Sewing

Formal Affair: Make a Fun Cummerbund & Bow Tie Set

May 5, 2017

You need: a favorite sewing pattern, great fabric, Dritz® belt and bow tie hardware.

‘Tis the season for all things formal! Take parties up a notch with accessories that are quirky and unique. Use our Dritz® belt and bow tie hardware sets with bold fabrics and your favorite sewing pattern to create stand-out pieces. Here are some tips for making formal attire packed with personality.

Here are the key materials we used:

Dritz® bow tie set hardware
Dritz® cummerbund buckle set
Timeless Treasures fabrics (3/4 yard per each belt/tie set)
McCall’s® sewing pattern 4321

Dritz Bow Tie Hardware for Making DIY Bow Ties

The Dritz® bow tie hardware set is clinch when it comes to making bow ties because it lets you make ties that are easy to put on and adjust. Each set contains three pieces; the set fits a 5/8″ strap and can be used for making bow ties for kids and adults.

Check out more bow tie goodness here.

Dritz Cummerbund Belt Hardware for Making DIY Cummerbund Belts for weddings, formals, prom, and party fun!

The Dritz® cummerbund buckle set is pretty handy, too. You’ll want to use it to make sure that your cummerbund belt fits nice and snug. The set contains two pieces: an interlocking buckle and slide adjuster, and fits 1-1/8″ straps.

Make Your Own DIY Cummerbund Belt & Bow Tie Sets

We used both of the hardware sets, plus a McCall’s® sewing pattern and fabrics from Timeless Treasures to make our accessories.

We did adjust this particular sewing pattern slightly to accommodate the belt buckle. Here are some construction tips:

An Omnigrid Ruler & Rotary Cutter for Cutting Fabric

While the pattern called for making the back strap from elastic, we really wanted to use this fun fabric for the entire belt. Plus, the buckle hardware really functions best with fabric straps.

To make this adjustment to the belt, cut two 3″ x 8-1/2″ fabric strips.

Cummerbund Belt Sewing Project in Progress

Fold the straps lengthwise, with the right sides together. Stitch the long edge with a 3/8″ seam allowance.

Without turning straps right side out, finger press the seams open and roll the strap so the seam is centered. Stitch across one short end of each strap. For directional prints, be sure to stitch the opposite ends of each strap. Trim corners.

Use a Dritz Quick Turn Sewing Tool To Turn Fabric

Using a quick turn fabric turning tool, turn straps right side out and push out corners. Press flat.

Position straps on cummerbund in place of elastic. Attach cummerbund buckle set as described in pattern instructions.

Are you ready to party? We give this set a big thumbs up!

The best tip we can offer is choose a fun fabric that really reflects your personality and style. We just loved all the novelty prints from Timeless Treasures, perfect for sports fans, techies and musicians alike.