Creating A Sparkling Wedding Belt With Jewels

Creating a jeweled wedding belt is a fun and creative way to add a unique, personalized touch to a wedding dress. It can be a great way to add some sparkle to your wedding outfit without breaking the bank. Making a jeweled wedding belt is quite simple and only requires a few basic materials and steps. The process involves cutting and sewing fabric, choosing and arranging jewels and beads, and gluing or sewing them onto the belt. The belt can be customized to the desired length and width, and the type and arrangement of jewels and beads can be varied to create different designs. Overall, creating a jeweled wedding belt is a great way to add a special touch to your wedding outfit and can be a fun project to work on.

Choosing materials: ribbon, lace, jewels, rhinestones, beads, pearls, etc

When it comes to choosing the materials for your wedding belt, the options are endless. You can opt for a simple yet elegant design using ribbon, or go for a more intricate creation with lace, jewels, rhinestones, beads, and pearls. Here are some factors to consider when choosing your materials:

Ribbon

Ribbon is a versatile material that can be used as the base for your wedding belt. It comes in various colours, widths, and textures, allowing you to find the perfect match for your wedding dress. Consider the width of the ribbon, as this will determine how much space you have to work with for your design. A wider ribbon can accommodate more intricate patterns, while a thinner ribbon may be better suited for a simpler design. The texture of the ribbon is also important, as you want to ensure it is comfortable to wear and complements the fabric of your dress.

Lace

Lace adds a romantic and delicate touch to your wedding belt. It can be used as an overlay on top of the ribbon or as a base for attaching other embellishments. When choosing lace, consider the pattern and design. There are various types of lace available, such as Chantilly lace, corded lace, and Alençon lace, each offering a unique look. Select a lace pattern that complements the style of your wedding dress.

Jewels, Rhinestones, Beads, and Pearls

These embellishments are what will make your wedding belt truly shine. You can choose from a variety of options, including rhinestones, crystals, pearls, and jewels. Consider the colour, size, and shape of these embellishments to create a cohesive design. For example, you can opt for a mix of rhinestones and pearls or create a gradient effect using different-sized crystals. These embellishments can be sewn or glued onto the ribbon or lace base.

When selecting your materials, it is important to consider the overall theme and colour scheme of your wedding. You may want to match the belt to the colour of your dress or choose a contrasting colour for a bolder statement. Keep in mind the level of intricacy you are comfortable with when creating your design. You can always start with a simpler design and add more intricate details as you gain confidence.

Cutting out circles and tracing them onto felt

To make a jewelled wedding belt, you'll need to start by cutting out circles and tracing them onto felt. This will form the pattern for your belt. Here's a step-by-step guide:

The pattern will consist of three circles linked together. The central circle should be 50.88mm in diameter, while the two circles on either side should be 44.45mm each. To trace these circles onto your felt, you'll need a pen and a circle template.

First, carefully hold down your felt and place the template on top. Start by tracing the largest circle in the centre. Use the 50.8mm circle on the template to ensure accurate measurements.

Next, trace the smaller 44.45mm circles on the right and left sides of the central circle, allowing them to overlap slightly with the centre circle.

Cutting Out the Marked Area:

After tracing, use scissors to cut out the marked area. Cut as closely as possible to the traced pattern to avoid leaving pen marks on the felt. Any light pen marks can be covered with beads and crystals, but it's best to avoid this by cutting accurately.

Preparing the Thread:

Before you start attaching crystals and pearls, cut a length of thread from the spool. Thread the needle, then fold the thread in half. To create a knot, wrap the two ends around your pointer finger, then run your finger back and forth to twist the thread. Roll the loop off your finger and hold the edge to create a tight knot.

Stitching the First Row of Crystals and Pearls:

On the first row, alternate between crystals and pearls. Use SS19 pointed back crystals, fixing the needle through two of the four holes at the bottom of each crystal. Slide the crystal down to the felt, then poke the needle downwards to secure it with a hand stitch. Keep the crystals and beads tightly placed together to hide the felt underneath.

After adding a crystal, your needle will be at the back of the felt. Poke it through to the front and add a pearl, sliding it down to the felt. Poke the needle next to the pearl to secure it and bring the needle back to the rear.

Continue alternating crystals and pearls to the edge of the circle pattern. Knot and cut the thread, ensuring it's long enough to pass through an existing stitch. Repeat the process to secure the knot, then cut the thread short.

Adding the Second Row of Pearls:

For the second row, use only pearls. Continue hand-stitching them tightly below the first row, keeping them close together. Finish the second row by going around the pattern.

Fixing Crystals for the Third Row:

For the third row, use 6mm round loch rosen crystals. Start adding these crystals right below the second row of pearls. Sew through the centre hole of each crystal, then poke the needle to the right to secure one side. Poke the needle through to the front again and through the centre hole. Poke it to the left side to secure both sides, then continue with the remaining crystals in the pattern.

Finalising the Design:

Now, add a 12mm crystal to the centre of the central circle. Sew this crystal in place, using the same technique as the smaller crystals in the third row.

Next, add almond-shaped 10x15mm navette crystals. Each navette crystal has four holes in the setting, so pass the needle through each hole to secure it on both sides. Leave a gap between the central crystal and the navette crystals.

Add three more navette crystals to each side circle, positioning them at specific angles to ensure an even centre. Fill any extra spaces with pearls around the large central crystal.

With that, your crystal applique pattern is complete!

Hand-stitching crystals and pearls onto the felt pattern

To hand-stitch crystals and pearls onto the felt pattern, you will need to cut a piece of thread from the spool, thread the needle, and knot the thread. Then, pass the needle through the bottom of the circle and pull the thread until the knot stops you from pulling further.

On the first row of the pattern, alternate between pearls and crystals. To stitch, pick up one SS19 pointed back crystal, and fix the needle through two of the holes. Slide the crystal down to the felt pattern, and poke the needle downwards into the felt to secure the bead with a hand stitch. Continue 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 the back of the felt and pull tight, so that the needle is now at the front. Add a pearl bead and slide it down to the felt. Poke the needle right next to the pearl, bringing it to the back of the felt to secure the pearl and complete your second stitch.

Continue alternating one crystal and one pearl all the way to the edge of your circle pattern. Knot the end of the thread and cut it, ensuring the thread doesn't get too short. Position the needle behind the felt, and pass it through an already placed stitch. Repeat the process to create another knot, then cut the thread. Cut a new piece of thread, knot it, and pass the needle through the back of the felt. Continue adding beads until you've gone around the pattern's edge.

For the second row, use only pearls. Tightly hand stitch them just below the first row of beads, ensuring they are close together. To complete the second row, continue adding the rest of the pearls around the pattern.

For the third row, fix the 6mm round loch rosen crystal. Start adding the crystals right below the second row of pearls, sewing the bead in the same way as the others. Continue with this process until you have added the flat crystals to each of the circles in the pattern, cutting your thread and starting with a new thread for the next step.

Now, add the 12mm crystal to the centre of the centre circle. Sew on the crystal in the same way as the other smaller crystals, placing the crystal in the circle's middle. Slip the needle through the felt's back and through a hole in the crystal, then put it through the front side of the felt just before the crystal. Poke the needle through the felt's back and slip it through the crystal's second hole.

Attaching the crystal applique to the ribbon

Now that you have your crystal applique ready, it's time to attach it to the ribbon and bring your vision to life! Here is a step-by-step guide to help you with the process:

Step 1: Prepare the Ribbon:

Take your satin ribbon and lay it flat on a clean surface. Cut the ribbon to your desired length, keeping in mind that you will be tying it around your waist. You can cut it longer if you prefer a bow at the back. Ensure the ribbon is smooth and free of any creases or wrinkles.

Step 2: Find the Center:

Fold the ribbon neatly in half to find its center. You can use a ruler or a measuring tape to determine the exact middle point. Mark the center with a small dot using a fabric pen or a pencil. This mark will guide you in placing the crystal applique.

Step 3: Apply Glue:

Ventilate your work area well before you begin this step. Use a strong adhesive like E6000 glue to attach the crystal applique to the ribbon. Apply a generous amount of glue to the back of the crystal applique, ensuring it covers the entire surface. Spread the glue evenly for a smooth finish.

Step 4: Attach the Applique:

Carefully pick up the crystal applique and place it glue-side down onto the center of the ribbon. Position it precisely over the mark you made earlier. Gently press and hold the applique in place for a few minutes to ensure it adheres well.

Step 5: Allow it to Dry:

Set aside the ribbon with the attached crystal applique and let it dry completely. Follow the instructions on the glue packaging for the recommended drying time. Do not proceed to the next step until the glue is entirely dry to avoid any mishaps.

Step 6: Finish the Edges (Optional):

Once the glue has dried, you can choose to finish the edges of the ribbon for a more polished look. Cut the edges of the ribbon at a slight angle using sharp fabric scissors. This step is optional but can add a nice touch to your jeweled wedding belt.

Now, your crystal applique should be securely attached to the ribbon, and you're almost done! All that's left is to try on your handmade jeweled wedding belt and admire your craftsmanship!

Finalising the belt: gluing, sewing, and drying

Now that you have gathered your materials and designed your belt, it is time to finalise your jewelled wedding belt. This process involves gluing, sewing, and drying.

If you are gluing your jewels onto the belt, it is important to choose the right glue. E6000 glue is a popular choice for this project, as it ensures that the jewels will stay put. You will also need wax paper to protect your work surface and prevent the ribbon from getting glued to your desk. Apply the glue to the back of each jewel and then place it on the ribbon. You may want to use a silicone stick to spread the glue evenly and press the jewels firmly into place. Allow the glue to dry for a few hours, or up to 24 hours, before handling the belt.

If you are sewing your jewels onto the belt, use a needle and thread that matches the colour of your ribbon. Hand-stitch each jewel securely to the ribbon, making sure that the stitches are tight and close to the jewels. You may want to knot the thread between jewels to secure them in place.

Once you have finished gluing or sewing on your jewels, it is important to let the belt dry completely. If you have glued the jewels, this may take up to 24 hours. You can speed up the drying process by moving the belt to a clean section of wax paper after a few hours. Once the belt is dry, gently bend it and touch each jewel to make sure they are all firmly attached. If any jewels have come loose, simply glue or sew them back into place.

Frequently asked questions