Sporran strap question

**bunchdescendant** · 7th July 06, 09:50 PM

OK all, I need some help here. I am making my sporran (yes, I must be a glutton for punishment) so the little beggar has 2 'D' rings on the back. I have the strap uncut at the time but need to know where should the buckle end up-on the left, right, back??? :confused:

On a further note, are the belt loops on a kilt for the kilt belt only, sporran strap only, both or optional?? :rolleyes:

HELP!!!

Ray (with the fingers stabbed by the leather stitching needles)

**porrick** · 8th July 06, 01:54 AM

The buckle should be located so that when the sporran is worn, the buckle will be located mid-back side of kilt, between the sporran strap loops.

Loops are for sporran straps. If the kilt fits as it should, there will be no need for a belt to keep it up. The belt is for decorative purposes, rather than functional. When a Brian Baru or Prince Charlie jacket/vest is worn it is not customary to wear a belt.

I envy your courage/skills making your own sporran

**HeathBar** · 8th July 06, 04:43 AM

Below is a pic of Hamish showing up close his sporran strap. You will see that the buckle comes from his left and the "tag" end comes from the right.
I hope that helps.

**Barb T** · 8th July 06, 05:42 AM

You can see many postings on this forum by Matt and me about this topic. The loops on a kilt are not for a belt.

Why not? First, it's not traditional. Kilts 50 years ago didn't have loops of any kind. Then people started putting little loops on to keep the sporran strap in place (with the strap buckle between the loops and the belt over top to hide the buckle). Then people got to wondering why their belts wouldn't fit through the loops (which weren't actually for the belt in the first place...), and some kilts started being made with bigger loops. Now, you see kilts with big loops and people who put kilt belts through the loops.

Why don't you want to put a kilt belt through loops? In the picture in the post above, you can see the risk you take putting a kilt belt through the loops. Notice how the belt pulls up the kilt and distorts the line of the tartan right at the loop? If you keep wearing a kilt with the belt through the loops, this permanently distorts the line of the kilt and even the bottom edge is noticeably pulled up. So, I urge people not to do this. It's made worse every time you sit down and put stress on the loops.

This is, of course, personal choice. Some people opt for putting a belt through loops because they find it more comfortable and are OK with what it does to the kilt. That's fine. My suggestion is just that you just know what the pros and cons are and you make a conscious decision.

Barb

**Kilted KT** · 8th July 06, 06:37 AM

Originally Posted by HeathBar

Below is a pic of Hamish showing up close his sporran strap. You will see that the buckle comes from his left and the "tag" end comes from the right.
I hope that helps.

is that one of Cavscouts's sporran straps? I've got one of those as well, and they are great...

**Caradoc** · 8th July 06, 08:08 AM

Originally Posted by Barb T.

You can see many postings on this forum by Matt and me about this topic. The loops on a kilt are not for a belt.

My best tank doesn't even have belt loops. Or a third buckle.

**walkerk** · 8th July 06, 09:48 AM

Sporran strap through the loops? Two or three beers and a trip to the "men's room" should answer that question for you. :rolleyes:

**bubba** · 8th July 06, 10:00 AM

No way would I wear the sporran strap through the loops or under the belt. I tend to slide the sporran to the side for driving and other things and that would make it difficult if not impossible. Practicality first.

**Kiltman** · 8th July 06, 12:11 PM

I'm definitely with Barb and Matt on this one. No loops are needed for a sporran. As a general rule I don't put loops on kilts I make for myself, nor do I need to have a third buckle if the fabric is heavy enough. When I look over the history of kilts, I don’t see belts being very common at all. While I’ve not adopted Matt’s solution to the hole in the kilt, I have reinforced the button hole with light leather and sewn it done.
I retro-fitted one of my kilts with the belt that goes all the way around the back and only attaches to the buckle on the upper apron. I did put loops on for that one, but I'm still debating if I should continue with that practice. Any comments or experience will be appreciated.

**Scott Gilmore** · 8th July 06, 02:48 PM

Originally Posted by Kilted KT

is that one of Cavscouts's sporran straps? I've got one of those as well, and they are great...

Sure looks like it. I have one black and one brown, and I've never seen a better quality sporran belt - anywhere. Cavscout's prices are very reasonable as well, especially considering the quality.

Regards,
Scott Gilmore