This pattern is knitted flat with a horseshoe cable in the center, framed by a 3 stitch purl border. For a more tapered beginning you could knit 3 plain rows after each increase row instead of 2. This pattern allows for a pretty long belt but you can knit it as long as you like, just skip to step 32 whenever you are ready.

This is my first written pattern so I’d love any constructive criticism!