Chainstitch Embellished Belt — Tips and Hints

Chainstitch Embellished Belt — Tips and Hints for the PFAFF® admire™ air 7000

This simple, elegant belt proves that a single decorative stitch can make a striking statement. The embellishment is created using the chainstitch on the PFAFF® admire™ air 7000 coverlock machine — a 2-thread stitch formed by the chainstitch needle and chainstitch looper working together.

The key to the bold, decorative effect is using a heavier weight decorative thread in the chainstitch looper. This causes the looper thread to sit prominently on the right side of the fabric, creating a rich, textured line that looks far more intricate than the technique itself.

What You'll Need

• Belt fabric
• Vakauttaja
• Decorative thread for the chainstitch looper (metallic, cotton, or a mix of both)
• Closure of your choice

Ohjeet

Step 1 — Prepare the Belt Fabric

1. Determine your desired finished belt length and add seam allowances.
2. Determine your desired finished belt width, multiply that measurement by 2, and add seam allowances. This accounts for folding the belt in half lengthwise.

   Note: The belt shown has a finished width of 3.5" (approximately 9cm), so the fabric was cut to 7" plus seam allowances.

3. Apply stabilizer to the wrong side of the fabric. This provides a firm foundation for the chainstitch and keeps the decorative stitching looking clean and even.

Step 2 — Mark the Stitching Guidelines

All markings are made on the stabilizer side of the fabric.

4. Mark the center of the belt lengthwise.
   
   
5. Mark 1.75" (4.5cm) in from each long edge — this defines the area of the belt that will be visible on the finished piece and keeps your decorative stitching within the right zone.
   
6. Draw your stitching guidelines in a random pattern of your choice across the marked area. These lines are your creative roadmap — there are no rules here, so feel free to experiment with curves, diagonals, or intersecting lines.
   

Step 3 — Stitch the Chainstitch Embellishment

7. Set the stitch length to 4.0mm.
   
   
8. Sew the chainstitch from the wrong side of the fabric, following your marked guidelines. Because the right side faces down, the decorative looper thread will form on the right side of the belt — exactly where you want it.
9. Mix thread types for variety — the belt shown uses a combination of metallic and cotton threads, which adds depth and interest to the finished design. Switching between threads for different lines is a simple way to make the pattern feel more dynamic.

Step 4 — Finish the Belt

10. Place the belt right sides together and sew along both long edges.
11. Turn the belt right side out and press.
12. Add a closure of your choice to finish — a buckle, hook and bar, or tie ends all work beautifully with this style.