I always thought Bella Bands aka the belly band were so cute and looked so functional. However retailing at $36.50 Canadian, I opted to see if I could sew one myself. In fact, I didn’t pay that much for my maternity jeans. I am a bargain hunter and maternity clothes are no exception. Besides, being the third pregnancy (and probably the last) I have other plans for that kind of coin. There are many tutorials for sew your own Belly Bands online (which I will link to at the end), so this is what I did.
Supplies:
- Stretchy knit fabric (I bought mine from the bargain bin at my fabric store for $2/metre)
- Sewing Machine
- Measuring tape
- Scissors
- Thread
- Iron & Board.
Step 1 – Take some measurements. I prefer to have a full panel on my maternity jean so I knew I would want a wide band (one can always fold it down). So I decided on 14″ so I doubled that to make 24″. Then I grabbed my measuring tape and measured the top of my belly (so the band would be snug and not move around too much), add 1/2 an inch for a seem allowance.I used about 1/2 the metre I bought (a metre is a little more than a yard)
Step 2 – Cut out the fabric according to your measurements (note which way the fabric stretches, you want the fabric to stretch across your belly not up and down).
Step 3 - Once I cut out my fabric (24″ long x 40″ wide), I put right side together and stitched up the length of the fabric, using a 1/2 inch seam allowance. Always back stitch as both ends it secures your stitches.
Step 4 - Turn the fabric right side out, then take it over to the ironing board. I used a Seamstress Gauge to measure and iron 1 inch all around the seam, then I folded that in half (to hide the raw edge). Then take the other raw edge seam and tuck it into the folded side. I pinned like crazy since knit fabric can be a little slick to work with.
Step 5 - Sew along the folded edge, fairly close to the edge. I lined the fabric up to the edge of my presser foot. I like to double stitch, giving it the appearance of a top stitch. I just moved my needle to the left and still lined the fabric to the edge of the presser foot.
Step 6 - Wear your belly band with pride! Seriously took me an hour with interuptions. I would like mine a little snugger next time (I did my measurements over my clothes tsk tsk)
(excuse the dirty mirror *blush* I was totally ready to be done)
A couple of notes. This would have been way useful earlier on in my pregnancy, however I totally see myself wearing older T’s around the house with this on. Or even with my regular PJ’s just so they do not slip down. I can totally envision these to be comfy postpartum when you want everything to suck back in yet you are still not wearing your old jeans!
I wore it all day today with my sweatpants, and it worked great! I never had to pull up my pants! I am so excited! It is totally cozy to wear. I have fabric for another one in a tan colour that i will totally sew up. I am by far a pro sewer, yet it only took me about an hour from start to finish!
Here are some links for some awesome tutorials. I so could not done it without them!
Good luck and make sure to tell me if you make one! I have a friend that may have another baby (#5! OMG I KNOW!) and I so hope to make her one!
Any plans for your weekend? I am heading out with the girls to a movie tonight then we are painting and doing stuff around our gorgeous home all weekend!
A Canadian mom with three cute kids. This blog chronicles our lives my creative pursuits. 
They are totally fantastic for breastfeeding when you want you belly cover even if the boob isn’t.
Looks good.
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wow that looks cool! I wish I had one of those when I was preggers. Don’t need one now, though! Impressive work – I’m vicariously sewing thru you
Thanks for sharing this!!
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I love belly bands too, but I didn’t have any success with sewing one, so I started buying too small t-shirts at the thrift store and just hacking them off at the armpits or so and wearing them. T-shirt material rolls when cut, so I didn’t even bother to hem that top edge! The only important things were that there be at least 5% spandex and I liked the seamless ones best, I get sore stretchy skin.
Good job!
I had a bunch made, and made one myself via a similar method to yours, and nothing compares to the Bella Band brand. I use them all, but there’s a big difference between them and the real thing in my opinion. That said, in the homemade ones if you want lots of support I suggest the spandex-y fabric used for figure skating outfits…it was the tightest and made me feel all firm & taut. Until baby came out – then it was just a fat cover.
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I could have used one of these for sure when I was pregnant with D. Oh well!
I love the suggestion of using one for nursing too. my tummy gets cold sometimes and D’s hands are sometimes extra chilly too.
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I want to invite you to the Mommie Daze Virtual Baby Shower that I am hosting May 15 to June 8. This is an international even and there are prizes! Stop by my blog for all the details.
Would you consider being a guest blogger by sharing this post with the Virtual Baby Shower guests? Email me if you are interested.
Deborah
comfortjoydesigns {AT} gmail {DOT} com
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I had never heard of those, but that’s a good idea! And you are so crafty to have made one for yourself
Devilish Southern Belles last blog post..Time for another weird dream.
I know! I can’t believe she took the dog either! So are you liking the book? I don’t know why I loved that series so much, but for some reason, I did.
What is a belly band? I don’t think I have ever heard of that.
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You are SO TALENTED!!!!!!
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When I was pregnant 23 years ago, they didn’t have cool things like this. I’m always amazed on how things change for pregnant moms and even things available for kids.
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The fact that your kids give you any time or space to do cool projects like this is probably why you could pony up to have a third. I don’t think my kids gave me space to write a thank-you note for the first three years of their lives!
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that is so cool.
your belly is so cute too (as is your helper).
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excellent article, thank you
I actually purchased one when I was pregnant and was not that happy with it. I would have like it a bit snugger and Wider. If I had known how to make one I could have customized, maybe (and that a huge maybe) if I have another I will try it out. You are so resourceful!
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Good job!! I have one and I LOVE mine, but I use it to make my shirts longer, etc.
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Great job! Don’t you just love them!
And thanks for the linky. =)
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That’s great!! You did an awesome job! I so need to get one for me. Since I don’t have a sewing machine, I’ll probably just have to order one of the site.
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I put your link on my blog.. Thanks.. this is a super idea. Amee http://www.madamedeals.com
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Incredible tutorial! This is going to help a lot of pregnant woman. What is the right time to start wearing it?