Waist Cinch Belt Pattern #S-621

Starting at lower edge, make a chain slightly longer than length desired.

Dc in 4th ch from hook and in each ch across until row measures 1 inch less than waist measurement, having number of stitches (including turning chain) divisible by 3 with 1 left over. Cut off remaining chain. Ch 1, turn.

Sc in first dc, * ch 3, skip next 2 dc, sc in next dc. Repeat from * across. Ch 4, turn.

Sc in first loop, * ch 3, sc in next loop. Repeat from * across. Ch 4, turn.

Work as for 3rd row, omitting turning chain. Break off.

With right side of first dc row facing, attach thread to lower corner of front edge (short end of strip), ch 3, 3 dc under turning chain, (2 dc in next loop, dc in next sc) 4 times; 5 dc in corner loop, dc in first sc of upper edge, * 2 dc in next loop, dc in next sc. Repeat from * across, 5 dc in corner and work other front edge to correspond. Join and break off.

With right side of edging facing and working along the long edge, attach thread to first dc at corner, sc in same dc, * insert hook in next dc, with middle finger of left hand hold thread down against back of work to form a ½ inch loop, thread over hook and draw loop through, thread over hook and draw through both loops on hook (loop st made). Repeat from * across. Break off. Attach thread to first loop st and make a loop st in each loop st across. Break off. Work 2 rows of loop sts in same manner at opposite side of Belt. Sc in each st across one short (front) edge. Break off. Work a row of sc along opposite edge. Turn.

Sl st in first sc, (ch 5, skip next sc, sl st in next 4 sc) 4 times; ch 5, skip next sc, sl st in next sc. Break off. Sew buttons in place.