How to Make a Braided Leather Belt
The ends of this belt are left alone while the center portion of the belt is cut into strips and braided. The look seems almost impossible to achieve, but once you know how the braid is done, you'll realize what a simple leatherworking project this is.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Easy
Instructions
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1
Refer to 'eHow to Make a Leather Belt' and 'eHow to cut Leather' for instructions on measuring for and cutting out a leather belt.
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2
Use a pencil to make two vertical lines along the length of the belt. Space the lines so that the belt is divided vertically into three equal portions.
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3
Cut the leather along these two lines to form three strips. Leave approximately 3 inches of each belt end uncut.
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4
Lay the belt vertically in front of you and begin to braid the interior leather strips from bottom to top.
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5
Place the left strip over the center strip. Place the right strip over the strip that is now in center position. Place the left-most strip so that it is in the center.
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6
Bring the bottom belt end up and insert it between the left-most strip and the strip that is at the center. Pass the belt end under the center and right-most strips. Pass the belt end through as far as it will go and then pull down toward the bottom.
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7
Bring the right-most strip to the center, then do the same with the strip that is to your left. Place the strip that is now to your right into center position.
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8
Bring the bottom belt end up again as in Step 6. This time, however, pass the belt end through the right and center strips and under the center and left-most strips. Pass all the way through, as in Step 6, and pull down.
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9
Repeat Steps 5-8 until the entire length is braided. After braiding is complete, arrange the strips so that they are evenly braided from top to bottom.
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10
Continue with the belt-making process as described in 'eHow to Make a Leather Belt."
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1
Tips & Warnings
Do any dyeing of the belt prior to cutting the braiding strips.
Leave enough of each belt end uncut as is needed for the buckle.
