terryHHI Report post Posted January 6, 2018 I have an idea for a braided/macrame shoulder strap for a tote bag I’m making my wife. I’ll need about 50 feet of 1/4 inch leather cord and I’d like to make the cord. (This also might be an elaborate plan to justify a rein rounder.) Here is my ideas on how to do this. Use 14+ ounce skirting - as thick as I can find. I’m trying not to fold over and sew leather to create a piece thick enough to result in a 1/4 round cord or close to it. Cut a circle large enough to get a 50 foot continuous strip. Is there a formula or rule of thumb for length of a strip from a circle? Is it feasible to splice shorter lengths into one long length? Use strap cutter and leather circle to peal off a strip 1/4 inch wide and 50 foot long. Follow the process for creating round reins I’ve found on here. Bruce Johnson also has a good tutorial on his site. At what point in the process is it best to apply dye? I’m assuming after beveling and before starting the rounding process. Please chime in if you have any ideas or insight. This is totally new to me. Thanks, Terry Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bikermutt07 Report post Posted January 6, 2018 I haven't done it, so I don't have much to add. I was going to say make it out of a circle, but you already knew that. 14 oz is going to be tough on the strap cutter blade. I would strop and change it a few times during cutting. Also, maybe wet the leather to make it a little easier on you. Sorry, that's all I got. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
terryHHI Report post Posted January 6, 2018 Thanks Bikermutt, I’ve never worked with 14 oz leather. Hadn’t thought about how tough it may be to cut with strap cutter. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bikermutt07 Report post Posted January 6, 2018 Glad I could help, even if only a little. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ENC Report post Posted January 8, 2018 You can get sewing machine belt by the roll 1/4" or 3/8" round leather for the old treadle machines from ebay. https://www.ebay.com/itm/Oak-leather-Treadle-Belt-Belting-for-Motos-SEWING-MACHINE-Motor-New/301517238462?var=600437664816&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIM.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20160908110712%26meid%3D00a37422736a45399e74b40a1856330f%26pid%3D100677%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D30%26sd%3D292202519826&_trksid=p2385738.c100677.m4598 Just 1 quick find example, but it shows the brand name. Ray Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
terryHHI Report post Posted January 8, 2018 Great idea ENC, thank you. I’m going to buy small roll and experiment. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sheilajeanne Report post Posted January 8, 2018 2 hours ago, ENC said: You can get sewing machine belt by the roll 1/4" or 3/8" round leather for the old treadle machines from ebay. https://www.ebay.com/itm/Oak-leather-Treadle-Belt-Belting-for-Motos-SEWING-MACHINE-Motor-New/301517238462?var=600437664816&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIM.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20160908110712%26meid%3D00a37422736a45399e74b40a1856330f%26pid%3D100677%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D30%26sd%3D292202519826&_trksid=p2385738.c100677.m4598 Just 1 quick find example, but it shows the brand name. Ray This site is indeed a gold mine of information! I never would have thought of that! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
