Pampeano Belt - How to punch pattern for stitching?

[CJJ]

Here are some pics of my first finished projects with this type of technique.  It's definitely not a fast process but I'm happy with the results.  The first is a tote bag I was already making for my wife, which is actually my first time making a bag of any sort.  I thought the straps would be a good chance to test out the process.  Next I made a belt for myself with a different pattern.  On the belt I decided to try a pattern that doesn't wrap around the outside edges, thinking maybe it would be less likely to fray over time.

Let me know what you think.

[CJJ]

If anyone is interested, this is the process I used...

I liked the screwdriver idea from  but thought I might need something a little sharper.  I found this set of straight punches on Amazon for around $15. 

Then I made a pattern on my computer with dimensions I knew would work with the punches.  Printed that on card stock but thought I would need something sturdier so I transferred it to some framing mat board I picked up at Hobby Lobby.  Cut that out and used thumbtacks to pin it to the belt in places where I knew I would be stitching over. 

Then marked the design with an awl and came behind with an x-acto and ruler to make sure I had straight and consistent grooves to set the punches in.  Here's a shot of the punched belt before stitching and a progress stitching shot.

Then punched the holes and started stitching.  I used 1mm Vinymo MBT thread on the belt and think it worked well.  I used a thinner thread on the bag handles thinking it might look a little more delicate and appropriate for that project.  As you might imagine though the thinner the thread the more stitching required.

[chuck123wapati]

that came out great!

[AlZilla]

Nice stuff but probably way too tedious for me!

[GrampaJoel]

5 hours ago, CJJ said:

Here are some pics of my first finished projects with this type of technique.  It's definitely not a fast process but I'm happy with the results.  The first is a tote bag I was already making for my wife, which is actually my first time making a bag of any sort.  I thought the straps would be a good chance to test out the process.  Next I made a belt for myself with a different pattern.  On the belt I decided to try a pattern that doesn't wrap around the outside edges, thinking maybe it would be less likely to fray over time.

Let me know what you think.

You are a star!

Move to the front of the line!

I would suggest removing those double sided screws that hold the handles and go with a good quality of rivet.

or better yet hide the holes and stitch the handles on.

I think the belt came out great!
Wear it with pride.

nice job!

Joel

Edited July 24, 2023 by GrampaJoel

[Klara]

Really beautiful!  And the way the patterns are designed I don't think there's much risk of abrasion on the threads (though please keep us posted over the years). I am a bit afraid for the colour, though. If those were my things the white would not stay white for long (so I wouldn't replace the screws by rivets... Much easier to just surprise your wife with new handles some day. 

Actually, different handles might be a nice idea even if the white does not get dirty...

[CJJ]

thanks everyone!

The chicago screws I used for the handles were meant to be temporary.  I'm going to make her an interior pocket but ran out of the natural buttero leather I was working with. I'll either need to get more or figure out another material to use that wont take away from the simple aesthetics of the bag.  I wanted her to be able to use it in the meantime.  I'll likely use the same rivets eventually that I used for the exterior pockets but I do like the idea of being able to swap handles out.  Maybe a slightly smaller and subdued screw would be a good idea.

I've definitely been wearing the belt with pride.  Really happy with how it came out and have gotten a lot of compliments.

[Littlef]

That's cool.  Good job working out the process.  The final product looks great!

[CJJ]

Wanted to share this belt I made for a friend.  tried out a new pattern and used the colors from his company logo so hopefully he'll be able to get a lot of wear out of it.