Sunburst Color Belt

[Allan1972]

A friend commissioned me to make this belt for her husband(it is inspired from a dog collar I made).

It is light weight saddle skirting(about12-13oz) with 3-4oz deertan cow hide lining. You can probably tell it is hand sewn.

Did not know what to charge as this was the first belt I have sold, she gave me $100…..

Feel it was a fair price but I would feel better about it if I stitched it on a machine, would have saved 3- 4 hours work(I need a sewing machine, don't know how much longer my shoulders will last. It is a lot of thread to pull for an 8 foot run, about 30 feet.

Thanks for viewing

Allan

[MonicaJacobson]

Hey Allan, it looks great! You should check etsy prices for a basic ballpark figure. I would be tempted to charge more like $150 - 200 for something like that, but I'm also really bad at charging my friends what I should charge. Also, I haven't sold any belts at all.... so I'm not really sure what the norm is.

[dnd]

That looks great. Your price is right on. I sell lots of belts and I charge 75 for border stamp. I also know of someone with a sewing machine for sale. That will make your life lots easier

[Basically Bob]

I really like the belt and would love to be able to nail a burst effect like that.

When I first started, I sold my projects to friends for just a little more than the cost of materials. I am now confident with my skills and charge 60.00 for a plain belt with nothing on it. (Stitched on buckle and keeper.) i wouldn't flinch in selling that belt for $200.00 if you had one or two of the technical aspects nailed.

[RiverCity]

Looks great!

Out of curiosity, why so thick? Gun belt?

Chuck

[Allan1972]

Hey Allan, it looks great! You should check etsy prices for a basic ballpark figure. I would be tempted to charge more like $150 - 200 for something like that, but I'm also really bad at charging my friends what I should charge. Also, I haven't sold any belts at all.... so I'm not really sure what the norm is.

I was happy to make this belt for my friend at this price but I sure would not rush to get more of this work at this price. I would be ok with this price if it was machine stitched. Thanks for the info on pricing Monica.

That looks great. Your price is right on. I sell lots of belts and I charge 75 for border stamp. I also know of someone with a sewing machine for sale. That will make your life lots easier

Do you line the belt at $75? I could see that price for unlined.

Thanks for the positive feedback.

Where is the sewing machine located?

I really like the belt and would love to be able to nail a burst effect like that.

When I first started, I sold my projects to friends for just a little more than the cost of materials. I am now confident with my skills and charge 60.00 for a plain belt with nothing on it. (Stitched on buckle and keeper.) i wouldn't flinch in selling that belt for $200.00 if you had one or two of the technical aspects nailed.

Thanks for the comment on the sunburst effect, I am starting to get it down pretty good for not airbrushing it.

I am a bit confused by your comment…..

Are you saying I could charge $200, or are you saying I could charge $200 if I had some more technical aspects nailed down. If the later what do you feel I can improve:)

Looks great!

Out of curiosity, why so thick? Gun belt?

Chuck

Thanks Chuck…..

I am really just pretty new to this, that belt is the 6th I have made and I am liking the heavy leather. I don't really know what the standard weight is, so just kinda experimenting. I found 8oz to be too light, 10oz just right, 13oz a bit on the heavy side but I like it.

This belt is for a farmer and he carries stuff on his belt when he is working. I suspect he won't be wearing it while doing chores anytime soon;)

Allan

[Basically Bob]

Allan, I guess what I was trying to say is that you belt looks amazing and that you should be looking to the top end of the scale. (And I wouldn't flinch at $200.00.

The details that I think would take it to another level is splitting down the buckle turn over and belt loop to reduce unecessary bulk.

Bob

[dnd]

The sewing machine is around Montgomery AL at the Twisted Spur. Yes all of my belts are doubled and stitched Herman oak. Go with whatever thickness feels right to you. I have found 8-9 lined with 3-4 to be my favorite or 9-10 lined with 2-3.

As far as price is concerned. You can always charge more, but think about this every item you make is a learning experience. If you are still new to this you are better to put out 10 belts at $100 this year and learn 10 times than 1 belt at $200 and only learn once. You can check out some of my stuff at dndleather.com for reference.

[OdinUK]

Very nicely done and oozes quality. What finish did you use inside and out?

[Bob Blea]

I think your belt looks fantastic. I'm not a belt maker but I definitely think it is worth more than $100. It looks like a quality belt, a lot better than much of what you will find at a department store men's department.