How to Rivet Leather

Rivets can add interest to leather.

Leather can be used for many things. Items made from it can be accessory or a full outfit. Rivets are metal fasteners that can be attached to almost any fabric. Rivets look good on leather and can create interesting designs. Rivets can be applied on leather in various ways; from leather handbags to leather jackets. Rivets are made of different materials, such as wood, plastic, and metal. When riveting leather, a rivet gun is needed to fasten the rivet securely.

Things You'll Need

• Rivets
• Rivet Gun
• Leather
• Drill
• 1/8 inch drill bit
• Washer
• Marker

Instructions

1. Determine the amount of leather you need for your project. The amount and length of the leather is based on your preferences. You can use two pieces of leather, so you can connect them together with the rivet.

2. Mark the leather at the spot where you want to place the rivet. You can mark the leather with a marker or pencil. Make sure the marked area is not close to the edge. Placing the rivet too close to edge will cause the rivet tear the leather.

3. Drill a hole into the leather using a 1/8 inch drill bit. When you are using a 1/8 drill bit, you have to use a 1/8 inch rivet. Rivets come in different sizes and using the corresponding drill bit can make a successful placement. You will be drilling a hole in the area that you marked.

4. Push the rivet through the two pieces of leather. The thick, round end should be pushed in first. The thick end allows the rivet to stay in place.

5. Place the washer on the stem of the rivet. The washer is a small metal ring that attaches to the rivet stem. Studio Creations states that the washer is important because it allows the rivet to have a strong bond on the leather.

6. Place the rivet gun onto the rivet. The rivet gun has several holes, the thick, round end should be placed in the first hole. While doing this, hold the washer with your other hand to hold it in place.

7. Clamp the rivet gun onto the rivet by applying pressure on the two handles. A few clamps might be needed to securely fasten the rivet. The rivet will remove the excess rivet stem. The washer has to be secure for the rivet stem to snap off successfully. Once the stem is removed, the rivet and the washer should have a secure bond on the leather.

References

• Riveting Basics