How to Add Belt Loops to the Yanta Overalls » Helen's Closet Patterns (2024)

ALL ABOARD!! This may be my favourite project this year. I know that is a bold statement considering it is only August, but come on! How cute are these railroad stripe denim Yanta Overalls!? They were cute when I finished them but then when I decided to add the belt loops? Over the top! I simply adore them!

You can grab the Yanta Overalls for 25% off this week during our anniversary sale! Sale ends midnight PST August 23rd, 2021.

I used view B of our Yanta Overalls pattern to make this version. The fabric is 12oz Railroad Stripe Denim from Blackbird Fabrics. 12 oz is a bit beyond what is recommended for this pattern (up to 10 oz) and the added weight does present some challenges. There are areas of the pattern like the back ‘Y’ detail that get quite bulky, and heavy denim like this can be hard to manage for some machines. I was able to do it on my Pfaff Expression 710, but keep in mind that your machine may be different. A denim needle is also a must if using fabric like this for your overalls.

I had so much fun playing with the stripe direction on these overalls! I decided to make the pockets using the stripe horizontally to contrast with the rest of the overalls. I also used the wrong side of the denim across the top of the pockets as an accent. To do this, I simply folded the pocket tops the opposite way from the instructions. I love the result! I also love the little blue bartacks I put at the top corners of all the pockets. Details like this always take projects to the next level in my opinion.

I used the wrong side of the denim again as an accent on the leg cuffs. I folded the hem towards the right side and topstitched rather than folding towards the wrong side. This way, when I fold the hem up to make a cute little cuff, the wrong side of the denim shows!

I decided to go with overalls hardware for this pair of Yantas and I think it is so cute. Yanta calls for button closures but it is easy to swap for overalls hardware. Just keep in mind that you may want to lengthen the straps and taper them more to make them the right width for the hardware you are using. I got this ‘gunmetal’ hardware from Blackbird Fabrics.

In addition to the changes above, I added belt loops to my Yantas. This is a hack I have had in mind for a while because I love the idea of a more fitted waist for Yanta, but I like that a belt is optional. You can choose whether you want your Yantas to be loose or belted depending on the look you are going for!

How to add belt loops to the Yanta Overalls

I decided to put my belt loops on after my Yantas were finished and I think this is actually the perfect time to do it. It allows you to try the look out by putting a belt on over top of the finished overalls. It also lets you find the right place for the loops on your body. I decided to make 1” (2.5 cm) thick loops and ‘hide’ them by matching the stripes. They are somewhat invisible until I put the belt on!

Cut a strip of your fabric 1.5” (3.8 cm) wide and about 18” (45.7 cm) long or longer if you want more belt loops. Finish the lengthwise edges using a serger or zig-zag stitch. Fold the edges in ¼” (0.6 cm) towards the wrong side of the fabric and press.

Cut the strip into 5 pieces about 3.25” (8.25 cm) long. You can make them longer or shorter based on the width of belt you plan on wearing. This length worked well for my favourite leather belt. Fold the raw edges in towards the wrong side ⅜” (1 cm) and press.

Sew the loops on to the overalls at the position you feel is best. Here is an illustration of where I put mine. I like to try to evenly space them out and place them in between the bottom of the side ‘scoop’ and the top of the pockets. The darts may get in the way a little bit but you can work around them or sew the loops on top, it’s up to you!

To sew the loops on, start by pinning the top of the belt loop in position with right sides facing. Sew in the ditch of the ⅜” (1 cm) press line. Fold the loop down and topstitch ¼” (0.6 cm) from either end to secure the loop. You can optionally bar tack here, too! I chose not to because I wanted the loops to be as hidden as possible.

I opted for a wider loop in the back of my overalls. This is made in the same way as the rest of the loops, just cut a wider piece of fabric to start. You can make your belt loops whatever size you want! That’s the beauty of sewing!

I could not be more pleased with this make! I think it has major train-conductor vibes so train tracks were the only logical place to take these pics. These tracks are long out of use so don’t worry, it was perfectly safe. Choo Choo!!

You may also notice that I have a matching hat for my conductor overalls! This is the Serpentine Hat from Elbe Textiles and I whipped it up during our heatwave this summer. I love the design and the leftovers from my denim overalls worked perfectly paired with navy duck canvas. Both of these fabrics are quite heavy and so I will admit that this hat is a bit hot! I would like to make another one in a lighter weight fabric but this one is really fun to wear. It is a quick sew and I certainly see myself making more in the future!

Thanks for checking out my conductor overalls! I hope you try making Yantas with belt loops, too. It’s such a fun way to change up this pattern and an easy hack to try!

You can grab the Yanta Overalls for 25% off this week during our anniversary sale! Sale ends midnight PST August 23rd, 2021.