Quick DIY project to stop seatbelt choking

[@Cutest1TheGame]

Seatbelt choking not only happens to the bigger girls - happens to us shorties too

[@JL-il6vk]

@@Cutest1TheGame I was thinking the same thing. Happens to me as well and I’m just under 5 ft.

[@deborahconkle6822]

@@Cutest1TheGame yep!

[@weej8314]

I'm 70, 4'10" and (yes, I'll say it) - round!. Why has it taken until now for me to learn this? You are a wonderful woman, Becca! And quite literally - a life saver! If you ever think of running for president, you get my vote. Thank you.

[@caschoepflin]

You’re a genius. I have struggled with that seatbelt on my neck for years. I love this.

[@patriciaruppert201]

Short people have the same problem. Thanks for the video. ❤❤❤❤

[@sarahlovessewing]

This is a better option than a booster seat for all ages. right?

[@nancy9478]

I am 5'4 and have this issue!

[@mariannebecker5132]

@@sarahlovessewing LOL! 😆

[@69bird71]

I'm pretty sure everything in cars are designed for the comfort and safety of an average size male. Snaps are a perfect choice I think they would just break away in an accident, just my opinion..

[@Su-ri5ob]

@@patriciaruppert201 I 'm not particularly short or large busted, but seat belts think my neck is edible!

[@74artgrrl]

Thank you for this tutorial!! I’ve been heavier and now I’m about 55 lbs lighter… the seatbelt problem STILL bothers me. I think it’s my short height. What I’m saying is ANYONE under 5’6 can benefit from this project. Did you all know that vehicles are built for the average height of a man at 5’8? Yes. Thank you again for this. Saved, liked and subscribed!!!🥰

[@shmataboro8634]

@@74artgrrl Same here. I'm 5'4" and the seat belt us at my neck no matter what my weight. I definitely need to make one of these asap!

[@cynthiajones1461]

I've only needed this video for 40 years ... Can't believe someone has actually finally made a video. I am so grateful.

[@sewbecca]

Same girl...same!

[@sararempel7956]

🎉🎉🎉... Thankyou so much for this tutorial. I have needed this for along time and wondered how I could make one!! Tada!!! And there you were!! I am making this for sure! Thankyou again! I'm short so yeah it's ALWAYS in my throat.

[@kathygreenys4294]

I use leftover layer cake squares with foam in the middle. I donate them for people who have ports to place over them so the seatbelt doesn't bother the port.

[@anndalynnketellapper8296]

@@kathygreenys4294 how nice! I have a CRT-D device and found that my seatbelt bothered me, so I made a seatbelt cover for myself. I thought if it bothers me, it would bother others, so I make and donate covers to my device clinic at the hospital for others with a CRT-D device. I have made and dropped off about 40 this year. Every appointment that I have, I bring in more to replenish. Last time, the receptionist thanked me and told me that they were very popular!! I guess I have a commitment now!!!!😄

[@traciwalker1431]

Same! I made a port pillow for myself and more to pass out at the infusion center.

[@sheilacraft5027]

@@kathygreenys4294, would the Soft and Stable from By Annie work better than batting, do you think??

[@laurastratton8614]

That's a GREAT idea! I bought seat belt clips online but most of them have been JUNK. I'm going to try your pattern. It looks very effective. PS I always thought that the reason the seatbelt cut me across the neck was because I am vertically challenged but maybe it's because I have a rounded body

[@justjennifer8448]

@@kathygreenys4294 You’re awesome! Thank you for thinking of others!

[@stephanierenee7214]

I am short and have that same problem with car seatbelts. This is a great idea, thank you for making this video. I had a car accident 2 years ago and this would have saved me from the cut I got on my neck.

[@melanievarela4048]

5'4" 110 lbs. Mail Carrier. I've been tucking my belt under my arm so I don't choke. And I have the adjuster thingy on the door frame all the way down. I'll be making them for all my coworkers too!

[@sharibigay4712]

I also wear it under my arm. But in the summer with lite/no jackets it cuts into the armpit and can decrease blood to that arm. So since I wear my med sized purse across my body I put the belt under my purse. Works more as just a lap belt, but better then having it pushing into my neck the whole time I'm driving. Will have to try this it would make a better restraint. Thanks.

[@Sylvia907]

Proper location of seat belt is key to safety. It’s not supposed to be at neck so good job Becca

[@sewbecca]

I didn't think so! Even when I lower the seat belt notch thing on the side of the car, it still goes right at the neck...unless I hold the belt near the buckle. This allows me to wear it as it's supposed to be without keeping one hand on the safety device!

[@Sylvia907]

@@sewbecca I hope I made sense you made it better by moving it down off neck

[@Lady-Jane1]

I thought I was the only person having trouble seatbelts, this is fab!

[@BumbleBB]

I know right??? so happy to find this.

[@dianebell3653]

Here in the UK you can buy seat belt adjusters in Halfords. They're usually aimed at children so they're in the kids section but they'll obviously work for adults too. They're bound to be available online nowadays but I haven't looked. I've been using one for decades (since 1992 to be exact) because I'm short. They are a game-changer and to this day I still love mine as much as the first time I used it and thought "Wow!".

[@jenniferdowney6578]

Thanks for that. My sewing skills aren't up to much. I'll have a look😊

[@VeganDoris]

As a short person, I find that the seatbelt cuts across my neck. I’ve been twisting the buckle a few times before snapping it in, but this looks great too!

[@MsOscara]

Now we need something that stops the passenger seat belts from continuously tightening to the point they have to be taken off and then put on again. It's the primary reason I hate being a passenger in someone else's vehicle.

[@tammiklusewitz7141]

Or sitting in the rear for thew same reason.

[@sheilacraft5027]

Amen. I usually tuck that one under my arm.

[@abuelitacaicedo3185]

I don’t sew but will figure out a way because I need this!😊

[@margehinkle288]

@MsOscara take your New holder whenever you're a passenger! Gonna be making a couple real soon!! ♥️

[@katyoung_Katzillah]

@@abuelitacaicedo3185 Amazon sells something similar, and they work well. I have moved across the country and have a new car. Need to make or get another one!

[@peacelove7706]

You know they sell plastic ones that cost $5…they work basically the same however, they’ve been proven to hold the seatbelt in that position so if you have an accident, something like you made would come off allowing the seatbelt to injure you as it’s not properly aligned without the corrector so to speak. I was an EMT for years and have seen seatbelts save lives absolutely, but when not worn properly, or when it doesn’t really fit the occupant properly as we all come in many shapes and sizes, height effects this greatly also, they can cause nasty injuries. I know my seatbelt without my clip, lays across my neck, right across the 😊carotid artery which just makes me a tad nervous lol. Great idea for comfort though, could easily be used in addition or over the clip ones like I have since they are plastic!

[@chrissyuy]

@@peacelove7706 Where does someone buy the plastic ones. I don’t even know what it would be called so as to look it up. At 5’0”, I’m always extremely uncomfortable and concerned about decapitation if in a collision.

[@margehinkle288]

@@peacelove7706 I've been using the plastic ones, but now it won't stay together! And I can't find them anymore! 😟

[@allieg6401]

@@peacelove7706 where can you buy the plastic ones?

[@LydiaStarz]

@@allieg6401 Google it!

[@mamaroza22]

fabulous idea. I am very short and constantly pulling the seat belt away from my neck. Gotta make this.

[@susanpilling8849]

Women all over the world will be grateful for this. I live in the UK and have the same problem. The seatbelt constantly slips towards my neck and has to be pulled down. It's not just small women either as I'm just short of 6ft but have a large chest. It can be very distracting which is the last thing you need when driving. Thanks for this simple fix. 😊

[@JoyAloha709]

There can only be one word to describe this tutorial: GENIUS!! When I’m in the car, I constantly pull the seatbelt away from my neck. My sewing machine and I will soon be meeting!

[@darleenross710]

brilliant! I have long suspected that the belt would choke me if not cut my head off in an accident. Thank you so much. I am going to make one right now. The quilt I'm working on can wait.

[@paulagolladay6713]

I am a short person - and the seat belt is always getting ready to "chop off my head" or at the very least go for the jugular! Thank you Becca - watching this at 9:30 PM, but by gosh this gal will be making one in the morning!

[@brendaromanuck1280]

I LOVE this idea. I came up with something similar but made it about 10 inches long for when my grandkids were on their booster seats in the car. How did I never think of making one for myself??! Of course, because we always create and give to others first. Thanks for the tutorial

[@cherylbergeson3858]

Becca, I wished I seen this video before I made 2 of these for my sister. She had some kind of pacemaker wires connected to her heart. They are placed by her shelter. So the seatbelt irritates that area. So I made her 2 of these with little pillows in the middle area. She loves them. Now she can drive with the seatbelt on her shoulder again with ease.

[@arley2815]

Omg yes! But question for any legal pros out there: should you be injured in a crash, could this qualify as a modification to the seatbelt that could be used to deny an insurance claim and/or deny standing in lawsuit against a manufacturer for faulty equipment?

[@pamstrong8709]

My diminutive neighbor is going to LOVE this. She is a very tiny lady and always has to hold the belt in her hand when she rides in my passenger seat! Thank you so much for this simple solution to a very annoying issue!

[@sewbecca]

Such a simple solution to a wide-spread problem! I thought this was just because I was a bigger girl, but I'm hearing smaller folks have the same problem!

[@vickitimmons2087]

Oh. My. Stars! I'm 5 foot tall and the seat belt ALWAYS falls across my throat. Just made my first one. Now I'll have to go for a drive to test it out! Thank you sew much!

[@lindas918]

I'm very short and I love this idea. I made mine with velcro because if my husband wanted to take it off or put it on, he would not have the patience for snaps. I haven't used it yet because I just finished but I know this is going to be a game changer for me. Thank you!

[@user-yp6vp3ci6p]

Thanks for this simple idea. I'm a short lady and have the same problem as you, with the belt coming across my neck.

[@lindapacheco2696]

Short girl here! Thank you so much for this tutorial, I’m ready to make a few of these. 💜👏🏼

[@anniec7041]

That seat belt across my neck is totally a problem. I will be making these ASAP! Thanks for the tutorial.

[@barbaramiller-kc2et]

Wow! Talk about timing! I just had 2 parathyroid glands removed and the seatbelt slides over to my incision all the time. I will definitely be making this! Thank you for sharing.

[@franceskoontz7027]

I can’t thank you enough for this amazing video!!! I’m 80 years old and finally after all these years of being uncomfortable I can now ride without worrying over the seatbelt around my neck. What a difference it makes!❤❤

[@annagray6491]

That is brilliant! I have been moaning about my seat belt choking me for years! Now I know how to fix it. Simple when you know how! 😂 thank you for sharing this brilliant project!

[@janeahrens572]

You don’t have to even have a bust to be choked! We got belt extenders that helped a lot. Most often they were free. But I liked this project. But some people don’t sew🤦‍♀️. I know, that’s awful. But this is a good start for those people. Check into seat belt extensions.

[@denisefolse4297]

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you. I sew needed this. My neck will thank you every time I use it.

[@janet-leecomeau8035]

Great great great idea wow.my son has Cerebral Palsy but can get out of his wheelchair. He HATES putting on a seat belt for that fact. This is a game changer. Thank you

[@firstchoice7761]

I don't sew, but I have a old machine. You made it look so easy I decided to give this a try. It worked! Thank you so much. I wanted to add that this seat belt problem not only effects people of a certain size, it effects people who are not of a certain hieght. This solved the problem for me.

[@trinidad2450]

You absolutely read my mind, the seat belt practically chokes me. Thanks!

[@jimjulieblack4484]

Thanks! I made one of these; and it's a real help. Seatbelt always cuts across my neck. I'm keeping one in my purse! Thank YOU!

[@margehinkle288]

@@jimjulieblack4484 Great Idea!!

[@Magic-Myrlin]

You are a genius! I was always losing the plastic kind because they would come apart or when my husband drove it would end up clear down by the side floor. This project makes so much sense. Thank you for sharing this idea smart lady. ♥💜♥

[@ms.m2054]

Oh my goodness! I am SOOOOOOOOOO glad I found this video. Seatbelts ALWAYS choke me and I hate it. I'll be making these for everyone!

[@leenb.7936]

I’ve been meaning to make these for years now, forgot about it because mostly I can use my “handbag” for adjusting the belt cutting into my neck but this would still be better so thanks for the reminder lol

[@RogueAPBT]

I am totally making that. I have always been too short for seat belts to not hit me in the neck. Thank you for sharing!

[@memeyers1962]

I am 5’2” and even with the “adjustable” seatbelts am constantly adjusting. This will be a game changer for me. I’ll be making some soon.

[@louisemcroke6715]

How about using a leftover piece of Soft and Stable? I made something similar for a different reason-post breast cancer surgery. A longer one protects the suture line from seat belt pressure. This is a great idea, Becca!

[@sewbecca]

Soft & stable would be great!

[@leslyerucker8083]

I have a port for my chemo- and immunotherapy! That’s a great idea!

[@pama.6410]

Just today I was holding the seat belt to get it off my neck. Definitely plan on making this, probably with velcro. Thanks so much for sharing!

[@laurafritz697]

Seat belts were designed for the average male. Not us women. That is why women usually are injured more serious and more die then men in car accidents. Thank you for the wonderful idea!!!! ❤😊❤. Take care, Hon

[@mikelebonner970]

Oh my gosh!! I'm definitely making one of these. I detest being choked by my seat belt. Thanks for sharing.

[@mazmain9248]

Brilliant idea, it is so much more dangerous having the seatbelt around your neck.

[@jsbird1964]

Genius! I've been looking for something like this. My mother is under 5 feet tall and the seat belt nearly strangles her everytime she gets in my car. I'm going to make several of these to keep around so she can ride a bit more comfortably. Thank you for the tutorial. 👍

[@Juststacey6829]

This is an awesome idea since it can be easily taken when in other people’s cars too

[@divadeb2u]

It has taken a few days for me to finally get to making this very clever seat belt adjuster. I made mine reversible out of Tula fabric from my retirement/anniversary quilt I made. I will post photos to the Facebook page. Thanks for sharing this game changer hack. Cheers!

[@anniepalumbo8705]

Oh my goodness! Just yesterday I thought I need to come up with something to prevent my seatbelt from choking me and here you are! thank you I'll be making one tomorrow.

[@WildeKat357]

This is great! I've been looking for something like this for years. Even lowering the uppermost point of the seatbelt system still causes choking on me and this will help so much! Thank you!!!

[@Carolyn-qd8mj]

This caught my eye, because just yesterday I installed a little metal clip (with difficulty) on my seat belt for this same purpose, but was disappointed with the results. I’ll definitely be making one of these!

[@debramccafferty2918]

This is perfect for me because I have a Tracheotomy. I’ve been using the thick metal clip and it’s a pain to put back on the seatbelt after my son had to take it off for himself. Your seatbelt holder will be easy to snap on and off. Thank you!

[@Harphoney]

That’s a great idea. I also am on the short side and a bit heavy. I always end up with a red line across my neck from seat belts and have to keep pulling it downward as I’m driving. I’m certainly going to make a few of these. Thankyou for your idea!

[@martirichards1424]

Thank you so much for this wonderful invention. It's one of my biggest frustrations of driving as I am constantly pulling the seatbelt down off my neck. You are a rock star for designing and sharing this.

[@kathiewise3403]

@@martirichards1424 Ditto! 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@kimburke3189]

THANK YOU!! I am making one now! I am so tired of being choked to death!!! And you make it a simple fix! THANK YOU AGAIN!!!

[@carolyntaylor6020]

I have one of those furry things that supposed to go around the top part of the seat belt against your neck, but it was hot and uncomfortable, so I put it where you're putting yours in this video, against my tummy and it works just like yours. But it's velcro and sometimes it get's caught on my sweaters. I will be making yours soon, before sweater weather for sure. Thank you for taking the time and effort to make this tutorial.

[@catherinerandall1966]

Patent and market the daylights outta this little genius gem!

[@bookswithatwist-vanvelzerp9262]

they do make them - so too late for that - but much better to make your own :)

[@HAGGISWOOMAN]

I purchased something like this 20 years ago when my daughter was transitioning from using a car seat to a booster, worked great. Recently I purchased something like it to use myself, but I hate it because it gets all twisted up. Can’t wait to try to make this myself looks like it will work so much better!

[@karenbearden6198]

You are smarter then me. I've been trying to figure this out for years. Thanks so much!!!

[@mariehenley5305]

I’m short and the seatbelt does me the same way ,thank you so much you are a genius !

[@kttk8412]

This is much better than the spring clip I have been using. Thanks for thinking this up.

[@scoopMN]

Oh my goodness you are a godsend for this! After having neck surgery, I have never been able to comfortably wear a seatbelt because of it being so close to my neck and working as a mail carrier the seats are so upright that it dang near strangles me. These are AWESOME! Gonna make a bunch of them. Thank you so much :)

[@PrimoLife2]

I’ve been thinking about this for years! Now, I’m finally gonna do it to all front seats in my cars.

[@mrschief1400]

Thank you Becca, this is a game changer. i made them for me and my daughter. love watching you videos keep them coming😊

[@debbiebrugman4543]

I am short and fight with my seatbelt all the time. I have loads of small leftovers that now will have a purpose. Thanks Becca for a great project idea.

[@GamerShannie]

I haven't even watched the full video yet and I love this! Thank you!

[@suegillettful]

I used to buy clips from Canadian Tire which aside from car accessories it also sells home and garden supplies. There were 2 per package. It consists of 3 straps of strong slim plastic. The bottom 2 slip around your seatbelt more or less permanently. When I driveor just in the car I'm large chested and the seatbelt slips like yours around my neck. But with the clips once they are snapped together they slip together tightly lasting years. Another piece is along the main piece and the seat belt fits snugly but allows movement and stops the problem of the seat belt sliding to my neck. Supposedly if a serious crash happens if needed the clip is supposed to do an emergency release so the seat belt can work properly. These clips used to be reasonable ably priced, under $5.00 for a pair and I installed in all our vehicles lasting at least 1p years. Suddenly they raised the price on these clips and they went up to 8 times the price and they are rarely available causing me hard feelings for the perfect device appreciated by new owners of the vehicle once a simple demonstration was done. All women seemed to appreciate the devices but I haven't found the again for the last 5 to 10 years. This is a great substitute. Thank you very much.

[@cherylmiller7335]

I made four of Ruth’s seatbelt holders. What a great idea. Thanks for sharing with all of us.

[@Hiker_who_Sews]

Great idea! I don't know that the strangulation issue is unique to curvy people. I'm in between curvy and fluffy, and am going to try this!

[@salbacon5394]

I 'bought' one of these, fastened by velcro (a good alternative if you can't manage poppers), and I put it round the top of the shoulder strap (so much more comfortable than having no padding). However, now I've seen your video, I realise I should have put it over the two sections of belt near where you fasten the seat belt in. Not only will this alleviate rubbing on my neck when sitting in the front seat, it will work really well in our car's backseats. Those belts come from the rear, not side, of the vehicle, and constantly cut into your neck, making journeys really uncomfortable. This will now be a thing of the past... I'll be getting my sewing machine out. Thank you 😊

[@debbiesnyder4778]

I love this thank you. I’ve bee miserable with driving because of being choked. I bought clips but they never stay on and I’m always losing them

[@margehinkle288]

This is just what I've needed! Can't find holders like I've been using for quite a few years! ❤

[@chrislem6405]

Becca, thank you for sharing. I have the same problem with seat belt choking. You're such a blessing to share online for comfort and be in compliance with the seat belt law.

[@jenniferkuehnow722]

Great idea!!! My daughter needs this and will have one by mornings light. Thanks Becca!

[@carolmuzio7204]

Love Ruby. I have 4 Vintage Singer Sewing machines and I love them all. Also love my Juki and my Bernina. I have a two tone tan 301a and a 404, Featherweight that I Inherited from my Mom when she passed and a Singer 128. I love the Featherweight the most. Oh, I also have a babylock I take to retreats. They are such a Joy!!

[@Aeronwen813]

Ace idea! Will be making one tomorrow before a car journey on Friday. Thank you for taking the time and effort to share this project.

[@KATE-SEWS]

Thanks that is perfect!! I have a huge chest and like you it cuts into my neck and my thoughts are if I were to get in an accident it's gonna slice my neck wide open ! So thank you for this no more anxiety about that darn seatbelt slicing my neck and now it's so comfy to wear!! FINALLY ❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@DanaDeeBee]

Love it! We just went on a spontaneous road trip a few days ago and the seatbelt was driving me crazy! Great video. Thank you.

[@mariahr673]

Bonjour de France ! Un très grand merci, Becca, pour cette magnifique idée ! Je vais m’empresser d’en faire et penserai à vous chaque fois que je l’utiliserai 😅 🥰

[@ChristolJ]

OMG... I was literally thinking about what I could do to solve that problem and Bingo! you had the solution... Thank you so much for the simple fix. I love it!

[@pamelataylor3537]

You can always make,one out of pure wool, like what they make the woollen underlays for the beds. You cal also make them in the shape of animals or cartoon characters for toddlers and children or narrower adult ones for baby seats. We’ve had them for years in Australia. There is so many different materials to make them out of and you can always use Velcro to join them together. What you’ve done is an awesome idea actually because of where you have it placed and that it’s over the 2 straps. I don’t drive any more so it doesn’t bother me like it used to, it was more when I was driving that it bothered me as I’m quite short. I can cope with it in the passenger seat, it does annoy me but nowhere near as much as when I was driving. Thanks for sharing your great idea, it’s appreciated.

[@stephaniedeese4659]

Made one yesterday--works nicely--and was quick to make! Thanks again! Plan to make as gifts for friends and family!

[@lilaalabed2527]

Thank You!! This has been such a problem for me for years! I am a sewist, so I don't know why I didn't think of this? Again, thank you♥

[@lorraineyoung5909]

I thought I was the only one who has this problem. I have a plastic piece that I got from the hardware store and I have installed it in every car that I have owned since discovering - but it isn't portable. But I frequently am a passenger in a friend's car that I have to put the chest strap behind my back so I can be comfortable. It will be so nice to have a portable strap adjuster.

[@DelanaQuinn]

Use a binder clip. Pull the belt out so you have comfortable slack and it lays gently across you, then put the binder clip at the top of the belt that slides into the little holder casing. The clip prevents it from sliding into it and gives you quick and easy adjustable slack. If you get pulled over, reach up there and pull it off and nobody's the wiser.

[@joanneoakley3581]

Just made 2 of these immediately after watching your video! They only took 5 mins to make and I know I'll be making a ton of these!!! Will make great gifts! 🎁 Thank you so much for this great idea 💡 ❤️ 😊

[@MichellesCraftsandMore]

I need this for my school bus because that stupid seat belt chokes the living daylights out of me and I end up sticking the shoulder strap under my arm.

[@pohakukuamoo7325]

I WILL be making this! My seatbelt rides across my neck, which I have never thought would save my life in a collision. Thank you for this great idea!

[@graymaquilter9641]

Thank God yes, I am making one of these TOday!! I had a mastectomy 30 years ago and have struggled that long with the freaking seat belt! Thank you, thank you, thank you! Jonee

[@graymaquilter9641]

I made this and it is a godsend for me. I used it on a trip and I cannot begin to say how much more comfortable the trip was. I wish I had it 30 years ago! Thank you once again. Jonee

[@user-jd1yc6nt8k]

Well, hell’s bell’s!!!! I’ve been using one of those ALL WRONG!!! Thank you!!!

[@isabeljohnston5020]

Thanks a lot for your video. Very helpful. I just wanted to mention that I love your red Singer sewing machine. I’ve never seen one that colour and it’s absolutely gorgeous. It just brightens up the area.

[@Dragonfly-LazyDynamite]

Seat belt foam covers are sold in Canadian Tire here in Canada. Been around for years as I have had several the years. I am a wee woman & get choked by the belt. Also suffered a seat belt injury. Foam covers are brilliant. 😊

[@lucindawelenc2191]

I have adjuster clips installed on my own vehicles, but I'm going to make one to keep in my purse for rental cars and other family cars!

[@franpatzcraig6713]

Until now i've never known I needed this. Excuse me, I need to go make one right now! Thanks so much.

[@tearose3763]

So needed this, have been looking for an idea! Im 4’11 and that seatbelt may as well be strangling me…ty for a great idea and tutorial!

[@sewbecca]

Hope it works for ya!

[@tearose3763]

@@sewbecca lol…i figure ill just be a little more snug…hahahaha but at least it will be a soft edge

[@houneri]

I am five foot talk and have the same problem! I have been thinking about this and very happy to find your tutorial,thank you!

[@jackiemorrison2661]

Fantastic!! I keep putting my shoulder strap under my arm so this is great!!!