Made my first belt

[MADMAX22]

Hey guys well I finally got around to making my first belt.

The body is 8oz, the liner is 3-4oz. I hand stitched the whole thing, the outside stitching I thought looked ok but on the inside you could really see all the errors. I stabbed the holes all on the table but stitched the rest with the classic way so it was a learning experience.

I freehanded the design with the stems cut and beveled then I stamped random leaves and flowers. I put those rhinestone rivets in the center of the flower stamp. Dyed the outside with feibings mahogany and sealed with atom wax and then some sno seal. The inside I did a quick name (for the girlfriend) and then tried to do a quick antique on the name part just so it would stand out but forgot to put a resist on the inside. Ahh well so had to go over the whole inside really quick to get the same color and let one spot sit to long and it left a off hand stain. Still figured the inside would wear this out eventually.

The belt buckle I got off of ebay after we were all done with the belt. Thought they looked good together.

[jbird]

Looks nice good work.

On mine I use white thread dye it on the out side and then it's white on the liner side black is bear to get looking just right, white is easyer I think

Josh

[MADMAX22]

Thanks, Just wondering but do you not wax or use prewaxed thread. Im not sure how well that stuff would dye. Have not tried it though.

The biggest thing with this sewing job was that it was a different style for me, I was trying to use the "proper technique" which meant a little change in how I did it. Its a little more difficult. Definatly gonna need some more practice and a better stitching apparatis. I am using a pony when I really need a horse lol.

[Bree]

That's a pretty darn good job for a first belt! She is going to be real happy with it... hand stitched, double layer, carved, and bling to boot!!

[rdb]

Yep, your on your way. Props to anyone who handsews an entire belt!

That's a nice buckle, too. Where did you get it. I'm looking for a new supply of brass buckles, and I'm bored with the ones I see,

[jbird]

I use prewaxed thread and I have big block of wax I run it through it does pretty nice with spirt dye not all the perfect but close

Josh

Thanks, Just wondering but do you not wax or use prewaxed thread. Im not sure how well that stuff would dye. Have not tried it though.

The biggest thing with this sewing job was that it was a different style for me, I was trying to use the "proper technique" which meant a little change in how I did it. Its a little more difficult. Definatly gonna need some more practice and a better stitching apparatis. I am using a pony when I really need a horse lol.

[MADMAX22]

Thanks for the compliments guys, and yes Bree she loves it. Its still gotta break in a bit, she was use to a thin Ariat belt that wasnt shall we say very sturdy.

Yep, your on your way. Props to anyone who handsews an entire belt!

That's a nice buckle, too. Where did you get it. I'm looking for a new supply of brass buckles, and I'm bored with the ones I see,

I actually got this one off of ebay. Its a BTS buckle. Not sure if that company is still in business or not, gotta look them up. Its pretty darn nice buckle, all brass and made in the USA which I like.

[rdb]

Ahhh...BTS! Their sense of form appealed to me way back...

Back in the 70s, there were quite a few buckle mfgs producing fine quality. Among them were BTS, Indiana MetalCraft, Wyoming Art Studio, Waterbury Buckles, and many others. I'm not sure BTS is around. Some of them were Brass Foundries to begin with, and when the buckle rage dissipated so did their multitudes of choice. I think some of them still make custom runs, but those are more expensive, (and have minimum orders) than just a regular wholesale production buckle.

I still have about 100 of those vintage type buckles around. They sell on ebay for 15-20 each. I used to buy them for under 2.50.

[NoahL]

The hand-stitching on the liner side of your belt is much better than the hand-stitching on the liner side of mine, if that makes you feel any better . That looks like a pretty nice belt, so congratulations! Maybe one of these days I will get the courage (and the cash) to start tooling, too.

[MADMAX22]

Well after a year of being warn by a hard working shipyard mechanic I have some photos to show of how well this held up.

I noticed right away that my first belt attempt was constructed with a few bad things, like stitching thru the center of the belt and not fully lining the belt where the buckle loop goes.

Anyways it has stood up pretty well considering. Edges a little worse for wear, a few abrasions and such, was really surprised that the little tandy rivets held up as well as they did. Considering this belt has been thru hell and back I am pretty happy.

She wants a new one to wear out and is gonna keep this one for work I think so Ill condition it and call it good. I know alot of times we dont get to see our work down the road (some of us do) and this isnt that old but like I said its been thru hell lol.

[leatheroo]

well done on the belt....yeh, hand stitching is hard work but in a strange way very satisfying.