Needlepoint belts can be tricky to size, so if you are not sure please read the following information so that there are no disappointments if your belt comes back to you and it doesn’t fit!

MEASUREMENTS: The best way to measure a needlepoint belt is by measuring a belt that fits.  Lay the belt on a flat surface and measure from the buckle (including the buckle in the measurement) to the whole most worn.

DETERMINING BELT SIZE  

*****PLEASE READ INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY! ***** 

Measuring a belt from the tip of the buckle to the hole worn will determine the BELT SIZE.  Pant size plus 2" will also equal the BELT Size. EXAMPLE: 34" pant + 2" = 36" BELT. 

Stitch 4" less needlepoint than belt size to allow for leathering. Example: BELT SIZE 36" - 4" = 32" of stitched canvas needed. When positioning the design area on your belt, please note that 1 1/2 " on each end of the needlepoint will be covered by leather 

The size of a man’s pants works as well. An example: If a man wears a 36 pant then the needlepoint belt would need to be size 38. It should always be two inches bigger than the pant size.

BEWARE! Do not use the measurement stamped on the back of a store bought belt. That measurement usually is the waist size measurement and not the true belt size and the needlepoint belt will be too small.

TYPES OF LEATHER There are  two kinds of leather to choose from: Calf skin and Saddle leather. Calf skin leather is much softer and usually used on ladies or children’s belts. Calf skin leathers also come in many colors. Saddle leather is heavier leather and used to make saddles and heavier items and is most often used for men’s belts.

PLEASE NOTE: Leather is subject to slight color variations.

Needlepoint belts either have to be turned under or have a finishing or binding stitch on the edge  Here is a photo showing the binding stitch.

How do I know which one to do?

The binding stitch is used when a belt on 18 count canvas is between 18-22 mesh wide (count the horizontal lines) If the belt is wider than 22 mesh wide the belt can be folded over on each side. This is important so that you needlepoint belt will fit through the pant loops. If you are working on 14 mesh canvas the belt needs to be 14-16 mesh wide to add the binding stitch. If it is wider than that we suggest that it be folded.

We can do that for you! If the binding stitch is needed it is necessary to send enough extra thread to complete the edge. It takes about one skein of Pearl cotton to complete both sides of a belt if stitched in the same color.

Why does folding cost more? Because it is very time consuming to fold the edge and sew at the same time.

Types of needlepoint belt finishing and all of these are measured the same way.

Small Brass Buckle                1.25” 

Large Brass Buckle                1.50”

Small Silver Buckle                1.50”

Large Silver Buckle                1.75”

Black Modern Buckle             1.75”

Silver Rhinestones Buckle     1.75”

Bamboo Buckle                      1.75”