Chain Belt

Supplies Needed:

• 2mm Cord material
• Project Board and pins
• Tape Measure
• Glue

Cutting and Mounting Cords

Measure the area just above your hips.  That is where the Chain belt should rest.  Don’t pull the tape measure tight. Cut the cords as follows:

• Small (28 inch) Belt = 5 yards per cord x 6
• Medium (35 inch) Belt = 6 yards per cord x 6
• Large (42 inch Belt) = 7 yards per cord x 6
• Extra Large (49 inch Belt) = 8 yards per cord x 7

For sizes in between those listed, it’s best to use the next size up, so you have extra cord, rather than risk running short.  Be sure to make adjustments to the number of cords cut, if using material that is narrower or thicker than 2mm. For example, in the image above, I used 4mm cord to make the Chain Belt, so only needed 3 strands rather than 6.

Step 1:  Cut 2 strands of material, each 8 inches long.  Secure one horizontally to your project board so it’s taut.

Designing the Chain Sennits

Step 2:  Make a Chain Sennit with each of the cords.  Start them just below the mounting knots. Stop when the belt is the size you planned on making. To end the sennits, pass the end of the cord through the final loop from back to front.

Tips:  To keep the loops uniform, try to keep the long portion of the cord always on your left.

Also, tighten the loops as you make them, by pulling until all the slack is out.  The loop may become too large as you tighten.  Simply adjust it by pulling on the long portion of the cord.

To link the sennits, periodically pass the end of the cord you are working with through the chain you made previously.  It's best to direct the cord through the spaces from the back to the front of the design.  I always work from left to right, so I would link sennit 2 to 1, then 3 to 2, etc. You can either link all the chains in the same areas, or alternate the spots where they connect.

Creating the Fringe

Step 3:  Place the second short cord on top of the cords horizontally, next to the end of the sennits.  Attach all the cords to it with Double Half Hitches. Direct the ends of both holding cords to the back of the design, and weave them into the spaces.  You can apply Fabric Glue to secure them.

Step 4:  Trim the ends so they are even.  Apply glue to the tips to prevent unraveling.