braided belt tutorial

Want another great way to use old T-shirts? Well...how about a braided belt?

It's pretty easy. The part that takes the most time is the braiding really.

To start you just cut four strips of T-shirt. I cut mine 2.5 inches wide.

Pin the ends together and hold it down with a can or a book.

 Now braid. This is a four strand braid. I like that it makes it a little thicker and belt like.

And this is what it looks like after several rounds.

When you are done braiding knot the end.

 Now sew the ends.

You want one end sewn just once so you can wrap it around the D-rings and sew it there a couple of times. It is quite thick so it can be tricky.

For the other end sew it several times.

I didn't have matching thread for the orange but I did for the green. It makes it look a bit nicer.

And that's it!

 
So I post this with some chagrin. While I was making this up, Ashley from Make It and Love It posted a bunch of brilliant braided knit projects. She even has a great 5-braid technique that I want to try next time. Be sure to check her out. 

I did a head band like hers but with a couple changes.

Instead of hand stitching the little knot cover up, I machine sewed it.

 Just trim and wiggle it right side out.

So easy.

I made it loose so maybe it will be a headband I can wear too. Crossing my fingers...they usually give me headaches.

I hope you are having fun day!