It might sound stupid… but I did not cover one of the easiest DIY yet. How to make a leather belt? Well, that’s because it is not that easy after all. There are ofcourse some tips and tricks. But before I would get my self into trying to make a belt (or 10) I wanted to learn a bit more. So what can we actually find on the internet about making belts?
Measurement tips and tricks:
- Take an old belt, measure it and also don’t forget to mark the holes.
- Find the perfect length around your hips/waist (wherever your belt will be) and add two extra holes on each side. Two for your skinny days, and two for the winter holiday months ;)…
- Measure from the tip of the buckle till the hole you use the most (not from the beginning of the leather…).
- Check the hole size and the size of the buckle pin.
- Check the loop size (width) of your favorite trousers.
Leather tips and tricks:
- Use thick leather (about 2-5mm thick)
- Check if the dye of the leather does not stain your clothes
- Cut it straight 😉 … obvious but quite difficult… you can use a strap cutter for instance but even then you have to practice.
- Make more than one at a time (because everyone will want one!)
Design tips and tricks:
- Use Chicago skews near the buckle, to adjust the length later.
- Play with different belt-ends, from tapered to rounded, to V-shaped.
- There is often a difference in length, width, and thickness in belts for men or women.
- Think about how much time you have, before you start stitching all the edges
- Make some belt stoppers, it really completes your belt design.
So with all these tips and tricks… we might actually manage to create our own belts don’t you think? Instead of buying a whole thick hide and produces tens and tens of belts, you can also order from most leather shops some straps. Make sure they are long enough and the width fits in your buckle! What kind of belt would you make first?
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