First belt with inlay

[TheDavidLeathermanShow]

Here’s my first belt with embossed lizard inlay and a Tandy shield buckle I made for my cousin. Also the first completed piece using machine sewing. Please give me some pointers!

 

[tsunkasapa]

I would sew around your inlays and space them further apart there is not a lot of 'structural material' between the cutouts.

[TheDavidLeathermanShow]

I was thinking the same, any suggestions on a good way to do a stiching groove around the inlays other than free handing it?

[tsunkasapa]

Just go around with your dividers. Or lay a ruler along and use a scratch awl. No real need for a groove.

[TheDavidLeathermanShow]

Okay I’ll give that a try, I like the groove cause it gives me a line to follow as I’m still very much a greenhorn on the sewing machine haha but I will give the dividers a shot

[Leescustomleather]

This is a very minor thing, but I usually punch to adjustment holes for the buckle tang from the top down that way the edges of the holes point down instead of up. A beautiful belt just the same.

[TheDavidLeathermanShow]

Forgive me Lees, could you elaborate a little more i’m a newbie and not quite sure I follow. If you’re referring to the 8 adjustment holes I did punch the holes from the face downward into the flesh side, but my hole punch set that I have are a cheap set I got in a kit and when I punch through I have to wiggle and pull on them to get them out which in turn lifts the leather around the edge of the holes.not sure if it’s cheap punches or user error 

[tsunkasapa]

  On 4/28/2022 at 3:19 AM, TheDavidLeathermanShow said:

when I punch through I have to wiggle and pull on them to get them out which in turn lifts the leather around the edge of the holes.not sure if it’s cheap punches or user error 

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Rub a little bees wax on the punch for lube.

[Bert03241]

I think thats pretty good for your first inlay belt. The tips the guys have given you are good ones, your next one will be a lot better, not that this one isn't good

[PastorBob]

Nice job.  Agree about stitching lines around inlays and increased spacing.  Might also want to skive down the rectangles so there isn't quite the lip around the inlays. Can't wait to see your next project.