What Material Do I Use ... Making Strap Patterns.

[RoosterShooter]

I'm looking for a material that I can trace the outline of an existing strap and cut the material to make a template for future straps.

I'm tired of tracing the standard leather strap that I've been using forever as a template, and make a true template for it.

I've already looked at BlackHillLaser or whatever on Ebay, and they don't have what I need. I realize they do custom work, but I need a quick fix, and they are over 7 business days out.

Thanks

[tomt]

I used a piece of lewon board to make a pattern once just sand it real good and you can drill holes in it and what ever else you need hope this make since

[Itch]

We buy 4' x 8' sheets of ABS plastic that are pretty cheap this works very well for us. Something like this http://www.usplastic.com/catalog/item.aspx?itemid=23013

[KeepItSimple]

This Tandy video

http://www.tandyleatherfactory.com.au/en-aud/home/infoandservices/leathercraft-videos/making-cutting-templates-video/making-cutting-templates-video.aspx?countryid=993 shows quite a neat way of making the patterns using a bag stiffener material.

They have a supplies list under the video,

This is a link to the bag stiffener material they use in the video.

http://www.tandyleatherfactory.com.au/en-aud/home/leathercraft-projects/making-cutting-templates/9072-00.aspx

[jfdavis58]

Assuming you want an end pattern--the buckle or tab hole layout and spacing. What's in between is just a long rectangle?!?!

Quilters template plastic. Available at hobby and craft stores like Michaels and Hobby Lobby (look for it hanging from a peg near the self-healing rotary cutter boards and rotary cutter supplies, scissors and nippers and C-Thru rulers) also sewng fabric and notions stores like Joanns. Sheets are typically about 18 by 24 inches, translucent and about $4.00 a sheet. Cuts with sharp heavy duty scissors or a sharp blade, can be punched and sanded, accepts Sharpie marker with a short drying time. Can be stored flat or rolled and takes a long time to yellow-I've got 15 year old patterns that are still as clear as the day I cut them. Generally impervious to damage from the typical leather work solvents, dyes and paints-but it will show color stains.

[TheLoudOne]

I use believe it or not, wall paper border. It's durable and you can roll it up.

[thefanninator]

Sounds like you need a strap cutter. Wouldn't that do the trick?

http://springfieldleather.com/29508/Strap-Cutter%2CThe-Original/

Edited February 1, 2015 by thefanninator

[Tramps Leatherworking]

In a pinch I use poster board that can be purchased just about anywhere...

[thefanninator]

In a pinch I use poster board that can be purchased just about anywhere...

I do this too. Design on the computer, print out and glue to poster board then cut out.

[lcrane]

We use the plastic sheets used to make your own stencils.. it's basically the same as the quilters stuff but a little thicker. You can find it in the scrap book isle where the sell the die cutters and stencil isles at places like hobby lobby

Edited February 7, 2015 by lcrane

[Busterradar]

I use clip board. I buy large sheets at a printer. Easy to cut and lasts a long time.

[Geneva]

Why in the world would you need a pattern for a strap?

You mean you can't remember the length of piece for a particular product? I agree with thefanninator you need a strap cutter, a piece of paper and a pencil or ink pen. Draw a small sketch to refresh your memory as to the actual product.

Write the length and width of the piece the location of buckle holes and mark any holes needed for rivets or buckle tongues. The idea is to make money in our shop not spend it on something that is not necessary.

But you can do what ever strikes your fancy. That's my two cents. Good luck.