! Must do!

  12. Wow, it is so simple, the idea, but the effect is really unique and beautiful! Must do!

  13. Rachel

    Very cool! Thank you soo much for the cool summer idea and pattern! So cute!

  14. adorable! love the color too.

  15. adorable! love the color too.

  16. What a perfect summer knit! I could use some fun, contrasty belts for a lot of my dresses. And seriously perfect timing… I have an awful lot of vintage belt buckles from my last flea market trip, but I was kind of at a loss as to what to do with them until now!

  17. What a perfect summer knit! I could use some fun, contrasty belts for a lot of my dresses. And seriously perfect timing… I have an awful lot of vintage belt buckles from my last flea market trip, but I was kind of at a loss as to what to do with them until now!

  18. That’s so adorable! The color goes so perfect with your dress!

    Oh! And you’re adorable, too so that doesn’t hurt ^_^

  19. Katie

    Beautiful belt, but just an FYI: the written directions for row 6 are incorrect! Make sure you follow the chart! I had to frog a few rows and re-do mine boo

    1. Oops! There was a typo, but it’s fixed now. Sorry you had to rip back!

      1. Katie

        No biggie, thank goodness for the chart!

  20. Barb Colvin

    Great idea and beautiful pattern!

    Have you ever tried Patons Stretch Socks yarn? 41% cotton, 39% wool, 13% nylon and 7% elastic
    I have been playing with one skein, and it is very stretchy. So far I’ve made a couple of headbands and love it. Think I’ll try a belt next.

    1. Sandra

      I have tried it with socks and I didn’t like it … I couldn’t get the gauge because it was so stretchy. Did you buy it for socks. I have had three skeins for five years. I love the color but have not had the courage to use it on any project !!!

  21. Sandra

    I love the belt … i have a small frame and I rarely find pants that fit well … I always need a belt and I am thinking that elastic will be more comfortable … I was macraméing one just to have a belt that I could make fit me and I lost interest. I can see making a lot of these with scrap yarn and stripes. It seems like it will knit up pretty quickly. I can’t wait to try it !!! Thanks for sharing !!! And you are beautiful in the photo!

  22. Sharon

    What a great idea for an accessory and it looks wonderful too! I like that you can make them whatever color and size you want. Could even do matching for mother and daughter dresses for Easter. Thanks so much for the idea and pattern.

  23. Wynne

    Could you suggest a yarn that is tough enough? Thank you very much! Love the belt!!!

    1. Try the one I recommended in the post! It wears really well.

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