Ingredients
- 1 skein of medium-weight cotton yarn, 4 ounces and about 200 yards
- 1 crochet hook, size H-8, 5 millimeters
- 1 yarn needle with a blunt tip
- 1 pair of fabric scissors
- 1 flexible measuring tape, 60 inches
- 4 locking stitch markers
- 1 small ruler, 6 inches (optional)
- 1 clean bath towel, about 24 by 48 inches
- 4 rustproof sewing pins
- 1 spray bottle filled with 4 fluid ounces of clean water
- 1 shallow tray or clean plastic bag, 12 by 18 inches (optional)
Instructions
- Cover the table with a clean bath towel.
- Make a small tension check with 16 chain stitches and 10 rows of single crochet.
- Chain 25 stitches for the center panel. Single crochet into the second chain from the hook and continue across, giving you 24 single crochet stitches. Chain 1, turn, and repeat this row for 4 rows.
- Begin the gentle shaping. On the next row, single crochet 2 stitches together at the beginning, work across, and single crochet 2 stitches together at the end. Repeat that shaping row once more, leaving 20 stitches.
- Work 12 rows of single crochet across the 20 stitches.
- Widen the center panel slightly by making one single crochet in the first stitch, two single crochets in the next stitch, single crochet across to the last two stitches, then two single crochets in the next stitch and one single crochet in the final stitch. Repeat this increase row once, bringing the count to 24 stitches.
- Continue with 4 rows of single crochet.
- Make the first tie by attaching the yarn to one short side of the panel. Chain 70 stitches, then single crochet back across the chain.
- Chain 1, turn, and work 3 more rows of single crochet along the tie. Finish with a slip stitch, cut the yarn leaving a 6 inch tail, and pull the tail through the final loop.
- Attach the yarn to the opposite short side and repeat the same tie.
- Add a simple border around the center panel and the first inch of each tie. Use single crochet evenly along the edges.
- Weave in every loose end with the yarn needle.
- Lightly mist the towel with water, place the belt flat, and smooth it into shape. Pin only the corners and the ends of the ties.
- Allow it to rest undisturbed for 12 to 24 hours, then remove the pins and check the drape.
Notes
Keep the scissors pointed away from your hand and cut only on a stable surface. An adult should handle the scissors and supervise crochet work.
- Cook Time: 240 minutes
