Gardening guru tool belt!

The weather has finally turned warm, and I am thinking flowers. This is part one of a two part post, of the gift I am making my mom for mother's day! It was getting a wee bit long (can you imagine one of my blog posts being long), so I am doing a two part post! I am kind of proud of this tool belt, because I did not use a pattern, it is all me. That being said, I learned a lot, and their are a few things I would change next time I try to make a tool belt, so bear with me.

Items Needed:
About 1 1/2 yard of fabric, depending on the size you want.
Elastic (optional) for extra tools

Cutting List:
(4) 7 1/2" x 20" rectangles
(4) 9 1/2" x 12" rectangles
(2) 2" x WOF strips, for bias tape (WOF=Width of Fabric); Or you can purchase double fold
bias tape.
(2) 4 1/2" X WOF for belt

Step 1: Prep Work

With right sides together, sew the long rectangle (7 1/2" by 20") on one of the 20" side. Press with right sides out. Top stitch along the folded seam, this will be your pockets.

With right sides together, sew the 9 1/2" x 12" rectangles, on one of the 12" sides. Press with right sides out.

Step 2: Form Pockets

Find the centers of your long rectangles (7" x 20") cross wise, and make a line with a pencil down the center. Find the centers of your short rectangles (9" x 20") crosswise, and make a line with a pencil. Match Centers.

Sew a strait seam down the center of both rectangles using the line you made in step 3. This needs to be a strong seam so reinforce it by sewing the same line 3 times.

Sew the sides of the rectangles together. You will make a 'bubble' because the different lengths of the rectangles.

Step 3: Finish Pockets

To make the pockets look pretty. Make a tuck in the pocket by folding the pocket in, in two places. So it has a safari pocket look. I just eye balled mine until they looked right.

Step 4: Bias Tape

Make bias tape by folding the 2" strp in half lengthwise (wrongs sides together). Open up the fold you created, and fold the edges of the fabric into the center.

Sew the tape around the rough edges of your pockets.

Step 5: Belt
With right sides together, sew the ends of your belt pieces together on one four inch side, to make a really long strip. Fold and press a 1/4" crease on all sides of your long strip. Decide where you would like your pockets to go on the belt. Baste your pockets to your belt.

Top stitch your belt, on folded edges. Your tool belt is now complete! You can add elastic to hold additional tools if you would like. I royally messed this part up! I covered the elastic in burlap, which does not have any 'give'. So it does not work so well.

I lucked out, Alyssa was in town so I had a professional model! I like my little model too!

They look hard at work! I can't wait to show you part 2!

To see part 2, my Gardening Guru bucket, click here!

 

I like to link at these fabulous parties!