Today we are kicking off a series of super simple maternity DIY projects! This week we will share five clothing projects that you can make with basic sewing skills. We started planning this series as soon as we heard that our beautiful pal Stacy King was expecting. She is modeling each piece. First up, we are making a cute belly band. These are amazing because they can really stretch your pre-pregnancy wardrobe. You can wear non-maternity jeans and tops with the help of this band. Plus it's so easy to create you can make it in different colors and patterns to mix and match with your wardrobe! Enjoy…
Here's how to make your very own belly band… 1. Supplies Needed: 1 yard jersey fabric, scissors, measuring tape, sewing machine. 2. Begin with a strip of fabric the length of your hips (measure around the fullest part and subtract 1 inch), and 10 inches high (you can make it 20 inches for a larger band). Fold it in half long ways with the outside facing in and sew the seams together with a zig zag stitch. 3. Once you've sewn along the seam, flip it inside out, creating a long tube. 4. Now you're going to attach the ends together. Begin by pinning together the inside seam of each end, and continue to pin the edges 3/4 of the way around. You won't be able to pin them together completely because you still need to flip the ends right side out. Once you've pinned it in place 3/4 of the way, stitch it in place. Note: If this step seems too complicated, no problem! You can easily fold both ends towards the inside of the band and sew them together with one straight stitch. This will still work, but look more messy on the inside of your band. 5. Once you've sewn together the ends 3/4 of the way, flip the ends right side out. 6. Last, hand stitch the small hole up to complete your belly band!
Belly bands are a great way to wear pre-pregnancy button up pieces, like jeans, throughout your pregnancy. The band covers the button or zipper area so you don't have to close them. The band also covers some of your belly so you can feel comfortable wearing tops that have become a little shorter!
Stacy is 25 weeks along in this photo and will be able to wear this belly band into her third trimester! XO. Elsie
doesnt work so well for those of us ladies with a little or a lot of junk in our trunks…….the bands roll on the backside……so someone needs to figure out how to stop the booty roll on the belly band 😉
Could, maybe, try making it looser on the lower part of the band, like kind of an A-line skirt?
awesome D.I.Y. I’m not pregnant but I will be sharing with my girlfriend carrying twins right now! I have a little tip to the gal who said her unbuttoned pants keep falling down, just loop a little piece of button hole elastic through the button hole, then hook it onto the actual button! those jeans won’t budge I promise! 🙂 thanks again ladies, you guys are genius!
great idea! also, stacy’s makeup is stunning- do you have details on what she wore?
Shes looking stunning and its great that you can make your own band, they really do come in handy!
Great post wish it was out 2 years ago 🙂
Zoe
http://gypsiesister.blogspot.co.uk
What a great idea! I have already shared the link with my pregnant friends 🙂
I love this! I’m not pregnant, but my best friend is. I sent her the link to this article, I think she’ll really like it. It’s great to see fashion for pregnant girls and a reminder that they can wear something other than the usual empire-waist dresses and maternity jeans
What a cute and easy idea. She is so beautiful!
http://www.hungrydelights.com/
I absolutely love Ruche! My go-to store for all my dress shopping.
I’m a fan of the new Dear Creatures Dresden dress! I love the collar and the marigold color! 🙂
Nice project 🙂
http://sztukastudiowania.blogspot.com/2012/07/tree-swing.html
This is amazing!!! I’m so happy that you are doing this series. I just found out I’m expecting, a little late, I’m already 15 weeks! I’m almost ready to start showing and I’m scrambling for ideas to extend my wardrobe. Thanks!!!
Super adorable and a great way to save your money for baby, rather than maternity clothes. Congratulations Miss Stacy!
I need a belly band for my everyday life, beer belly. It looks so cute on Stacy!
Thanks for sharing! I love this, totally needed another cute idea for gifts for my pregnant clients! Thanks again,
www.ExerciseYourBeauty.com
Great idea! This would be great for a bike tour or moped ride, to keep your back warm. 😉
beautiful photos
Cute!
Val
http://valentinaduracinsky.blogspot.com/
beautiful woman 🙂
great idea!
thanks for sharing
Such a quick and easy idea! FAB!