Question about using old car seatbelt webbing in a jacket

Last week, I was cleaning out my uncle's garage in Akron and found a whole box of old seatbelt material from a 70s car he used to have. I cut a strip and tried sewing a sample piece into a denim jacket sleeve, and the texture is wild, like a thick, soft ribbon. It got me thinking about using recycled safety gear for accent panels or straps on outerwear. Has anyone else worked with stuff like this and found a good way to stop the edges from fraying?

3 comments

3 Comments

wendysmith2d agoMost Upvoted

Oh man, that's such a cool find! For fraying, I'd try a thin line of clear fabric glue along the cut edges, let it dry fully before you sew. It soaks in and sort of seals it without making the webbing too stiff. You could also try a hot knife if you have one, melts the synthetic fibers to lock them in place. That texture sounds perfect for a jacket collar or those epaulet straps on the shoulders.

susanr151d ago

Fabric glue is such a good call for that! A hot knife is awesome if you're careful, but a cheap wood burning tool from the craft store works the same way. Just do it outside, that melted plastic smell is nasty.

evand652d ago

Fabric glue? I'm still using duct tape.