How to make a belly band (manner belt)

1. Materials & tools

Materials (a medium dog (size M))

• Fabric (cotton, quilting) — belly circumference + overlap × band width × 2
• Hook-and-loop tape — about 5 cm × the band width
• Optional waterproof fabric for the inside

Tools

• Sewing machine (or needle and thread)
• Fabric marker or pencil
• Ruler and scissors
• Iron
• Pins or clips

2. Make the pattern (auto-generated in Katagami)

With the Katagami pattern tool, you just enter the finished size and it drafts a seam-allowance-included pattern, tiled to print at actual size on Letter or A4.

1. Open the tool
   Open the pattern tool and choose “Pets” → “Belly band” from the tabs at the top.
2. Enter the size
   Measure your dog's belly circumference and enter it, then set the finished band width and the hook-and-loop overlap. Presets cover small / medium / large dogs.
3. Set the seam allowance
   Use the slider at the bottom (beginners: 1.0–1.5 cm / about 3/8–5/8 in).
4. Print
   Press “Print (actual size)”, then in the print dialog set Scale = 100% and turn “Fit to page” OFF. Check the 50 mm calibration box on the first guide sheet with a ruler.

3. Cutting the fabric

1. Trace the pattern
   Trace the cut line and seam line onto the wrong side; align the grain with the grain line.
2. Cut one rectangle
   Cut a single rectangle (cut width is twice the finished width, since it folds lengthwise). The pattern marks the fold line and the hook-and-loop positions.
3. Finish the edges
   Zigzag or overlock the seam edges if the fabric frays.

4. Sewing

Sew the band

1. Fold the fabric right sides together lengthwise and sew the long edge and one short edge, leaving the other short edge open as a turning gap.
2. Trim the corners, turn right side out through the gap, and press.
3. Close the gap and topstitch all the way around.
4. Sew the hook-and-loop tape at the marked positions — one half on the front near one end, the other half on the back near the opposite end, so it fastens when wrapped.
5. Sew waterproof fabric inside, or just tuck in a pet sheet in use, and you are done.

5. Tips & variations

• Stay dry: sew in a waterproof layer or use a pet sheet; make a few so you always have a clean one.
• Not too tight: keep enough ease in the overlap so the belly is never squeezed.
• Gentle inside: choose soft cotton or gauze for the side against the skin so your dog tolerates it.