My first successful project!

A few weeks ago I bought a sewing machine. I've always wanted to learn to sew - my goal is baby clothes and blankets, but I'm still learning. :) I've been practicing sewing straight lines and cutting patterns and it's paying off! Tonight I managed to make a feeding belt for Ruthie and I was so excited! Of course, I took a lot of pictures along the way to document it.

Step 1: Gather supplies. I ended up using 3 pieces of fabric - 2 soft fleece and 1 pure cotton. I started by cutting 30 inch rectangles of each piece (this is the measurement needed for a belt for Ruthie's size and it allows room for her to grow - other kids may need different sizes. I also needed velcro, pins, a marker, sharp scissors, and of course, the sewing machine.

Step 2: Pin the 3 pieces of fabric and stitch all sides. Trim edges.

 

Step 3: Cut out two 2.5in x 2.5in squares - 1 layer of fleece and 1 layer of cotton. Pin and stitch together on all sides. 

Step 4: Cut 3.5in x4in square - 1 layer of fleece and 1 layer of cotton. Pin and stitch on all sides.

Step 5: Cut 2 pieces of velcro (of rough & soft sides) for the smaller squares. Pin 1 piece to the top of the underside of each square and stitch.

Step 6: Cut 3 pieces of velcro (of both rough & soft sides) to fit across top of the large square. Pin to the underside of the square and stitch. 

 

Step 7: Measure 2 inches from the right side end of the long rectangle and pin the bottom of one small square evenly on top of it, making sure the velcro piece is at the top and facing inward. Stitch to the main belt.

Step 8: Measure 6 inches from previous square and pin 2nd small square at the bottom (with velcro at the top, facing inward) and stitch.

Step 9: Measure 2 inches from middle square and pin top of the large square to the belt. Stitch securely (I double-stitched for extra stability.)

Step 10: Carefully cut out the middle of the square - try to get as close to the stitching as possible.

Step 10: Measure and cut 3 velcro pieces, long enough to span the length from the side of the large square to the end of the belt. Pin and stitch each piece.

Step 11: Cut 2 pieces of velcro (opposite texture to the 3 pieces above) and pin to the underside of the opposite end of the belt. Stitch securely.

You now have a finished belly-belt, guaranteed to keep little hands from yanking out their g-tube. :)