How to account for a circumference increase for bracelets or collars when layering or padding leather?

[TomE]

5 hours ago, Sarina said:

I think if I glue the pieces together in a circle (or half circle in my case) they should stay together like that long enough for me to poke holes with an awl. For punching holes I may need to clip the pieces together while they're in the circle shape, then mark with a pen through the hole in one piece where the hole in the other piece should go. 

I think gluing and sewing all the layers would do the trick for constructing it flat than curving into a circle.  I'd consider sewing the strap with the dee rings to the wider strap before sewing the pad on the back, unless you're OK with the additional stitching going through the padded layer.  Could add some wedge shaped welts on either side of the dee rings.  JH Leather videos show this method for the dee on a padded dog collar.  Since you're hand sewing with an awl you'll be able to jump over each dee, and possibly overstitch the dee as shown in her videos.  That's how I've been fixing the dee to the buckle turn of a dog collar.

Edited March 22, 2024 by TomE

[MagdalenaAddams]

For anyone who might find this useful, I bought lengths of PVC pipe from the hardware store to use as forms. I have several lengths of 2’ length pipe which correlate to my wrist, my bicep/partner’s wrist, his bicep, and finally, my dog’s neck, which is a whopping 20” around. For that I had to buy a 2’ length of ABS pipe, 6” in diameter. It made a fantastic mold for me to make a collar. I taped the lining to it, and glued on the outer leather. It’s beautifully smooth inside, not a wrinkle to be found.

So try the hardware store or even a plumbing or gardening supply store (I think the big daddy pipe was for a pond or pool), and bring a tape measure with you.

If you can’t find the exact diameter you need, you can go down by an inch or two. Leather stretches a little easier than it compresses.