How Do I Save Leather Waste?

[club49]

I purchased a nice pice of leather from W & C. My problem is that I only want to make belts. When I cut my blanks they are 91 inches on the average. I am coming up with a lot of waist. I can make dog collars and braclets, I dont have that many people who want them. I do this mostly as a hobby and for family and friends. Can someone tell me how to save on the waist?

Jim

[electrathon]

If the hides you are buying are cheaper than it would be to buy precut belt blanks then you do not have any waste.

[wlg190861]

I personally would use the waist an make wristbands or take and put 3 or four pieces together with 1 1/2" rings or what ever width the extra strap is an make some belts that way. They look nice

Dan

Edited January 8, 2016 by wlg190861

[wlg190861]

I personally would use the waist an make wristbands or take and put 3 or four pieces together with 1 1/2" rings or what ever width the extra strap is an make some belts that way. They look nice.

My bad it is not waist it should be waste, an in leatherwork there is no waste, leather is to expencive

Dan

[Art]

Make belt and buckle billets to make ranger style belts.

Tool-up small decorative pieces with name or initials and attach to other belts.

Art

[JLSleather]

I generally cut them about 60" from the butt end.. cut the whole shoulder off. This way you can use the shoulder area for other things... holsters, pet collars, coasters, embossing "fillers", etc....

If you ONLY want to make belts, ask W/C to sell you BACKS instead of sides, and you can likely sell the entire shoulder you cut off. A standard size back likely make about 16-18 11/2" wide belts.

[Thor]

electrathon's suggestion contains another idea. If you want to you could cut blanks for dog collars etc which you could sell. I'm seeing this a lot on eBay Germany. If you don't want to sell your remainders and rather make some smaller items here are a few ideas for you:

https://www.pinterest.com/riding1493/key-fobs-leather/

or some more ideas here:

https://www.pinterest.com/riding1493/small-leather-goods/

[club49]

Thank you very much JLSleather. You gave me the answer that will help improve my situation. Most of the belts that I cut are under 60". I am a new to the whole leather world, I haven't tried to sell at any of the outside markets yet. The only holsters that I make are used for metal detecting tools, like pinpointers. I like to use 6oz for them. I guess dog collars would be my best bet and belts for kids. Thank you all.

Jim

[club49]

Thor, thank you for that link. You gave me some great ways to deal with the leftover leather. Notice I didn't say waist, I never will again.

Jim