How to Use a Belt Loop Binder on Your Serger (And Why You’ll Use It for More Than Belt Loops)

If you’ve ever avoided belt loops because they feel fiddly (tiny folds, uneven stitching, lots of pressing)… a belt loop binder is about to become your new favorite shortcut. In our Serging With the Girlfriends video, Cheri shows how to use a belt loop binder on a Baby Lock serger—and how it can create not only belt loops, but also longer fabric “ribbons” you can use for things like cinch sacks and ties. 

What a belt loop binder does

A belt loop binder is an attachment that folds and feeds a fabric strip in a consistent way while you stitch—so you get a neat, uniform finished strip without fighting the fabric the whole time. It’s essentially a “fabric folding assistant” that keeps everything aligned while your serger does the work.

Why you’ll love it

A belt loop binder helps you make strips that are:

• consistent in width

• cleanly finished

• much faster than pressing and folding by hand

And the best part: it’s useful for more than belt loops. Cheri specifically points out using it to make larger ribbon-style strips that can be threaded through projects like a cinch sack.

What you’ll need

Exact requirements vary by binder size and machine, but here’s the general list:

• Serger + belt loop binder attachment

• Fabric strips (cut to the width your binder requires)

• Thread (matching or contrasting—your call)
  

• Scrap fabric for test runs (highly recommended)

Tip: The binder size you have will determine your starting strip width and the finished width—so it’s worth doing a quick test strip before cutting a whole pile.

Setup overview: getting the binder ready

Because each machine model mounts accessories a little differently, use your manual for the exact screw points and placement. The general process looks like this:

1. Attach the belt loop binder securely to the serger bed.

2. Set up your stitch (use your machine’s recommended stitch/settings for this accessory—test first).

3. Feed the fabric strip into the binder so it begins folding the strip as it exits the front of the attachment.

4. Test-stitch a short section to confirm the strip is centered and the stitching is catching the folded layers evenly.

Sewing tips for clean, even strips

• Start with a leader (a small scrap) if your strip wants to wobble at the beginning.

• Guide the strip—don’t pull it. Let the feed dogs do the work; your job is to keep the strip feeding straight into the binder.

• Stitch a little slower the first few inches until the strip is feeding smoothly.

• Make a few stitches, then pause and check the back side to confirm everything is catching cleanly.

Troubleshooting quick fixes

My strip is twisting going into the binder.
Make sure the strip is feeding flat and straight before it enters the attachment. A gentle hand and a slower start usually fixes this.

My stitching isn’t catching both sides.
This usually means the folded strip isn’t centered under the stitching path. Re-seat the strip in the binder and test again.

The strip is feeding unevenly.
Try a slightly firmer (but still gentle) hold on the strip as it enters the binder so it doesn’t drift side to side.

Watch the tutorial

This is one of those tools that makes immediate sense once you see it in motion—especially watching how the strip feeds through the binder and how clean the finished piece comes out. Cheri’s video walks you through the process and shows additional ways to use the belt loop binder beyond standard belt loops.

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Ready to bring home a serger (or upgrade)?

At My Girlfriend’s Quilt Shoppe, we know a serger is the secret to professional-looking seams, flawless finishes, and stretch-friendly stitches. That’s why we carry trusted brands like Brother and Baby Lock, offering everything from beginner-friendly models to advanced sergers with cover stitch options. Whether you’re sewing garments, home décor, or quilting accents, we’ll help you choose the serger that takes your stitching to the next level.

You can shop sergers right on our website—beginner-friendly options all the way up to feature-packed dream machines.