How to Weave a Three-Strand Leather Belt
Braided leather belts are attractive, but mysterious: How can you braid something when both ends are solid? It's easier than you might think. There are several tips to add a braid to a strip of leather for a belt.
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Things You'll Need
- Strip of leather 1 1/4" thick (or the thickness you desire)
- Metal ruler
- Pencil
- Cardboard
- Sharp utility knife
- Belt buckle
- Awl
Instructions
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1
Cut the strip of leather a bit longer than you think you'll need. To determine the length, measure your waist size. Add an extra inch per foot of braiding, plus length for doubling the belt back to attach the buckle, and for extra holes, if you are using a buckle with a tongue.
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2
Decide how long you want the braided section to be. On the reverse side of the leather, make two sets of marks dividing the width of the belt in thirds. Using the ruler, connect the marks by drawing two parallel lines the length of the braid. Put a piece of cardboard, or other flat material under the belt to avoid damaging your cutting surface. Cut carefully along the lines, drawing the utility knife firmly against the metal ruler.
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3
Turn the leather so the front is facing you. Braid one of the outer strands over the center strand. Repeat with the other outer strand. Continue in this manner. As you braid, the bottom sections that haven't been braided yet will start to twist over one another.
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4
Hold the braided section in place with one hand, and use the other hand to feed the unbraided section through one of the openings at the bottom, from front to back to untangle it. Then continue braiding.
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5
Tighten the braid when done, and feed the bottom through for a final untangling. Then redistribute the tension.
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6
Attach the buckle, trim the belt to the proper size and punch holes for the tongue, if needed.
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Tips & Warnings
If you have some scrap leather, practice with it first to see how much leather you'll need, and where you want the braid to be.
Pay close attention when cutting or punching through the leather. You may have to use some force, and you don't want the knife or awl cutting anything but leather.
