Braided String Belt Pattern #2256

Materials: Clark's O.N.T. or J. & P. Coats Pearl Cotton, size 5, 1 ball each of 4 colors.
Milward's steel crochet hook No. 1.
2 buttons.

When completed, belt measures 27 inches in length. For a larger size, make the length of threads between the s c-groups longer (see diagram).

To begin, measure off three 25-yd. lengths of each color and wind all 12 strands together into one ball. Then with the 12 strands, ch 12 (to measure about 3 inches). * Pull loop on hook out so that it is large enough for the ball to pass through. Draw ball through this loop and pull tightly to fasten. Then measure off 4½ inches from last ch st made and work 5 ch sts (to measure 1 inch). Repeat from * 2 more times. Draw threads through last loop on hook, measure off 4½ inches, then make 13 ch sts, turn. 2nd row: S c in 2nd ch from hook, s c in each of next 11 ch's, ch 1, pull loop on hook out and draw ball through it, then pull tightly to fasten. Measure off 4½ inches and continue making s c in each ch across, leaving 4½ inches of thread between s c-groups, ending row with s c in each of last 12 ch. Ch 1, turn. 3rd, 4th and 5th rows: S c in each s c, leaving a 4½ inch length of thread between s c-group. Ch 1, turn. At end of 5th row, do not break off, but ch 6, sl st in foundation ch (thus a button loop is made). Break off.

Buttons. Starting at center, with 1 strand of each color, ch 3 and make 6 s c in 3rd ch from hook. 2nd and subsequent rnds: S c in each s c, increasing when necessary to keep work flat and working until piece covers top of button. Work 1 rnd straight. Slip button inside and close up by s c in s c, decreasing when necessary, until button is enclosed. Leave piece of thread to sew button to belt. Break off. Sew buttons on as in illustration.