4 — Waistband and Belt Loops

Next, we will construct the belt loops.

Neaten one long edge of the belt loop pieces with your overlocker, then fold the belt loops into three lengthways with the neatened edge on top. Edgestitch the length of the belt loops on each side then cut belt loops into thirds. You will have six pieces in total.

Now it is time to sew your waistband!

With right sides together pin and sew the centre back seam of the waistband. Do the same with the waistband facing and press seams open.

Finish the bottom edge of your waistband facing with bias binding. Do this by pinning the right side of the bias binding to the wrong side of the waistband facing. Then, sew along the fold line that is closest to the edge, approximately 6mm. Next, fold the bias binding to the front so the raw edge is enclosed. Make sure the raw edge of the binding is tucked in and pin it closed.

Now, edgestitch the bias binding closed.

With the right sides together, pin the waistband to the waistband facing along the top edge. Sew this seam and then press the seam towards the facing. Under stitch on the waistband facing.

Now fold your waistband in half lengthwise with right sides together. Pin the short ends closed and then sew them with a 1cm seam. Stop 1cm before the bottom edge.

Turn your waistband right sides out with the help of a point turner and give it a press.

The next step is to assemble your pants!