Before sorting through your thread stash or purchasing supplies, or even thinking about stitch techniques, you must take time to plan out the needlepoint belt project. This is not the time for short cuts or impulsiveness. Start off with this handy checklist to ensure a successful outcome and enjoyment as you work the project. Small Bargello designs with a single small repetitive motif are most effective for belts. With waist size in mind, make sure that the pattern is wide or thick enough (e.g. no more than 1.75 inches for a standard belt) and that it can easily be repeated across the length of the belt. A Diamond Bargello Design was chosen for this stitch-along. The free needlepoint chart with detailed stitching instructions is included in Step 2-Stitching the Needlepoint Belt. Choosing a belt style is all about the type of closure or buckle you decide to use. With certain types of belt buckles, you can use a shorter length of needlepoint canvas. Since both the length and width of the completed needlepoint belt are determined by the closure, it is important to either first choose a belt buckle style or decide on a tie-style closure, and then design the needlepoint belt around it. Needlepoint belts work best with leather buckles that have tab closures, or decorative metal and plastic ones with two ends that clasp together in the center, or even tie-style closures with cords and tassels. Prong buckles that need eyelets can take away from the overall look and feel of a finished needlepoint belt; and depending on the thread you use, the finished needlework may be too thick for a slide-through buckle. White or ecru colored needlepoint canvas works well for this project, but you can use other colors depending on your color selection for threads and fibers. For example, tan or black canvas would keep darker colored threads from showing through; while ecru or white canvas is preferable for lighter colored threads. Limit the amount of metallic or specialty threads used in working the belt and do not use textured fibers as they may not be smooth enough for repeated stitching of the needlepoint pattern. Select as many colors as you like—especially those that match clothing and other accessories in your fashion wardrobe.
