536 Tool Belt Project and Ideas

By Nancy Horn

I enjoy the creative process of making things for my family and friends.  I have a brother-in-law who is a superstar of a handyman and has done so much in my life to “fix it” and put it all back together. And with the holidays fast approaching, I wanted to find just the right gift that would say, “thanks for all you do.”   When he works on a project, he tends to lose tools and spends lots of time and energy looking for them. So, I thought, what better gift than a handmade tool belt!  And surprisingly enough, he doesn’t own one! 

The Green Pepper’s 536 Work Apron and Tool Belt pattern is so easy. It could be nicknamed “Make in a Day Work Apron and Tool Belt.”  It’s user-friendly and only takes basic sewing skills, such as a straight stitch and zigzag, to assemble it.

I chose material that was heavy enough to hold the weight of small tools and gadgets.  The fabric I used was a lightweight cotton canvas with a simple weave that was discard from the sewing factory next door.  A fabric like canvas or denim is perfect. But you could use a different fabric, like laminated or waxed cotton, or use heavy interfacing to strengthen a fabric like quilting cotton.  The base of the pattern is constructed as one whole piece that is folded together, helping to make the tool belt sturdy. After I was finished, I loved it so much that I plan to make a “pretty one” for myself to use for my sewing and work projects. You can see me model the one for my brother-in-law below.

Don’t forget to try sewing the work apron as well. You might know just the right person to gift it to!

A couple of basic alternatives and ideas:
*Use lighter-weight fabric if you are making one to use around the house, and medium to heavy-weight fabric for working outside.
*Use reinforced (interfaced) fabric straps as an alternative to the nylon webbing used for the waist straps. 
*Sew more lines through the pockets to make smaller sections to hold smaller items like pencils or rulers.

Most of all – Enjoy the process and Happy Sewing!