Pixie Belt Tutorial: Intro

Update 4/5/19: HOLD THE PRESS! This tutorial is now available in portable, printable, add-free PDF format through my Ravelry , Ko-fi, and Etsy pattern shops! Get the downloadable version for easy reference AND help support my business at the same time <3 <3 <3 Thanks for visiting!

In response to many requests, I will be starting a series of tutorial posts for the freeform pixie pocket skirt belts (is that enough words for that?) that I’ve been making for a few years now. These crocheted belts feature utility belt style pockets in whimsical colors and shapes and a tattered fabric fringe skirt – they are great scrapbusters and excellent practice at creating different shapes and textures. And one of my favorite things to make!

The one pictured on me here was the first one I ever made, and I was immediately addicted – mixed media, playing with color, using up spare material, cute AND useful.. sounds good right?

Once I had made a few more and started posting pictures of them here, I got requests for a pattern. The challenge is that I do these belts differently each time – so figuring out a pattern or a tutorial that doesn’t lock them down into sameness took some thought.

So I ruminated on it, and finally decided that a series of technique tutorials, based around the creation of an example belt, would be best. I aimed to explain these techniques well enough for even beginners to experiment with these fun shapes and textures, and for everyone to feel confident enough to let loose and have fun with it.

This tutorial series will cover material selection, basic shapes needed to create the pockets and the belt, some textural techniques, instructions on attaching the pockets, and how to make the fabric skirt fringe – and anything else I can think of! The links to the post series will appear in order below:

• Intro (this post)
• Gathering Materials
• Belt Base
• Ruffles, Shells, and Scales
• Square Pockets
• Triangles
• Circle Pocket Part 1
• Circle Pocket Part 2
• Pointed Pouch
• Attaching the Pockets
• Fabric Fringe Skirt
• Wrap-Up
• Bonus Round: One Piece Circular Pocket
• Bonus Round: Cell Phone Pocket

If you want to stay up to date on this series as it is posted, remember to follow my blog or like & follow my Facebook page!

UPDATE! This pattern is now listed on Ravelry, so if you are a Raveler you should link up your projects made from this tutorial – I’d love to see them 😀

In the next section, I’m going to go through choosing the materials for the belt. I use a theme for mine, as you may have noticed: plants and trees. I love being inspired by nature, and choosing a theme like this helps guide me when I’m not sure what sort of look I want to add to the piece. More on that later.

For more inspiration, check out the Pixie Belt section on my Pinterest crochet board.

Whether you choose a theme or not, remember this is a freeform project. It’s an exercise in letting go of control, of not being married to an intended outcome. Let it be zen, spontaneous, and fun! I call these belts my “chaos therapy” projects.

That’s it for the Intro – I can’t wait to get started on this project and hopefully to see what you all make!

-MF