How to Make DIY Suspenders

heather handmade sewing

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Learn how to make DIY suspenders with elastic and clips. This quick and easy sewing project is great for kids and adults.

I made suspenders for my son when he was a toddler, and I loved seeing him wear them. Making DIY suspenders is such an easy sewing project, and it’s great for toddlers, kids, and adults.

It just takes some measuring, a little bit of sewing, elastic, and suspender clips. These would be great for a wedding party or for a fancy holiday outfit.

diy suspenders sew

I made a navy pair and a red pair for my son, but I took pictures of two kids wearing them. As you can see the red ones are too big for my daughter because I didn’t make them for her.

Now that I know how to make them, I can easily make them for all of my kids.

How to Make DIY Suspenders

What kind of elastic should I use?

My favorite elastic to use for DIY suspenders is 1 inch elastic in a solid color. The solid color makes the suspenders look nice and look more like fabric, and the elastic makes it comfortable to wear.

How to Make DIY Suspenders

I still have pictures of my son wearing suspenders when he was a toddler!

My son was so skinny when he was that that we would literally walk out of his pants while we were playing. Suspenders where easier to make then a belt, and they didn’t interfere with diaper changes.

Little Boy Suspenders

Do you love to sew? Try one of these sewing projects:

diy suspenders sew

How to Make DIY Suspenders

Supplies

  • 3 yards of solid colored 1 inch elastic (2 yards for a child)
  • 4 suspender clips or mitten clips
  • Measuring tape
  • Scissors
  • Sewing machine
diy suspenders supplies

Suspender clips can be opened like a little mouth with teeth. The mouth clips onto the waistband of a pair of pants or skirt.

suspender or mitten clips

Measure from the waistband on the front side, over the shoulders, across the back to the opposite waistband on the back.

Add 2 inches. This is the measurement to use to cut the elastic.

measure over shoulders for suspenders

Use the measurement to cut two pieces of elastic for each pair of suspenders.

cut elastic to fit

Slide one elastic end through the suspender clip. Fold it back on itself 3/8 inch so that the raw edge is tucked inside.

Make sure that the back of the clip is where you are folding the elastic.

slide elastic end through and fold end under

Sew the folded elastic in place. Do this to all four clips.

sew clips to elastic ends

Lay out the suspenders how they would be when they are being worn. Or try them on to find the place where the elastic crosses itself in the back.

overlap the back into an X

Pin the “X” in place where the elastic crosses over itself. Sew a diamond around the crossover to keep it in place. Backstitch when you start and when you stop.

sew diamond over X

You finished!

How to Make DIY Suspenders

If you make something using this sewing project, I’d love to see! Please share it on social media with the hashtag #heatherhandmade and tag me!

How to Make DIY Suspenders
heather sewing

I believe small sewing moments can create great joy. Find your own “right” way to sew. -Heather

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I shall proceed to go look for the materials needed, as I have many nephews and nieces to make these for. Woo hoo

He is so cute. It doesn't matter if it is trendy because he would rock them even if they weren't.

I have that problem too. But not just with my son, but with my daughters. I am always telling them to pull up their pants, as I don't like to see crack. Thanks for sharing a great tutorial!