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How to Make Amish Suspenders

Amish culture traditionally stresses that its members use their clothing to stress the importance of community over focusing on the self. As a result, Amish clothing is very simple in design and made to be durable. While many Amish communities share common beliefs, there are some deviations, depending on the area. One such is that Amish men and boys wear suspenders instead of belts, since the belt loops would be a decorative addition. Amish-style suspenders use buttons instead of clips and elastic to keep the trousers up over the waist.

Things You'll Need

Elastic (1 yard, 1/2-inch width)
Fabric (1 yard)
8 buttons
Heavy material such as denim or leather (approximately 1/3 yard)
Measuring tape
Pins
Needle and thread
Suspender pattern

Instructions

- 1
  Measure the length from the waist, up over the shoulder and down to the other side of the waist. Since the elastic stretches, cut minus 2 inches from that length. You will need two pieces of elastic.
- 2
  Measure the fabric 1 1/4 inches wide, and the previous step's measurement lengthwise. Cut the fabric out. Do this twice, once for each suspender.
- 3
  Use the suspender pattern to cut the denim. You will need four pieces that the buttons attach to for the suspenders. For each suspender piece, sew an edge seam on each so that the material doesn't unravel. You can also use a topstitch if the pieces will be decorative, but usually they are mostly hidden from view by the trousers. Sew one button onto each end of each strap. The buttons should be large enough to hold the weight of the elastic. Be certain that they will fit into the button holes on the trousers before sewing onto the pieces.
- 4
  Fold the fabric so that the correct side (the side that will be visible once the suspenders are worn) is on the inside. Pin the long edge and sew a seam 1/8 inch near the edge of the fabric. Be certain that your stitches are close together and straight. This fabric will serve as a lining for the elastic, so that elastic itself is not visible. Turn the fabric correct side out once the seam is sewn.
- 5
  Insert the elastic into the fabric tube and sew the ends to the fabric. The suspenders will be slightly stretchy since the elastic is folded over and sewn. Place the button strip onto the end and fold the end of the suspender over it. Sew a very strong double stitch to keep the strips in place. Do this for all four ends of the two suspenders.

Sewing