Custom Leather Sporran Strap

[cavscout]

Not bad for a first attempt I guess. I wanted to keep this one simple to replace the standard chain that comes with the Buzz Kidder Rob Roy from USA Kilts. I took a 1.75" $11.00 walmart belt, ripped it in half and stitched the ends around a couple of lobster claw clips. I matched my stitching to the original belt which I wear as a kilt belt so they appear similar. I need to get some beeswax to seal and finish the cut edge but smearing black leather die on the edge has concealed the cut pretty well. I used lobster claw clips from Home Depot for the sake of ease. I can get them cheaper off the web.

I debated about putting a adjusting slide or buckel on it but opted not to for the first attempt. I've got the other half left over so maybe on the next one I'll get a bit more detailed.


http://community.webshots.com/photo/...25619265SSaqWz

http://community.webshots.com/photo/...25619428Esutzy

http://community.webshots.com/photo/...25619151UPNVzL

Wow, Flurecent Lights suck :grin:

[jfellrath]

That looks really sharp.

What kinds of tools do you use for leatherworking like this?

[cavscout]

Here's the funny part.

I used a 4' carpenter level to scribe my straight line.

My high school disecting kit to cut thru the leather. The plastic ruler from said kit to measure the 5/8" width.

My wifes emory board to clean up the cut edge.

Leatherman multi tool to puch holes for stitching.

And hemp from walmart for stitching.

I didn't want to shell out the money for tools I would only use once, so I made due with what I had. It was a fun easy project. Thanks for the kudos

[Doc Hudson]

Unless you need the beeswax for other projects, save your money.

Get a piece of crocus cloth, or burlap, thoroughly wet the leather and rub it vigorously with the crocus cloth.

For a more professional look, you can spend about $2.49, plus s & H, and buy a Circle Edge Slicker #812200 from Tandy Leather. Or you can spend $3.49 plus shipping for a Plastic Bone Folder #811600, I like the bone folder better than the circle slicker for small projects.

[cavscout]

Thanks Doc ! I had thought about taking a very smooth wood cylinder I have and coat it with saddle soap or something like that that would slick it and smooth it. I thinkI do need to seal it though as that exposed leather wants to suck up moisture like crazy. I barely touched it with the leather die and it was dry instantly it soaked it in so fast.

As easy as this was I may invest in the nicer tools.

[GMan]

A true craftsman of necessity! You did a great job.

[bubba]

I do like the trigger clips. I used them on my strap. Nice job.

[Doc Hudson]

I barely touched it with the leather die and it was dry instantly it soaked it in so fast.

As easy as this was I may invest in the nicer tools.

That was the nature of the dye more than the dryness of the leather. Most leather dyes are mostly alcohol and other volatile liquids that dry very fast. If you really feel that it must be sealed, buy a bottle of Edge Cote from Tandy and paint it on after you use the slicker..

A new belt should not be terribly dried out. If it doesn't feel stiff and/or brittle, you should be able to seal the edge with simple friction. BTW, the edge will look better if it is beveled before using a slicker on it.

Before you start buying tools, let me suggest you get a catalog from Tandy Leather and The Leather Factory. Take time to search it thoroughly and you can find some tool set that will be a big saving over buying tools individually. If you are interested in taking up leathercraft as a hobby, you could do far worse than to purchase on the the Starter Kits from Tandy. These kits include a selection of basic tools, some training manuals, some patterns and some entry level kits for you to practice tooling, sewing, and carving.

[Blu (Ontario)]

That's a pretty decent looking job you've done there Cav... The heart and soul of "craftsmanship" is being creative and clever. Good workmanship means nothing without the first two. Looks like you've managed to do all three quite nicely!

[Phil Wright]

Great job! My latest try is unpicking a plaited 6 strand belt and re-weaving 3. Problem is the finishing of the ends. Guess I need a few more of the tools. Very informative thread one & all!
Phil