Learn how to make belt loops without any visible topstitching and how to attach belt loops securely to a waistband. This is not the only way to make and attach belt loops but if you want minimalistic looking belt loops without any visible stitches then this tutorial is for you!
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The trousers I sewed my belt loops in are the Tatjana trousers from Just Patterns. Whilst making the Tatjana trousers I also made videos on:
- Sew perfect darts every time!
- How to sew the fly on trousers
- How to sew single welt pockets [coming soon]
Want to sew your own Tatjana trousers? Buy the Just Patterns pdf pattern here.
Click here to watch the video, or click on the thumbnail above. Or if you prefer you can keep on reading…
How to make belt loops without any visible topstitching
To make these belt loops I will need to cut a new piece of fabric and not use the piece I initially cut out to make belt loops with. This is because I need a wider piece to make my belt loops when using my method compared to the method described in the instructions of the Tatjana Trousers.
- I cut my piece 50 cm long and 3 cm wide, and then I did cut my fusible interfacing in the same measurements and fused both pieces together.
- Now on one of the long sides ONLY overlock one edge. Then divide and mark the piece in the equally wide sections lengthwise. In this case, the sections will be 1 cm wide.
- Fold the long raw edge inward, pin in place. Press to create a crisp edge.
- Remove the pins, press again, fold the overlocked edge inward and pin if needed. Press again to create a crisp edge on this side as well.
- Then thread a needle and tie a knot at the end, and then in between the top layer and the two folded edges pull the needle through and hide the knot. Then whip stitch the overlocked edge in place, making sure not to catch the top layer.
Whipstitch diagonally as follows:
Insert the needle at the right at an angle and draw the needle through the layer with the overlocked edge, then insert the needle into the layer underneath a bit further down from the first stitch, and then bring it up at an angle through the layer with the overlocked edge.
Continue working creating slanted stitches until the overlocked edge is attached to the middle layer of the fabric. Whilst doing this make sure that you do not stitch through the layer of fabric that will be visible when wearing your garment as we do not want any stitches to be showing.
It is up to you how long or short you want your stitches to be, as well as how close you want them stitched to one another. - Now it’s time to mark where you will cut your belt loops. I wanted 5 belt loops for my trousers so I divided the strip into 5 equal long sections, then using pinking shears I cut my belt loops to the correct length.
- As my fabric frays a lot I decided to use fray check at the edges of my belt loops. However this step is optional!
How to securely attach belt loops
- Mark where you want your belt loops and pin the belt loops to the waist BEFORE attaching the waistband. This helps to make them more securely attached.
- Then I baste stitched the belt loops in place and went on making my waistband. I made a curved waistband to ensure the trousers fit me better – if you want a tutorial on how to make a curved waistband – let me know in a comment down below!
- Then stitch your waistband to the trousers with the right sides facing and a 1 cm/ 3/8 inch seam allowance. Press the waistband up & away from the trousers, and then continue to construct your waistband.
- When you are ready to attach the underside of the waistband to the trousers then stitch in the ditch around the waistband.
- Then pin your belt loops 1 cm down from the waistband, stitch back and forth to attach your belt loops. Then pull the belt loops upwards and pin them in place.
- Backstitch the belt loops at the top of the waistband. Sadly I lost this footage so I cannot show you how I did it. Make sure to not stitch through the top layer once again to avoid any visible stitching.
Now you should have securely attached belt loops! 😊
Let me know in a comment down below if you have any questions, as well as if you ever attached your belt loops this way!
