Making Belts, The Easy Way

[Jim]

Back when I was younger and had all my hair, I decided I wanted to make my own belt rather than settling for what I could get from the store. So, I asked some advice from one of them "experts." I says, "How long do I make it?" He says "Add four inches."

"Mmm-kay. Add four inches to what" At which point I got a crash course in rocket science that I didn't want or need. So, I did what most folks do and measured out my old belt. That worked.

But then a feller asked me to make him one. Mmm-kay. Now I'm in trouble.

Moral of the story is I got tired of the hit and miss, the re-do's, and utterance of profane syllables. So, I created the little tutorial posted here and want to share it all you fellow leather workers for your enjoyment. This is the end result of a lot of hard work, so use it well.

It is formatted on letter size sheets so you can print at home.

Folks, I discovered that I posted a faulty Size Chart with this. I have replaced it with a correct set so please re-download and forgive my oversight.

Enjoy,

Jim

Dress Belts.pdf

Edited December 13, 2014 by Jim

[Chain]

Thanks very much Jim, this will come in real handy !!!

[Jim]

My apologies folks, but this is what keeps me humble. Of those of you who have downloaded the file, delete and re-download the new file.

Thanks,

Jim

[MonicaJacobson]

Thanks Jim, I appreciate all the measurements, etc.

(And the funny story that went with it didn't hurt, either. )

[sinpac]

Thank you Jim this will come in very handy.

[Pounder]

Jim, this is just what I needed, thank you for your generosity.

[Jim]

It's my pleasure. I have been following topics on belt making and there are several new crafters that need that extra little something to get them in the right direction.

The belt measurements for the center bar and heel buckled belts are the same I have used for years for dress belts as well as gun belts and have always worked. Then out of the blue I decided to add measurements for shield buckled belts. That's where my "OOPS" came in yesterday. The belts for shield buckles will generally be 2" shorter because of the length of the buckle. Well, dummy me went and adjusted 2" off of everything. Then right after it posted that little voice in the back of my head said "Jim that ain't right. The buckle to center hole doesn't change." D'oh!

So, the chart and instructions posted are correct and most sincere apologies for the slip up. I almost create a bigger problem than I was trying to fix.

Have fun with this, I have plans for more in the future.

Jim

[paprhangr]

love the quick reference Chart, Thanks

[Bruno Rock]

Thank you Jim, as usual for all the tutorials kindly provided! When I saw a topic started by Jim Simmons I immediately feel like it's Christmas day for something new and useful made to learn leather craft!

[srtolly]

This is great. I'm new to making belts and this clears it up a bit.