Creating A Sparkling Crystal Wedding Belt

If you're looking to add some sparkle to your wedding dress without breaking the bank, a DIY crystal belt is a great option. You can make a bridal sash that's perfect for your wedding and also becomes a family heirloom.

To make a crystal wedding belt, you'll need supplies like satin double-faced ribbon, navette rhinestones, round sew-on rhinestone crystals, resin pearls, a needle and thread, and E6000 glue. The process involves cutting out and tracing circles on a template, hand-stitching crystals and pearls onto the felt pattern in rows, and then attaching the crystal applique to the ribbon. You can also purchase a completed crystal applique from a craft store and simply glue it to the ribbon.

There are many online resources and shops that offer tips, tutorials, and supplies for making your own crystal wedding belt. With a bit of time and effort, you can create a beautiful and affordable accessory for your special day.

Choosing the right crystals and pearls

Colour

The colour of your crystals and pearls should complement the colour of your wedding dress. If your dress is white or ivory, opt for crystals and pearls in similar shades for a cohesive look. You can also add a touch of sparkle with clear crystals or go for a coloured option that matches your wedding theme or bridal accessories.

Size and Shape

Crystals and pearls come in various sizes and shapes, so choose ones that suit the style of your belt. For instance, if you want a thin belt, opt for smaller crystals and pearls that won't overwhelm the design. Conversely, if you're going for a bold, statement belt, larger crystals and pearls in unique shapes can add interest and texture.

Quality

When choosing crystals and pearls, it's essential to consider their quality. Look for well-cut crystals with good clarity and brilliance. For pearls, consider factors such as lustre, shape, surface quality, colour, and size. High-quality crystals and pearls will ensure that your belt looks elegant and luxurious.

Amount and Placement

Decide on the amount of crystals and pearls you want on your belt, as well as their placement. You can opt for an all-over design or go for a more sparse arrangement with negative space between the crystals and pearls. Consider the size and style of your dress when making this decision, as you don't want the belt to overwhelm or get lost in the dress.

Settings

Finally, consider the settings of your crystals and pearls. They can be sewn onto the belt, glued, or set in metal clasps or bezels. Sewing and gluing are more affordable options, but metal settings can add a luxurious touch to your belt, especially if you opt for precious metals like silver or gold.

Remember to keep your overall wedding theme, colour palette, and personal style in mind when choosing crystals and pearls for your wedding belt. Happy crafting!

Cutting out the pattern

The first step in making your crystal wedding belt is cutting out your circles. The pattern will consist of three circles that are linked together. The central circle should be 50.88mm in diameter, while the two circles on either side should be 44.45mm in diameter. Using a pen and a circle template, carefully trace these circles onto your felt. Start with the largest circle in the centre, then trace the smaller circles on either side so that they slightly overlap the central circle.

Next, cut out the marked area with scissors, staying as close to the penned pattern as possible to avoid leaving any pen marks on the white felt. If there are any light pen marks after cutting, you can cover them up with beads and crystals, but it's best to avoid leaving marks if possible.

Now, cut a piece of thread from the spool and thread the needle, folding the thread in half. To knot the thread, wrap the ends around your pointer finger and run your finger back and forth to twist it. Roll the loop off your finger, hold the edge of the loop, and pull to create a small knot. Pass the needle through the bottom of the circle and pull the thread until the knot stops you from pulling further.

You are now ready to start stitching the crystals and pearls onto the felt pattern in alternating rows.

Knotting and threading the needle

Now that you have gathered all the supplies, it is time to start making your crystal wedding belt. The first step is to cut out your circles. The pattern will be composed of three circles that are linked together. The centre circle will be the largest, measuring 50.88mm, while the two circles on each side will be slightly smaller at 44.45mm. Using your circle template, carefully trace these circles onto your felt. Start with the largest circle in the centre, then trace the smaller circles on either side, making sure they slightly overlap the centre circle.

Next, you will need to cut out the marked area with scissors. Cut as closely as possible to the traced pattern to avoid any pen marks being left on the white felt. If there are any light pen marks after cutting, you can cover them up with beads and crystals, but it is best to avoid leaving marks if possible.

Now it is time to start hand-stitching the crystals and pearls onto the felt pattern. Before adding the crystals, you will need to thread your needle. Cut a piece of thread from the spool and pass one end of the thread through the needle's eye. Fold the thread in half and knot it by wrapping the two ends around your pointer finger a few times. Run your finger back and forth to twist the thread, then roll the loop off your finger and hold onto the edge of the loop. Pull it down to create a tight knot. Pass the needle through the bottom of the circle and pull the thread through until the knot stops you from pulling further.

For the first row, you will alternate between pearls and crystals. Pick up an SS19 pointed back crystal and fix the needle through two of the four holes at the bottom. Slide the crystal down to the felt, then poke the needle downwards into the felt to secure it with a hand stitch. Keep the crystals and beads tightly placed together to avoid any white felt showing underneath. Continue stitching until you run out of thread.

After adding the first crystal, your needle should be at the back of the felt. Poke the needle through to the front of the felt and add a pearl bead. Slide the pearl down to the felt, then poke the needle next to the pearl to secure it and bring the needle back to the front of the felt. Continue alternating crystals and pearls until you reach the edge of the circle pattern.

Knot the end of the thread and cut it, making sure there is still enough length to pass the needle underneath a stitch. Repeat this process to create a secure knot, then cut the thread. Cut a new piece of thread, knot it, and pass the needle through the back of the felt to continue adding beads.

The second row will be composed entirely of pearls. If you still have thread left from the first row, you can continue using it. Stitch the pearls tightly below the first row of beads, keeping them close together. Continue adding pearls until you have completed the second row.

For the third row, you will use the 6mm round loch rosen crystals. Start adding these crystals right below the second row of pearls. To sew on the crystal, poke the needle through the centre hole and immediately poke it to the right side of the crystal to secure one side. Poke the needle back through to the front and through the centre hole again. Then, poke the needle to the left side of the crystal to secure the other side. Continue this process until you have added the flat crystals to each circle in the pattern, cutting your thread and starting with a new thread as needed.

Now it is time to add the 12mm crystal to the centre of the centre circle. Place the crystal in the middle of the circle and hold it in position. Slip the needle through the back of the felt and through one of the two holes in the crystal. Poke the needle through the front of the felt just before the crystal, then slip it through the crystal's second hole.

The next step is to add the almond-shaped 10x15 Navette crystals. You will add six of these crystals around the large centre crystal, forming a circle. Each Navette crystal has four holes in the setting, so be sure to poke the needle through each hole to properly secure it on both sides. Leave a small space between the centre stones and the Navette crystals.

Finally, add three more Navette crystals to each of the side circles, positioning the ends at specific angles to ensure an even centre. Fill the extra spaces with pearls, adding them around the large centre crystal. And there you have it—your very own crystal applique!

Stitching crystals and pearls

For this project, you will need the following materials:

• 10mm x 5mm Navette Rhinestone with Setting in Crystal/Silver (12 pieces)
• 12mm Round Sew-on Rhinestone in Crystal
• 6mm Round Loch Rosen Rhinestone in Crystal (3 packs of 36 pieces)
• SS19 Pointed Back RS with Setting in Crystal (or 3mm Resin Pearls as an alternative)
• Kunin felt in white
• Ultra fine felt-tipped pen
• Sewing needle
• Coloured thread in oyster
• Satin double-faced ribbon in your choice of colour (we recommend 38mm width and 2.75m in length)

You will also need scissors and E6000 glue for later steps.

First, create your pattern. Using a circle template, trace three linked circles onto your white felt. This should be one large 50.8mm circle in the centre, with two 44.45mm circles on each side, slightly overlapping the centre circle. Cut your pattern out of the felt, ensuring you cut closely inside the pen marks to avoid any pen marks showing on the felt.

Next, cut a long piece of thread and thread your needle. You will begin by hand-stitching crystals and pearls onto the felt pattern, working in rows. For the first row, you will need to alternate between crystals and pearls. Thread your needle and knot the thread. Insert the needle through the bottom of your circle pattern and pull it through.

To add the first crystal, pick up one SS19 Pointed Back Crystal and put the needle through two of the holes to string the crystal onto the thread. Slide the crystal down to meet the felt pattern and secure it with a hand stitch by poking the needle downwards into the felt. Ensure your stitch is close and tight to the crystal. Poke the needle through the back of the felt and pull it tight, then add a pearl bead and slide it down to the felt. Secure the pearl by poking the needle next to the pearl, bringing it to the back of the felt. Continue to alternate one crystal and one pearl all the way around the edge of your circle pattern.

When you run out of thread, knot the thread off and cut it, ensuring the length doesn't get too short. Poke the tip of the needle through an existing stitch, creating a loop, then stick the needle through the loop and pull the thread tight. Repeat this step to create a secure knot, then cut your thread. Cut a new piece of thread, knot it, and continue adding beads until you have worked your way around the edge of the pattern.

For the second row, add a row of pearls underneath the first row of beads, ensuring they are close together. Continue around the pattern until the second row is complete.

For the third row, use the 6mm Round Loch Rosen Crystal. Sew on this bead by poking the needle through the centre hole, then to the right side of the crystal into the felt, and back through the centre hole. Poke the needle into the left side of the felt next to the crystal to secure both sides. Continue this process until you have added the flat crystals to each circle in the pattern, cutting your thread and beginning a new thread as needed.

Now, add the 12mm crystal to the centre of the centre circle, holding it in place and poking the needle through one hole in the crystal, then directly through the front side of the felt next to the crystal. Repeat this process for the second hole in the crystal.

Next, add six 10x5 Navette Crystals (almond-shaped) around the largest crystal, staying within the centre circle. Each Navette crystal has four holes in the setting, so put the needle through each of the holes to secure both sides. Repeat this process for the other side of the centre circle.

Finally, fill any extra space in the pattern with pearls. Your crystal applique is now complete!

Attaching the applique to the ribbon

Firstly, neatly fold your satin ribbon in half. The centre of the ribbon is where the crystal applique will be attached. To identify the centre accurately, you can place your scissors down on the ribbon.

Next, apply E6000 glue to the back of the crystal applique. Remember to work in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling the glue's fumes. Once you have applied the glue, carefully flip over the applique and place it on the ribbon. Hold it in place for a few minutes to allow the glue to set.

You can also use an iron-on method to attach the applique. In this case, you would iron on the crystal applique to the ribbon, following the instructions provided with the applique.

Finally, cut the ends of the ribbon at a definite angle to give them a neat finish. You can use fabric scissors or any other sharp scissors to cut the ribbon.

And that's it! You have now successfully attached the crystal applique to the ribbon, creating a beautiful and elegant crystal wedding belt.

Frequently asked questions