English | US $ (USD) Log in
Friday, June 28, 2024
DieFadenweberin Posts Store

Belly Band Sewing Tutorial


Pregnancy is a wonderful time in a woman's life, filled with anticipation, planning, and of course, physical changes. As the body adjusts to the growing needs of the baby, many expectant mothers seek comfortable and supportive clothing to gently accommodate their expanding belly. A belly band can be the perfect solution – it provides support, relieves the back, and adds extra comfort. But the benefits of a belly band extend far beyond mere comfort.

A self-sewn belly band allows you to continue wearing your existing tops, even if they become too short as your belly grows. This way, you don't need to invest in expensive and often unattractive maternity wear. Instead, you can tailor your belly band to fit your body perfectly and use beautiful fabrics and materials. This not only saves money but also conserves resources by allowing you to keep using your existing wardrobe.

By customizing your belly band, you can incorporate your personal preferences and create a unique garment that makes your pregnancy even more special. In this blog post, we will show you how to easily sew a belly band yourself. Let's get the sewing machine ready and get creative together!

Blog content image for 'Free Sewing Tutorial: Belly Band'

 

Required Materials:

- Stretchy fabric (e.g., jersey, viscose) approximately 50 cm x 140 cm
- Thin elastic band, 0.7 cm wide or whatever is available
- Matching sewing thread and a sewing machine
- Measuring tape

Note: Since the presser foot pressure on my sewing machine cannot be adjusted, I always use a walking foot when sewing elastic fabrics. This helps transport the fabric evenly without stretching and puckering it during sewing.

To tailor the belly band to fit you perfectly, you first need to take three measurements:

1. Underbust circumference: This measurement is taken directly under the bust. The measuring point is at the narrowest part of the torso, right under the bust.
2. Lower belly/hip circumference: This measurement is taken at the widest part of the lower belly or hips. This spot is usually around the hip bones. Depending on how long you want your belly band, you can adjust this value accordingly.
3. Distance between underbust and lower belly: This is the vertical distance between the underbust circumference measurement point and the lower belly/hip circumference measurement point. Make sure to take this measurement at the side of the body, not over the belly!

The image illustrates where each measurement point is located exactly:

Blog content image for 'Free Sewing Tutorial: Belly Band'

For the construction of the pattern pieces, it depends on the exact type of fabric you are using:

Jersey is usually stretchy only in width (i.e., across the grainline), whereas viscose or viscose blend fabrics are often bi-elastic. To determine how your fabric behaves and which of the two calculation methods you should use, gently pull your fabric both in width and length (along the grainline).

 

Cutting:

Option 1: Mono-elastic (stretchy in width)

For a fabric that is stretchy in width, you will need the pattern piece for the back and the belly with the following dimensions:

Blog content image for 'Free Sewing Tutorial: Belly Band'

Example with Real Measurements:

To give you a clear idea, here is an example with the measurements I took:

  • Underbust circumference: 80 cm

  • Lower belly circumference: 95 cm

  • Height: 28 cm

Note: I made this belly band when I was already in the 8th month and had quite a prominent bump ;) If you have a smaller belly, adjust the height of the belly piece accordingly, for instance, add only 10 cm instead of 15 cm. It’s also helpful to measure the distance between the underbust circumference and lower belly circumference across the bump.

From these measurements, the following pattern pieces are derived:

 

Blog content image for 'Free Sewing Tutorial: Belly Band'

Since quartering the lower belly measurement resulted in an uneven value, I simply rounded it up to the next whole number.

Option 2: Bi-elastic (stretchy in both length and width)

For a fabric that is stretchy in both width and length, you will need the pattern pieces for the back and the belly with the following dimensions:

Blog content image for 'Free Sewing Tutorial: Belly Band'

 

In comparison to the mono-elastic fabric, I simply omitted the seam allowance in the width when cutting and reduced the height of the belly piece.

With my measurements (underbust circumference: 80 cm, lower belly circumference: 95 cm, height: 28 cm), the following values for the pattern pieces result:

 

Blog content image for 'Free Sewing Tutorial: Belly Band'

 

Sewing Together:

Now, place the belly piece and the back piece right sides together. Make sure that for both pieces, the underbust circumference is at the top and the lower belly circumference is at the bottom. Secure the underbust circumference of both pieces together with clips.

Blog content image for 'Free Sewing Tutorial: Belly Band'

Now you can see how far the abdominal piece needs to be gathered. For gathering, I always use just needle and thread and sew with a long basting stitch along both sides. To ensure the gathering sits exactly where the abdomen really needs it later on, I leave about 10 cm of space from the upper edge (underbust circumference) before I start gathering, and about 5 to 7 centimeters from the bottom. Once the individual folds are evenly distributed, I secure them with clips or pins and sew them firmly with a straight stitch or with the overlock.

 

Blog content image for 'Free Sewing Tutorial: Belly Band'

The two upper pictures show the gathering in viscose. Since less material needs to be gathered here, it is hardly noticeable.

The lower pictures show the gathering again with jersey; the gathering is much stronger here.

 

Blog content image for 'Free Sewing Tutorial: Belly Band'

If you are sewing with a regular sewing machine, it's not necessary to finish the edges again, as both jersey and viscose do not fray.

After connecting the front and back pieces, I recommend hemming both the top and bottom edges.

For the bottom hem (underbelly), simply fold the fabric one centimeter to the inside and sew it down with a zigzag stitch or another elastic stitch.

Now, you need to determine the length of your elastic band. I used a 0.7 cm wide elastic band here, as it provides enough support without being too tight. I wrapped it around my underbust and adjusted the tension to what feels comfortable for the belly band later. Since elastic bands vary in elasticity, feel free to experiment with this.

You can sew the top hem in two ways. (Note: If you've chosen a wider elastic band, you'll need to fold more fabric in both variations!)

Option 1: Again, fold the fabric about 1 cm to the inside and sew it down with a zigzag stitch, but leave about a 3 cm opening. Thread the prepared elastic band through the fold using a safety pin, ensuring to secure one end so the elastic doesn't disappear completely inside ;) Once you've threaded it through, sew both ends of the elastic together with a few stitches, and then close the opening of the hem with a zigzag stitch.

 

Blog content image for 'Free Sewing Tutorial: Belly Band'

On the left, you see the belly band without elastic, and on the right, with elastic.

Option 2: Here, the elastic is sewn directly onto the inside of the upper edge with a zigzag stitch, while pulling it slightly. Start by marking the elastic at its midpoint - this midpoint should be evenly distributed from side seam to side seam - to ensure the gathering is evenly distributed along the entire length. When sewing, guide the elastic through the opening of the presser foot (as shown in the picture), ensuring not to stretch the fabric unintentionally.

 

Blog content image for 'Free Sewing Tutorial: Belly Band'

 

After sewing the elastic all around with a zigzag stitch, fold it inward once and sew it again all around with another zigzag stitch. This method secures the elastic in place so it won't shift, and it also hides the elastic from the outside.

Blog content image for 'Free Sewing Tutorial: Belly Band'

On the left side, you can see how the seam looks from the inside, and on the right side, how it appears from the outside.

And there you have it, you're done!


I hope you enjoyed this tutorial. If you have any questions or encounter any issues, please feel free to write them in the comments. I would also appreciate any positive feedback :)

Otherwise, have fun recreating this project! Feel free to explore my other free blog posts or take a look around my shop where you'll find many more sewing and crochet patterns for practical items or cute plush toys and amigurumi.


Author of this article and many other community members look forward for your feedback.
Default user avatar image
Please register or Log in!

Search all blogs

Popular patterns

Free patterns

Recent Activities Blogs

Sea gull, pattern for beginners
1 Comment last by Vermink
Saturday, June 22, 2024
Free Crochet Pattern Sneakers
2 Comments last by pinkb
Tuesday, October 10, 2023
Little genie
3 Comments last by ines-muehlenbeck
Monday, September 25, 2023
A Flying Saucer
14 Comments last by carinalimaa
Saturday, June 10, 2023
Dandelion. Little sunny.
10 Comments last by zdena-mikitova
Monday, April 10, 2023
Dog waste bag holder
1 Comment last by kibolinchen
Thursday, January 12, 2023

Most-discussed posts

Free crochet pattern
From Leem 11+ Comments
Sunday, March 20, 2016
Little Martian
From crochetfantasy 11+ Comments
Tuesday, May 19, 2020
A Flying Saucer
From crochetfantasy 10+ Comments
Thursday, May 28, 2020
Free Crochet Pattern Baby Sneakers
From Leem 7+ Comments
Monday, October 30, 2017
Dandelion. Little sunny.
From crochetfantasy 7+ Comments
Friday, March 22, 2019

Free patterns

Dog measurement chart and instructions

(47)
Free pattern
Sewing Pattern / Download Hundsstern

Bootcovers / Over-The-Boots for Figure Skating - sewing pattern

(6)
Free pattern
Sewing Pattern / Download Meine-Stockwerke

Pattern Add-on Flap Closure for Xaver Treat Bag

(23)
Free pattern
Sewing Pattern / Download Hundsstern

Bicks Poo Bag Pouch with lining, Sewing Pattern

(4)
Free pattern
Sewing Pattern / Download Hundsstern

Free Dress Pattern Ruffle Hem Dress Pattern Free PDF Dress Pattern Dress

Free pattern
Sewing Pattern / Download EKsewingPatterns

Memory Leon

(1)
Free pattern
Sewing Pattern / Download Stephankie-Dreams

Free Pants Pattern Free Sewing Patterns PDF Sewing Patterns Pants Patterns

Free pattern
Sewing Pattern / Download EKsewingPatterns

Pattern for pregnancy cushion / wedge cushion

Free pattern
Sewing Pattern / Download DieFadenweberin

Gift Bag Stroller

Free pattern
Sewing Pattern / Download Stephankie-Dreams

Sewing pattern for sleep mask -easy

(11)
Free pattern
Sewing Pattern / Download amigoll9

Free Dress Pattern Maxi Dress Pattern Free PDF Dress Pattern Top Pattern

Free pattern
Sewing Pattern / Download EKsewingPatterns

CARROT Dog Toy, 2 sizes, sewing pattern

(1)
Free pattern
Sewing Pattern / Download Hundsstern

Flounce Hem Dress Pattern Free PDF Sewing Patterns Free Dress Pattern

(1)
Free pattern
Sewing Pattern / Download EKsewingPatterns

Digital PDF Sewing Pattern for Maxi Dress | Free pattern | Free download

Free pattern
Sewing Pattern / Download Craftbook99

TINAs shawl collar / winter collar – Free Pattern

(2)
Free pattern
Sewing Pattern / Download ZierstoffPatterns

Mellis hand warmer / changing pad combo for buggy/pram - free pattern-

(2)
Free pattern
Sewing Pattern / Download ZierstoffPatterns

OLAFs scarf pattern – 3 variations

(2)
Free pattern
Sewing Pattern / Download ZierstoffPatterns

E-Book for a pretty and trendy Tulle skirt

(3)
Free pattern
Sewing Pattern / Download ZierstoffPatterns

KIMs Loop Scarf pattern / Cowl Neck Scarf – single or double

(3)
Free pattern
Sewing Pattern / Download ZierstoffPatterns

E-Book: How to sew a fake zipper and waistband

(2)
Free pattern
Sewing Pattern / Download ZierstoffPatterns

Sewing Pattern Plush Toy Dragon

Free pattern
Sewing Pattern / Download DieFadenweberin

You might like

-20%

Dolphin neck pillow + heating pad pattern (microwavable rice bag)

(1)
from US $4.77
Sewing Pattern / Download jotdot-jeans-upcycling

Oven glove, Whale "FINN" pattern + photo tutorial

(1)
from US $4.96
Sewing Pattern / Download jotdot-jeans-upcycling

pattern sewing instruction for a french bulldog plush dog

(7)
from US $2.01
Sewing Pattern / Download DIY-4U

FIORINO Baby jacket pattern pdf, wrap jacket, lined and reversible

(4)
from US $6.02
Sewing Pattern / Download pattern4kids

Sew your own hooded baby jumpsuit with zipper eBook Pattern for babies SOLE

(7)
from US $6.02
Sewing Pattern / Download pattern4kids
-15%

Patchwork bag sewing pattern, denim bag, shoulder bag, baguette bag, jeans

from US $6.78
Sewing Pattern / Download JULIANA-MARTEJEVS

Adorable Baby's Hooded Overall Sewing Pattern PDF CASSIA

(16)
from US $6.02
Sewing Pattern / Download pattern4kids

Foot warmer with hot water bottle insert – Instructions & Sewing Pattern

(9)
from US $4.00
Sewing Pattern / Download Nordschnitte
-20%

HoldMe "SMART",Mobile Phone Holder, pattern + photo tutorial

(13)
from US $5.58
Sewing Pattern / Download jotdot-jeans-upcycling
-20%

Tablet holder sloth pattern / ipad cushion / E-Book holder

from US $5.58
Sewing Pattern / Download jotdot-jeans-upcycling

Lined baby jacket sewing pattern pdf for boys and girls TORETTO

(4)
from US $5.02
Sewing Pattern / Download pattern4kids

Sheath dress Anthea with Vienna seams from 32 - 54

(1)
from US $9.94
Sewing Pattern / Download UnendlichSchön
-50%

Pattern Children's Pyjamas Anna + Rüdiger for sewing beginners

(5)
from US $3.76
Sewing Pattern / Download TOSCAminni-Schnittmanufaktur

MINOU V2 treat pouch, with lining, 2 sizes, pattern

(1)
from US $4.51
Sewing Pattern / Download Hundsstern

KIM cut off gloves + mitten flap 5 sizes sewing pattern

from US $3.96
Sewing Pattern / Download Hundsstern
-15%

Tapered pants sewing pattern XS-XXXL, ladies trousers mom jeans pants denim

from US $8.49
Sewing Pattern / Download JULIANA-MARTEJEVS
-15%

Long sleeve sewing pattern XS-XXXL, ladies jersey top lettuce hem patchwork

from US $8.49
Sewing Pattern / Download JULIANA-MARTEJEVS

Baby Set pdf Pattern wrapped bodysuit, yoga pants, beanie and cuddly toy

(3)
from US $6.53
Sewing Pattern / Download pattern4kids

PELERIN Dog Coat, sizes XS–XXL, sewing pattern

(5)
from US $7.01
Sewing Pattern / Download Hundsstern

GLENNAN Dog Sweater, sizes XS–XXL, sewing pattern

from US $7.01
Sewing Pattern / Download Hundsstern

Sew fabric basket, Turtle sewing pattern a unique sewing project

(8)
from US $6.97
Sewing Pattern / Download jotdot-jeans-upcycling
-50%

Pinafore Dress Sewing Pattern PDF Sewing Patterns Women Sewing Pattern

from US $3.68
Sewing Pattern / Download EKsewingPatterns

Toddler Kids Girls Tunic Tunic casual sweatshirt Arwen and leggings Enna

from US $6.53
Sewing Pattern / Download pattern4kids

Pencil case sewing pattern, whale sewing project, upcycle jeans idea

(7)
from US $5.97
Sewing Pattern / Download jotdot-jeans-upcycling