Old Skirt to Tool Belt

For a while I've been in need of a tool belt, so I finally decided to make one. I had this skirt that I had never really worn (you're more likely to see me in work clothing than skirt :D) so I chose to use it for this project.

I don't require the tool belt to be super strong so this fabric is fine for my needs, if however your needs are different, then perhaps acquiring a heavy duty fabric or using an old pair of jeans might be a better idea.

My knowledge and skills of sewing are quite limited so please excuse the somewhat poorly written instructions, hopefully the photos and video will help to explain a lot of what I was trying to do ;)

Materials:

• pink fabric (old skirt)
• black fabric (old shirt)
• belt strap (running belt)
• threads (pink, black)

Tools:

• sewing machine
• scissors
• washable marker
• fabric pencil
• iron
• pins
• needles
• ruler/tape measure

Print and cut out the template provided. Trace the template onto fabric with a washable marker and cut out.

Take the black fabric, mark and cut it into 4cm strips. Fold both sides into the center of the strip and iron over. Fold in half and iron over again. Pin the strips over the edges of the pink fabric and stitch.

Take the two bottom corners on one side, pin them together and sew over. Do the same for the other side. This will create the bottom part of the pocket.

Turn inwards (about 1cm) and pin the bottom side of the front pocket to the large pocket and sew over. Do the same for the sides. Zigzag stitch the turned edges inside the pocket.

Turn and pin one side and the bottom of the side pocket to the large pocket and sew. Open and zigzag stitch the inside.

For the hammer loop cut about a 10cm wide piece of black fabric, sew edges together on the wrong side and turn over. Fold and pin the strip close to the front pocket and sew over. Open and zigzag stitch from inside.

If you would like the pen (pencil, screwdrivers . . . ) loops, mark the position for them on the back side. It probably would be a good idea to sew them on now. I have no idea why I decided to do this later :D

For the loops you will need a similar strip as for the hammer loop, but longer. Leave a bit of a slack and stitch it to the sides of the back piece. Decide on a number of loops and stitch accordingly.

Place the large pocket on the back piece and stitch together on the inside.

Hem the black strips around the inside of the pockets.

If you're using similar belt to mine, remove the pocket and stitch the ends together.

Fold the top part or the pockets according to the width of the belt and sew over. Pop the belt in and enjoy your new tool belt ;)