Would Stitching A Belt Slow Down The Stretch?

[mlapaglia]

Single layer 8/9 oz 1 1/2 inch belt. All belts slowly stretch, some very slowly, like a two layer gun belt. Would a single line of stitching help slow down the stretch of a single layer unlined belt?

Michael

[Ferg]

Michael,

I wouldn't think that would help much. A belt contours itself to the wearers body no matter what/how you make it. I have always thought that backing up and sewing just makes a more wearable belt plus they are very attractive.

ferg

Single layer 8/9 oz 1 1/2 inch belt. All belts slowly stretch, some very slowly, like a two layer gun belt. Would a single line of stitching help slow down the stretch of a single layer unlined belt?

Michael

[Rayban]

I don't know the answer to your question...I have to think that a line of stitching would slow the stretching some, but I guess it would have a lot to do with how thick the layer of leather is.

A question I have to ask....if you're thinking of stitching a single layer, why not just add the second layer and erase any doubt?

[mlapaglia]

I don't know the answer to your question...I have to think that a line of stitching would slow the stretching some, but I guess it would have a lot to do with how thick the layer of leather is.

A question I have to ask....if you're thinking of stitching a single layer, why not just add the second layer and erase any doubt?

.if you're thinking of stitching a single layer, why not just add the second layer and erase any doubt?

First the belt already exists. Second it was just something I was wondering, one of those questions that if there is no answer its no big deal.

I know it would contour at close enough to the same rate as a non-stitched belt that it would not matter. I was just curious about the horizontal stretch.

Sometimes I think to much and strange things pop into my head.

Thanks both of your for the comments.

Michael.

[Dwight]

As an absolute, . . . always answer, . . . can't give you one.

As an anecdotal experience, . . . several years ago I made a belt for myself, . . . wearing it right now as a matter of fact, . . . wound up with two layers of real good 8/9 oz leather, . . . cemented together and sewn with 346 thread (top and bottom) at about 5 stitches per inch, . . . gave it a real good coat of Resolene as the finish on the belt.

I think I could carry 3 .45's, two .44's, 4 or 5 boxes of ammo, a knife, compass, and lunch pack and this thing would not sag.

Truthfully, . . . it is a bit too much belt, . . . but it will never be put out to pasture, . . . as I have gotten used to it.

It has not stretched, . . . it has taken a forward curve, . . . something to do with the "done lap" behind the buckle if you know what I mean, . . . but it is still the same length as it was when I made it several years ago, . . . and I have put it to bunches of use.

May God bless,

Dwight

[TwinOaks]

Consider this:

Most of us sew with nylon or polyester thread. Both will stretch, so replacing tanned hide with thread that stretches won't reduce the stretching. It might retard the stretching if you were to use a non stretching thread like linen, but I think it likely that a tension force on the thread would only make the stitches pull tighter into the leather...because the leather can be compressed. So...unless you have a substance inside the belt that will resist stretching, it's likely to stretch...UNLESS the belt itself is strong enough to resist the forces that stretch it. This is probably accomplished most easily by using a double layer of leather, which a lot of us do. It's also accomplished by building the belt the right size to begin with (getting the holes punched at the right place).

[Dave Lordan]

First the belt already exists. Second it was just something I was wondering, one of those questions that if there is no answer its no big deal.

I know it would contour at close enough to the same rate as a non-stitched belt that it would not matter. I was just curious about the horizontal stretch.

Sometimes I think to much and strange things pop into my head.

Thanks both of your for the comments.

Michael.

[Dave Lordan]

On heavy use belts, LEO, Firemen,Construction workers, I use 8/9/oz with a4 oz backing. Between the layers is a 1.5" wide strip of fiberglas packing tape (the expensive one!). It runs the full width of the blank and has kept sizing pretty solid and there are no buckle tear outs. I also use this on HD dog collars.no bulk but extra strength.

[Kevin]

Stitching itself, will stretch the belt. Stitch the length of something on just one side and you will see it is now curved.

Kevin

[Ferg]

The holes punched by the needle is what stretches the leather, it does close some after the leather rests.

I fully agree that every belt will stretch to some extent. There are a multitude of ways to slow that process, some work better than others obviously.

I think the main point is, stitching a back on the face leather does help the situation. Of course it does not stop it.

ferg

Stitching itself, will stretch the belt. Stitch the length of something on just one side and you will see it is now curved.

Kevin

[Rayban]

Stitching itself, will stretch the belt. Stitch the length of something on just one side and you will see it is now curved.

Kevin

I'll measure for the keeper of a belt before I dye it by wrapping it around the belt, then marking it., then after I stitch it will measure again....same length. But I sometimes see that curve you're referring to when I stitch thinner strips of leather.

Never on two lines of stitching on a 1/4" thick belt, however...