making patterned belts

	We use slightly different tools when belt making than in this example. We've tried to make the processes more accessible using fewer specialist tools and suggesting alternatives.
	As the buckle size determines the belts dimensions it's best to start with a buckle. Charity shops can be good, cost effective sources.
The leather is a strip cut from a shoulder of Veg Tan which we paint with leather pigment. Shoulder is hard wearing with minimal stretch. You may be able to get a length of leather from an independent leather shop or use an alternative like an old bike tyre. Shoe polish will give natural leather colour.

Cutting the shoulder is best done using a strap cutter, but you can get away with a sharp pair of scissors and a long straight edge.

The strip is screen printed. We make and photographically expose our screens and have built a frame holder for accurate printing.

For a single belt painting, transferring or stencilling would be easier decorative techniques.

Below the tip of the belt is cut using a shaped punch. Diagonal cuts with a strong craft knife would create a similar effect.

The belt holes are then added. Make sure you get these centered, evenly spaced and approximately to your size. It is worth measuring and marking the positions before hole punching. Try to borrow or buy a hole punch as no other tool really suffices. People always need their belts adjusting; belt punch owners are always popular.

Add holes for your buckle using a card template and pen. The template shown is suitable for a double buckle and is made by cutting a longer slot for the pin and holes either side for rivets. If you cannot get any rivets make a few smaller holes to pass thread through to sew the buckle on. The larger slot for the pin can be achieved by carefully punching a series of small holes.

punching the holes for the buckle and rivets

The edges of the belt now need finishing. On some belts they are lightly sanded to add a slight bevel and smoothness. We like them square and chunky. We paint edge bright along the edges for a neat finish. You can get away with shoe polish, but you may need several coats.

The buckle is attached with rivets which you may be able to get from a cobblers. To set the rivets use a stepped, smooth, flat, solid surface and tap the metal rod on the rivets. Another method is to sew through the holes using a really strong thread eg. a size 20 nylon bonded thread.

And that's it; a finished belt.

stabo, british designer makers, 76 cambridge road, impington, cambridge, cb24 9nu. ltd co. no. 6054938, tel: +44(0) 7951 885128 or +44(0) 1223 236560
Stabo © 2011