Well, you don't really "make" a belted plaid...you just sort of put it on. Anywhere from 4.5 yards to 6 yards of double width cloth 54"-60" wide or so should work. This is from my many questions and research. You lay it out, pleat it by hand, lay down on it, wrap it around yourself, and belt it on. Then you arrange what's above your belt however you see fit. That's pretty much the long and short of it.