Reattach or Replace a Belt Loop

What you will learn

• Positioning a loop
• Sewing through thick layers
• Locking with an X box

Materials and tools

• Strong thread (topstitch thread or heavy-duty polyester)
• Machine jeans needle 100/16 or hand sharps size 5
• Strip of matching fabric 1 1/2 in (38 mm) wide and the height of the waistband plus 1 in (25 mm) long
• Thimble
• Pins
• Seam ripper
• Iron

Before you start

• Assess the damage. Check if the loop is only loose at one end, has torn off at both ends, or if the waistband fabric has torn where the loop attached.
• Look at the waistband. If the band fabric is whole, the repair is simple. If it has frayed or holed, put a patch of denim behind the spot before re-attaching.
• Find the marks. Old stitches and the loop position should show as small holes on the waistband. Place the loop so it matches the others.
• If the loop is missing, make a new one. Cut a strip as above. Fold the long edges to the centre, then fold in half again to make a strip about 3/8 in (10 mm) wide. Press and topstitch both edges.

1. Remove loose threads with the seam ripper. Do not cut the waistband fabric.
2. If the loop is intact, fold under 1/4 in (6 mm) at the raw end. If new, cut the loop to the waistband height plus 1 in (25 mm) and fold under 1/4 in (6 mm) at each end.
3. Position the loop on the waistband, pin it and check that a belt will pass. Make sure it sits vertical and matches the others.
4. Stitch the lower end. Sew back and forth across the end of the loop three or four times with a straight stitch, in a band about 1/8 in (3 mm) tall, or use a short dense zigzag (a bar tack). Stitch through the loop and the waistband.
5. Fold the top end over onto the waistband and repeat the same stitching. If the loop passes the top of the waistband, tuck it under before sewing.
6. For hand sewing, use doubled thread and a thimble. Work three rows of backstitch across each end of the loop, taking each stitch 1/8 in (3 mm) long.
7. Secure with a knot, trim and press the area flat.

Tips for a neat result

• Sew the bottom first, then the top, so the loop sits flat without twisting.
• Use a hammer to gently flatten thick seam bumps before sewing.
• Test fit a belt before final sewing to make sure the loop is wide enough.

Common mistakes and fixes

Check your result

• A belt passes freely through the loop.
• The loop is vertical and matches the others.
• The stitching at both ends is firm and does not move when tugged.