Sew waistband on trousers #B03
In the following article, I explain how to sew a waistband with belt loops step by step using illustrated text instructions. I used a shaped waistband in the instructions. If you have chosen a version with a straight cut waistband, this will make no difference to the finish. Enjoy sewing!
1. This is required
![Sewing the waistband - required pattern pieces The picture shows which pattern pieces are needed to sew the waistband with belt loops](https://smartpattern.de/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/hosenbund-naehen-benoetigte-schnittteile.jpg)
The basis is the prepared trousers including the fly and pockets and the seat seam and leg seams have been closed.
Pattern pieces made from main fabric:
- waistband (B)- 2x
- belt loop (GS) – 1x
Pattern pieces from interfacing:
- waistband (EB) – 2x 2 pairs
Paper pattern pieces:
- waistband (B) for the position of the belt loops
- buttonhole template (P-BK)
- belt loop template (P-GS)
Tools and aids:
- pins and/or clips
- scissors
- Chalk or fabric marker
- ruler
- hand needle for sewing on the button, if necessary
![Sew waistband - inner waistband strip from pocket lining. The picture shows that the inside of the waistband can be sewn from a different fabric.](https://smartpattern.de/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/hosenbund-naehen-innerer-bundstreifen-aus-Taschenfutterstoff.jpg)
I will replace the inner waistband strip in this instructions and make it from the same material as my pocket bags rather than the outer fabric. This is a nice detail and you can better distinguish between the inside and outside of the waistband. If you are working with a pattern that is intended for elastic material, the fabric for the inner waistband strip must have the corresponding stretch properties.
![Sew waistband - prefabricated waistband The picture shows what the waistband looks like after it has been made during the fitting.](https://smartpattern.de/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/hosenbund-naehen-vorgefertigter-Bund.jpg)
If you have followed the fitting instructions, your waistband is already prepared, as you can see here.
![Sew waistband - pleat The picture shows how a pleat is folded and fastened before the waistband is sewn on.](https://smartpattern.de/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/pleat-at-trousers-top-edge-1.jpg)
If you have chosen a trouser style that has pleats or darts at the waistband edge, these must be placed or sewn down before the waistband is attached.
2. Prepare the belt loops
![Sewing the waistband - ironing the belt loops The picture shows how the fabric strip for the belt loops is ironed.](https://smartpattern.de/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/hosenbund-naehen-guertelschlaufen-buegeln.jpg)
Before sewing on the waistband, I prepare the belt loops. I have already serged one long side of the strip with the overlocker. I place the strip wrong side facing up and fold over the long edges by 1 cm, making sure the open cut edge is on the inside. I topstitch the strip from the outside lengthwise right in the middle.
![Sew waistband - cut belt loops to length The picture shows how to cut the strip for the belt loops.](https://smartpattern.de/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/hosenbund-naehen-guertelschlaufen-auf-laenge-zuschneiden.jpg)
Now I cut six belt loops from the long strip, using the template for the belt loop to mark the appropriate cutting length.
![Sewing waistband - marking for belt loops The picture shows how to mark the position of the belt loops on the front trousers.](https://smartpattern.de/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/mark-beltloop-postion-to-sew-waistband.jpg)
I pin the strips to the pants, right sides facing. For the positioning, I place the pattern of the waistband above the center front and transfer the positions of the belt loops to the trousers.
![Sew waistband - pin belt loops The picture shows how the belt loops are pinned to the trousers.](https://smartpattern.de/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/hosenbund-naehen-guertelschlaufen-stecken.jpg)
You can pin the belt loops in place or secure them within the seam allowance to prevent them from slipping.
![Sew waistband - mark belt loops at the back The picture shows how to mark the position of the belt loops on the back of the trousers.](https://smartpattern.de/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/hosenbund-naehen-guertelschlaufen-hinten.jpg)
I proceed in the same way with the distances from the center back and side seam to the belt loop. According to your personal preferences, you can e. g. attach only one belt loop to the center back and sew it on at an angle.
3. Prepare the waistband
If you have followed the instructions Preparing trousers with wasitband for fitting #F02, you can continue further down. If you have skipped the fitting, follow these instructions.
![Trying on the trousers - reinforcing the waistband The picture shows how the waistband is reinforced before the trousers are tried on.](https://smartpattern.de/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/anprobe-der-hose-bund-verstaerken.jpg)
Before the waistband can be attached, I prepare it. First I iron the interfacing. If you are using a sturdy fabric, it is not absolutely necessary to reinforce the inner waistband side as well. However, this is a matter of taste and depends on whether you prefer the waistband to be stable or softer.
![Trying on the trousers - tucking in the top edge of the waistband The picture shows how the two waistband strips are placed on top of each other before trying on the trousers.](https://smartpattern.de/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/anprobe-der-hose-bundoberkante-zusammenstecken.jpg)
I place the strips right sides together and pin them in place at the top edge.
![Trying on the trousers - sewing the top edge of the waistband The picture shows where the waistband is sewn together before the trousers are tried on.](https://smartpattern.de/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/anprobe-der-hose-bundoberkante-naehen.jpg)
Since this seam will not be undone, I sew the top edge by 1 cm seam allowance using a normal stitch length. I start and end approx. 1.5 cm before the shortedges. The beginning and end are not secured, as a short piece may have to be undone later, depending on how the corners are worked.
![Trying on the trousers - cut in the top edge of the shaped waistband The picture shows how the top edge of a shaped waistband is cut before trying on the trousers.](https://smartpattern.de/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/anprobe-der-hose-formbund-oberkante-einschneiden.jpg)
Tip
I cut into the seam allowance of a shaped waistband at intervals of a few centimeters so that it does not stretch at the top edge. Preventing the clips from being visible on the outside, it makes sense to offset them slightly in the two layers.
You can skip this step if you have opted for a straight waistband.
![Trying on the trousers - press open the seam allowances at the waistband The picture shows how the seam allowances at the top edge of the waistband are pressed open before trying on the trousers.](https://smartpattern.de/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/anprobe-der-hose-bund-nahzugabe-auseinanderbuegeln.jpg)
Next, I press the seam allowances open at the top edge of the waistband.
![Trying on the trousers - ironing the waistband The picture shows how the waistband is ironed before the trousers are tried on.](https://smartpattern.de/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/anprobe-der-hose-bund-buegeln.jpg)
Then I turn the waistband, wrong sides facing, and press the seam flat from the inside. I make sure that it lies slightly inwards at the top and does not push to the outside.
![Fitting the trousers - transferring the waistband markings The picture shows how the markings on the pattern are transferred to the waistband before trying on the trousers.](https://smartpattern.de/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/anprobe-der-hose-bund-markierungen-uebertragen.jpg)
I transfer the notches for the center back, the side seam and the center front to the outside of the waistband if I haven’t already done so when cutting.
![trouser-waistband-stretch-test Hold the shaped waistband at the height of the side seam at the shortened upper edge of the waistband and test whether the seam at the front where the thread is diagonal still stretches](https://smartpattern.de/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/stretch-test-curved-waistband-1.jpg)
Now is a good opportunity to check whether the waistband length still matches the pattern. It could be that it has been altered by sewing or ironing. I also check whether the seam in the front area of the shaped waistband, where the fabric lies in the diagonal grain, is still stretchy.
![Sew waistband - attach waistband to underlap The picture shows how the right side of the waistband is placed at the center front and underlap.](https://smartpattern.de/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/hosenbund-naehen-bund-an-untertritt-anlegen-1.jpg)
I place the waistband above my pants and decide which side meets the right trouser front with the fly shield and which the left on with the fly facing. The front notch on the lower edge of the waistband indicates the position of the center front on both sides. On the right front, the waistband strip protrudes the center front by 1 cm.
![Sewing the waistband - attaching the waistband to the fly The picture shows how the left side of the waistband is placed at the center front.](https://smartpattern.de/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/lay-on-waistband-to-trousers.jpg)
Meeting notches at the left center front, there are still a few centimeters of fabric left over.
However, only 1 cm is needed for the seam allowance. The fabric can be cut off there unless you would like to have a waistband extension at the fly shield (see pictures below) or if you have noticed that the waistband is too tight when trying on the pants.
If the waistband is too tight, you will have to move the notches at the bottom edge:
For example, if the waistband is 4 cm too tight and you have extended the side seams by 2 cm, move the notches on the waistband to the left by the following amounts:
- the notch for the right side seam by 1 cm
- the center back by 2 cm
- the left side seam by 3 cm
- the left center front by 4 cm
![Sew waistband - shorten left side of waistband The picture shows where the left side of the waistband can be shortened.](https://smartpattern.de/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/shorten-left-waistband-side-for-sewing.jpg)
Here I am making the version where the waistband edge ends with the center front, so I mark 1 cm seam allowance from the center front and cut away the remaining fabric there.
![Sewing waistband - marking with shortened waistband strip The picture shows how the shortened waistband strip is placed at the center front.](https://smartpattern.de/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/cut-left-waistband-side-to-sewing.jpg)
This is what it looks like after I have shortened the waistband to the right length.
4. Finish the front waistband edges/corners
![Sewing the waistband - Trimming the edges at the waistband The picture shows where the front edges of the waistband are closed.](https://smartpattern.de/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/hosenbund-naehen-ecken-am-bund-verstuerzen.jpg)
Now the waistband strips can also be finished at the front and the upper corners. I do this as follows:
![Sewing waistbands - different corner shapes The picture shows different variations that can be worked on the corners of the waistband.](https://smartpattern.de/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/hosenbund-naehen-verschiedene-eckenformen.jpg)
The corners can be rounded or slanted. I turn the waistband right sides facing. Later I start sewing at the top edge in the existing seam. Therefore I mark the front (short) edge on the later sewing side; the top edge is on top.
For the square version I draw 1 cm parallel to the front edge and 1 cm from the bottom edge. I also trace the course of the upper seam with a 1 cm seam allowance.
![Sewing the waistband - marking the curve The picture shows how the rounded corners of the waistband are marked for sewing.](https://smartpattern.de/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/hosenbund-naehen-rundung-anzeichnen.jpg)
If I want to bevel or round the corner, I also draw the corresponding shape on the top corner. You can e. g. use a coin as a template to draw a curve.
![Sewing the waistband - marking for waistband extension at the overlap The picture shows how the waistband extension is marked at the transition.](https://smartpattern.de/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/mark-form-waistband-extension-for-sewing.jpg)
If you want to sew the waistband extension on the left fly shield, mark the center front at the bottom edge at the notch and sew up to this point. Here, too, you can round off the corners, bevel them or leave them straight. In this case, I mark a distance of 9 mm on the bottom edge.
![Sew waistband - undo upper waistband seam if necessary The picture shows how the seam on the top edge can be opened up a little before the corners are sewn.](https://smartpattern.de/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/hosenbund-naehen-obere-bundnaht-ggf.-auftrennen.jpg)
Before I start sewing the corner, I undo the seam up to 1.5 cm before the short edge if necessary.
![Sew waistband - rounded waistband corner The picture shows how the upper corner of the waistband was marked for a curve.](https://smartpattern.de/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/hosenbund-naehen-abgerundete-bundecke.jpg)
For the rounded or beveled corner, I start directly at the seam line of the top edge and stitch along the marking.
![Sew waistband - insert turning thread The picture shows how a turning thread is inserted at the waistband corner.](https://smartpattern.de/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/hosenbund-naehen-wendefaden-einlegen.jpg)
Tip
To make it easier to turn and shape the straight corner later, I add a thread at the corner point: before I sew the last stitch before the corner, I stop and place an approx. 15 cm long turning thread between the layers of fabric. The thread is placed right up to the lowered needle. Then I sew a stitch over this thread, leave the needle in the fabric and lift the presser foot.
![Sew waistband - place turning thread on the inside The picture shows how the turning thread is placed back inside.](https://smartpattern.de/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/hosenbund-naehen-wendefaden-nach-innen-legen.jpg)
Now I place both thread ends between the waistband strips and continue sewing.
![Sew waistband - finished waistband corner The picture shows what the finished waistband corner looks like.](https://smartpattern.de/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/hosenbund-naehen-fertige-bundkante.jpg)
This is what the finished waistband corner looks like.
![Sew waistband - Sew corners for waistband extension The picture shows how the corners are sewn on a waistband extension.](https://smartpattern.de/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/hosenbund-naehen-ecke-bei-bundverlaengerung-naehen.jpg)
For the version with waistband extension, I sew the bottom corner in the same way as the top corner.
When sewing towards the bottom corner, I stretch the bottom of the inner waistband layer so that it peeks out 1-2 mm at the bottom edge. I use this to push some width into the outer waistband preventing the inner waistband from being visible from the outside after turning.
![Sew waistband - work lower edge at waistband extension The picture shows how the bottom edge of the waistband is sewn when the waistband strip is extended at the overlap.](https://smartpattern.de/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/hosenbund-naehen-untere-kante-bei-bundverlaengerung.jpg)
I sew the lower section to the marking on the center front with a 10 mm distance to the protruding edge.
![Sewing waistband - incision for waistband extension The picture shows how the bottom edge of the waistband is cut at the marking.](https://smartpattern.de/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/hosenbund-naehen-einschnitt-bei-bundverlaengerung.jpg)
I clip the seam allowance at the center front until just before the last stitch.
![Sewing the waistband - cutting back the seam allowance The picture shows how the seam allowance is cut back at the corners and the inner waistband.](https://smartpattern.de/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/hosenbund-naehen-ecken-und-nahtzugabe-zurueckschneiden.jpg)
I cut back the seam allowance at the two upper corners at an angle 3 mm from the seam.
I also cut the front and top seam allowance of the inner waistband back to approx. half the width so that the layers lie flatter after turning.
![Sew waistband - different corner shapes The picture shows a waistband strip with differently finished corners.](https://smartpattern.de/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/diffent-edge-forms-at-waistband-sewing.jpg)
Here you can see an example with a straight corner at the top and a rounded corner at the bottom.
![Sewing the waistband - finished waistband extension The picture shows what the finished waistband extension looks like from the left side.](https://smartpattern.de/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/hosenbund-naehen-fertig-genaehte-bundverlaengerung.jpg)
And this is what the version with a waistband extension on the overlap and a straight corner on the underlap looks like from the inside.
5. Understitch the upper edge of the waistband
![Sew waistband - topstitch the upper edge of the waistband The picture shows the prepared waistband strip with the top edge stitched down on the inside.](https://smartpattern.de/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/hosenbund-naehen-bundoberkante-niedersteppen.jpg)
If I want to topstitch the top edge of my waistband through and through later, this step can be omitted. Otherwise, I understitch the seam on the inside waistband to prevent it from being visible from the outside. I start and finish as close to the corners as I can easily reach.
![Sew waistband - topstitch the upper edge of the waistband The picture shows how the top edge of the waistband is stitched to the seam allowance on the inside.](https://smartpattern.de/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/hosenbund-naehen-bundoberkante-niedersteppen-2.jpg)
6. Turn the waistband edge
![Sewing the waistband - turning and shaping the corner The picture shows how the corner of the waistband is shaped.](https://smartpattern.de/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/hosenbund-nahen-ecke-wenden.jpg)
Then I turn the waistband edge.
With the help of the sewn in turning threads, I can shape the straight corners nicely. I leave these in until my waistband is sewn on.
![Sewing the waistband - Ironing the waistband The picture shows how the prepared waistband strip is ironed.](https://smartpattern.de/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/hosenbund-nahen-bund-buegeln.jpg)
I iron the corners and waistband flat from the inside.
![Sew waistband - finished waistband strips The picture shows two waistband strips with different corner finishes.](https://smartpattern.de/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/hosenbund-nahen-fertige-bundstreifen.jpg)
Here you can see two waistband strips with different corner variations, above the overlap side with waistband extension.
7. Design of the waistband
There are various options for attaching the waistband strip, depending on the favoured design and fabric thickness. A few thoughts are necessary in advance.
![Sew waistband - Sew waistband variations The picture shows different variations of how the waistband can be sewn on visibly or invisibly.](https://smartpattern.de/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/topstich-variants-for-waistband.jpg)
Here you can see various examples for the design of the waistband. If you want to finish the waistband without visible topstitching, first sew the outer waistband strip to trousers. You can proceed in the same way for the versions that are topstitched. It’s also possible to sew the inner waistband strip to the inside of the trousers first and stitch the outer waistband strip to the outside. I show this variant in the instructions for sewing a waistband on jeans trousers.
Here I explain how to proceed if you do not want to have a visible topstitch on the waistband, as in variant 1.
8. Lower edge of the inner waistband
Before I sew on the waistband, I think about how I will finish the raw edge of the inner waistband.
![Sewing waistbands - inside waistband finishing variations The picture shows two variations of how the inner waistband can be finished.](https://smartpattern.de/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/workmanship-variations-for-inner-waistband.jpg)
The cut edge can be finished with an overlock seam or bias binding (inside variant 2).
![Sew waistband - iron lower waistband edge on the inside The picture shows how the bottom edge of the inside of the waistband is pressed over.](https://smartpattern.de/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/hosenbund-nahen-bundunterkante-innen-umbuegeln.jpg)
or the the inside of the waistband is pressed by 8 mm so I can catch the folded edge when topstitching from the outside. (inside variant 1)
9. Sew on waistband
![Sew waistband - pin the waistband to the pants The picture shows how the waistband strip is attached to the trousers.](https://smartpattern.de/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/pin-waistband-to-trousers.jpg)
Now I pin the waistband onto the trousers, right sides facing, all the way round.
![Sew waistband - pin the waistband to the pants The picture shows how the waistband strip is pinned to the trousers.](https://smartpattern.de/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/hosenbund-nahen-bund-an-hose-stecken-2.jpg)
I make sure that the waistband markings for the center front and center back as well as the side seams match the corresponding points of the trousers exactly.
![Sew waistband - Sew on waistband The picture shows how the waistband is sewn on.](https://smartpattern.de/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/hosenbund-nahen-bund-annaehen.jpg)
Then I sew the waistband with a 10 mm seam allowance, making sure the belt loops point straight down. If you have only pinned the loops in place, carefully stitch over the pins.
![Sew the waistband - fix the bottom edge of the waistband on the inside. The picture shows how the lower inner edge of the waistband is fixed.](https://smartpattern.de/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/hosenbund-nahen-untere-bundkante-innen-fixieren.jpg)
At this point, you can turn the waistband edge to catch the lower cut edge of the inner waistband in the front seam. This makes it easier to fold the front edge over afterwards.
10. Stitch down the inside waistband
![Sew waistband - press seam allowance into the waistband The picture shows how the seam allowance is pressed into the waistband.](https://smartpattern.de/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/hosenbund-nahen-ansatznaht-in-den-bund-buegeln.jpg)
After the outer waistband is sewn on, I press the seam towards the waistband.
![Sew waistband - prepare stabilizer for buttonhole The picture shows how a piece of fleece is prepared to be inserted into the waistband strip.](https://smartpattern.de/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/hosenbund-nahen-vlies-fuer-knofloch-einlegen.jpg)
Depending on the thickness of the fabric, it may be helpful to place a remaining piece between the layers of fabric on the left side of the waistband in the area where the buttonhole will later be sewn and pin it in place from the outside.
![Sew waistband - insert stabilizer for the buttonhole The picture shows how a piece of fleece is inserted into the waistband strip.](https://smartpattern.de/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/hosenbund-naehen-vlies-fuer-knopfloch-einlegen.jpg)
It also helps to grade the layers in this area, i.e. to cut them slightly offset to flatten the edge.
![Sew waistband - pin fleece for the buttonhole The picture shows how the fleece for the buttonhole is pinned into the waistband.](https://smartpattern.de/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/hosenbund-nahen-vlies-fuer-knopfloch-feststecken.jpg)
This will even out the difference in hight between the seam allowances and make it easier to sew the buttonhole.
![Sew waistband - fold in seam allowance The picture shows how the seam allowance is folded in at the waistband.](https://smartpattern.de/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/hosenbund-naehen-nahtzugabe-einschlagen.jpg)
Here you can see how I place the seam allowance of the trousers at the front edge and fold the bottom edge of the inner waistband over it.
![Sew waistband - baste inner waistband The picture shows how the inner waistband is stapled.](https://smartpattern.de/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/hosenbund-naehen-innenbund-heften.jpg)
To position the bottom edge exactly 2 mm below the seam, I like to use needle and thread and baste the inner waistband. After topstitching, I can remove the basting.
You can also use pins instead of the basting thread. These are inserted from the outside.
![Sewing the waistband - Sewing the inner waistband Stitch into the ditch](https://smartpattern.de/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/hosenbund-naehen-innenbund-festnaehen.jpg)
Now I topstitch the inner waistband from the outside. I chose this version because I want the stitching to be as invisible as possible. That’s why I don’t topstitch on the waistband, but just below. This is also known as “stitch in the ditch”.
![Sewing the waistband - Ironing the waistband The picture shows how the finished waistband is ironed.](https://smartpattern.de/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/hosenbund-naehen-bund-buegeln.jpg)
Now I press the waistband again.
11. Sew the buttonhole into the waistband
![Sew waistband - mark buttonhole The picture shows how the position of the buttonhole is marked on the waistband using the template.](https://smartpattern.de/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/hosenbund-naehen-knopfloch-markieren.jpg)
The buttonhole (2 buttonholes for the wide waistband version) is now sewn into the left side of the waistband. I transfer the starting point from the template to the waistband.
![Sew waistband - mark button size The picture shows how to mark the size of the buttonhole on the waistband.](https://smartpattern.de/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/hosenbund-naehen-knopfgroesse-anzeichnen.jpg)
I measure the size of the button to make sure the buttonhole has the right size.
![Sew waistband - Sew buttonhole The picture shows how the buttonhole is sewn into the waistband.](https://smartpattern.de/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/hosenbund-naehen-knopfloch-naehen.jpg)
The buttonhole is sewn using the automatic buttonhole foot and stitch setting. Beforehands I make a sample on a comparably thick test piece.
![Sew waistband - undo buttonhole The picture shows how the buttonhole is carefully unraveled.](https://smartpattern.de/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/hosenbund-naehen-knopfloch-auftrennen-2.jpg)
Tip
If you do not have such a setting on your sewing machine, you can mark the length of the button and sew the buttonhole with two different zigzag stitches.
The two long bartacks at the top and bottom are sewn with a small stitch width. A wider bartack is sewn at the beginning and end of the buttonhole. If necessary, the needle position can also be shifted to the right or left to achieve a beautiful result.
I sew such a buttonhole using the following settings:
long bartack: stitch length 0.4 – stitch width 1.3 – needle position -2 (shifted to the left)
short bartack: stitch length 0.05 – stitch width 3.8 – needle position 0
Be sure to try out this variant on a leftover piece of the same thickness. You can sew the buttonhole without taking off in between. To do this, leave the needle lowered in the fabric between the individual bartacks and carefully turn the trousers underneath with the presser foot raised. If your machine has a walking foot, this can be very helpful, especially with thicker fabrics.
![Sew waistband - Punch buttonhole eyelet The picture shows how the eye of the buttonhole is punched with a hole punch.](https://smartpattern.de/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/hosenbund-naehen-knopfloch-oeffnen.jpg)
If you have sewn a buttonhole with a keyhole, you can punch it out with a small punch (approx. 2 mm diameter).
![Sew waistband - mark button position The picture shows how to mark the position of the button on the waistband.](https://smartpattern.de/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/hosenbund-naehen-knopfposition-markieren.jpg)
Once the buttonhole has been carefully cut open, the button position can be marked. First, I close the slit so that the left waistband edge lies over the right underlap. The center front of the left and right front pieces meet exactly.
Then I sew on the button.
12. Sew belt loops onto the waistband
![Sew waistband - stitch belt loops at the bottom The picture shows how the belt loops are stitched under the waistband.](https://smartpattern.de/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/hosenbund-naehen-guertelschlaufen-unten-feststeppen.jpg)
The belt loops are first stitched 15 mm parallel below the waistband seam. It is advisable to place a piece of fabric (e.g. a leftover piece from the belt loop cut) in front of and, if necessary, behind the loop. This means that the presser foot is already at the correct hight when quilting and can feed better. A so-called hump jumper made of plastic can of course also be used.
![Sewing the waistband - attaching the belt loops to the waistband The picture shows how the belt loops are pinned to the waistband.](https://smartpattern.de/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/hosenbund-naehen-guertelschlaufen-an-bund-stecken.jpg)
I pin the belt loops to the waistband. The top edges are folded over consisely with the top edge of the waistband and sewn on top.
![Sew waistband - sew belt loops to the top of the waistband The picture shows how the belt loops are attached to the top of the waistband.](https://smartpattern.de/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/hosenbund-naehen-guertelschlaufe-oben-auf-bund-naehen.jpg)
In this example, I used a narrow zigzag stitch with a stitch width of 1.5 and a stitch length of 0.4 mm. I recommend to try out the stitch on a test piece first.
Again, it is helpful to use the height compensation tip to bring the presser foot into a straight position.
![Sew waistband - finished waistband The picture shows the finished waistband.](https://smartpattern.de/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/hosenbund-naehen-fertig-genaehter-bund.jpg)
When all the belt loops are sewn in place, your waistband is finished!
Here is the link to the next step:
If you’re not quite ready yet and perhaps want to start at the beginning, you’ll find some links here: