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
Im loving this series!!!!
Posted by: Lea | July 24, 2012 at 03:15 PM
Now I want a belly to show this off :0
zlovesv.blogspot.com
Posted by: zay | July 24, 2012 at 03:15 PM
i didn't think stacy could ever get more beautiful, but seeing her pregnant is just...i can't...she is mesmerizing.
Posted by: kristin | July 24, 2012 at 03:18 PM
This is so cute!!
Posted by: Diana | July 24, 2012 at 03:19 PM
you have no idea how happy this makes me. i'm 32 weeks today and i have to wear jeans to work and this is a much cheaper alternative to having to buy more and more maternity jeans!
Posted by: summer | July 24, 2012 at 03:29 PM
İkinci El İşaat Makinaları
Posted by: İkinci El İşaat Makinaları | July 24, 2012 at 03:31 PM
Love this! Stacy is seriously perfect. I love that you guys are friends because we readers get to benefit from the clash of creativity and beauty you both possess! Cute series idea!
Posted by: Bekah | July 24, 2012 at 03:36 PM
cute but belly bands never worked for me, my pants would start to fall off.
Posted by: Kristen | July 24, 2012 at 03:58 PM
Thanks so much for this tutorial. I really want a belly band for next time around but hated to buy one. Now I can make it:)
Posted by: brooke | July 24, 2012 at 04:05 PM
That is awesome! I almost wish I was going to have another baby just to make my own cute bands. The ones from the store are hideous. Stacy looks so, so beautiful pregnant!
Posted by: Molly Clark | July 24, 2012 at 04:18 PM
Where is her non maternity top from?
Posted by: Heather | July 24, 2012 at 05:07 PM
do you mind sharing where her non maternity top came from? it's classy and adorable ;)
Posted by: Jennifer M | July 24, 2012 at 05:16 PM
This series looks so great! Just thinking though: could Stacey say a couple words about the DIY? Is it comfortable? Practical? I just think it would be really interesting to have a review from the lady rockin' it! The band looks super cute and practical :)
Posted by: Tin | July 24, 2012 at 05:20 PM
Jennifer, that top is from American Eagle. XO!
Posted by: elsie | July 24, 2012 at 05:23 PM
Absolutely brilliant!
Posted by: Chloe Eleanor | July 24, 2012 at 05:41 PM
Oh my goodness, this is just too adorable for words! I need to pin this because it just seems like more and more of my friends are becoming preggers. Stacey looks so great! What a great series this will be! :)
xoxo,
Laura
http://lauraisthriftingthroughlife.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Laura Whitman | July 24, 2012 at 05:59 PM
Cute! And great - even though I'm not pregnant atm, I've been thinking of making a band for myself normally as I often find tops I love that just don't quite hang the way I want them to or they're too loose over my hips and I want to achieve a layering effect without layering if you know what I mean. This tutorial has some great tips - thanks! :)
Posted by: this is lemonade | July 24, 2012 at 06:35 PM
I'm SO excited to see more of the DIY maternity series! I'm expecting my first baby in September and have been trying to stay creative and economical with my wardrobe. This is perfect timing!
Also, I love the idea of making a belly band which is meant to be seen. Most of the mass market belly bands I've seen are supposed to be hidden, which makes them extra challenging to wear. I love the stripes you used!
Posted by: Kimbercrafts | July 24, 2012 at 06:40 PM
Belly bands are the best - I think I spent way too much money on them when I was pregnant. Should've thought of making my own instead! Love this black and white stripy one.
Ronnie xo
Posted by: Pink Ronnie | July 24, 2012 at 06:44 PM
Love this! I especially like the striped fabrics you are using in these projects. It's so fun right now, and the stripes accent the curve of a pregnant belly nicely! I love how comfortable people are nowadays with showing their bump. I can't wait to get pregnant now! :P
Posted by: Otter Mei | July 24, 2012 at 07:25 PM