If the material is a twill, like a tartan, you can fold, fold and put it thru the buckle. The tine (sp?) can then be pushed thru the fabric. That way you don't rip the material and start a tear. The tab that went thru the buckle is folded underneath the tab that is sticking out of the buckle. You then use a blind stitch from the front side all the way around the tab. Use good thread, carpet thread, and start the thread stitching along the middle of the buckle.