Belt Pattern #2257

Starting at short side, ch 7, turn.

1st row: Sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in each ch across (6 sc). Ch 1, turn.

2nd row: 2 sc in 1st sc (an increase), sc in each sc across, 2 sc in last sc (another increase). Ch 1, turn.

Repeat 2nd row until there are 16 sc in the row. Work straight until piece measures 1 inch.

Next row: Sc in each of 4 sc, ch 8, skip 8 sc, sc in each of 4 sc (thus a slit is made). Ch 1, turn.

Following row: Sc in each sc and in each ch across. Ch 1, turn.

Hereafter work as before increasing 1 sc both ends of every row until there are 24 sc in the row. Work straight until piece measures 3 inches in all (this is half of buckle). Make other half to correspond, making decreases where increases were made and making another slit at opposite side as before. Work a row of sc all around edges. Break off.

Starting at short side, ch 5, turn. Work as for buckle until there are 8 sc in the row.

Next row: Sc in each of 2 sc, ch 4, skip 4 sc, sc in next 2 sc (a buttonhole). Ch. 1, turn.

Work as before for desired length. Work opposite end of belt to correspond with beginning. Work 1 row of sc all around belt. Break off.

Starting at center, ch 3, then make 6 sc in 3rd ch from hook.

2nd and subsequent rnds: Sc in each sc, increasing when necessary to keep work flat, until piece covers top of button. Work 1 rnd straight. Slip button inside and close up by making sc in sc and decreasing when necessary, until button is enclosed. Leave piece of thread to sew button to buckle. Break off.

Work 5 petals in blanket stitch with long stitch between petals in first color. Center of flower, blanket stitch in 2nd color. Stems, outline stitch in 3rd color. Leaves, single stitches in a cluster in 4th color (see diagram).