Adding firmness to raw edge straps

[JeannieH]

Hello. I use haas barenia to make my bag straps. I believe it 3-3.5 ounce. I’ve been using Bontex in between two leather pieces to make it thicker and more firm. Is this correct? I paint the edges of the strap.  But, I’m not sure if it’s ok to be using it this way without the leather being folded covering the paper. If this is the wrong thing to do, what should I use instead? Thanks!

[LatigoAmigo]

I am finishing my first shoulder bag and faced the same issue. What I did was go onto Amazon and purchase a 10 yard roll of Country Brook Design 3/8 Inch Black Heavy Nylon Webbing to place between the straps along with a leather insert. It provides strength and increases stiffness.

Edited March 14, 2018 by LatigoAmigo

[Matt S]

Not sure I'd use bontex inside a strap, but if you really want to I would suggest to cut the bontex so it fits within the stitch lines with a couple mm to spare. Then you won't have any exposed bontex on the edges and you'll slim down the edges slightly. 3oz is what, about 1.2mm. I would approach the job with a multi-fold, either two C-folds glued and sewed together or one C-fold itself folded in half then stitched. This would increase the thickness and strength, give some body/stiffness, and give you folded edges which I think are much better than painted edges on a strap.

Sandwiching a length of webbing inside the strap like Latigo Amigo suggests would also work well and would eliminate stretch. I'd still use a piece that's narrower than the stitch lines though.

[JeannieH]

Ok thank you. Let me know how it works!

3 hours ago, LatigoAmigo said:

I am finishing my first shoulder bag and faced the same issue. What I did was go onto Amazon and purchase a 10 yard roll of Country Brook Design 3/8 Inch Black Heavy Nylon Webbing to place between the straps along with a leather insert. It provides strength and increases stiffness.

 

[JeannieH]

14 minutes ago, Matt S said:

Not sure I'd use bontex inside a strap, but if you really want to I would suggest to cut the bontex so it fits within the stitch lines with a couple mm to spare. Then you won't have any exposed bontex on the edges and you'll slim down the edges slightly. 3oz is what, about 1.2mm. I would approach the job with a multi-fold, either two C-folds glued and sewed together or one C-fold itself folded in half then stitched. This would increase the thickness and strength, give some body/stiffness, and give you folded edges which I think are much better than painted edges on a strap.

Sandwiching a length of webbing inside the strap like Latigo Amigo suggests would also work well and would eliminate stretch. I'd still use a piece that's narrower than the stitch lines though.

Ok. I attached a pic of the strap I make. I glued then cut everything even...I hand stitched down the middle to hold the extra leather from the twist that’s under the strap. I want the strap to have some thickness to it..a strong feel. I achieved that with the Bontex..but the more I thought about it..something told me there is a better material to use that would make painting the edge better.

[Tugadude]

I'd be afraid of the straps separating over time with wear and tear, flexing, etc.  That doesn't address the edge issue per se.  I would lean towards the nylon webbing.  As pointed out, it reduces stretch.  It is also not going to be affected by moisture it might experience (rain).

[JeannieH]

9 minutes ago, Tugadude said:

I'd be afraid of the straps separating over time with wear and tear, flexing, etc.  That doesn't address the edge issue per se.  I would lean towards the nylon webbing.  As pointed out, it reduces stretch.  It is also not going to be affected by moisture it might experience (rain).

Ok. I thought as much too but dooney and Bourke does one of their strap like this..so I thought it was safe. If I had to choose between the nylon and Bontex...would putting another leather in between be even better? 

[Tugadude]

Adding a layer of leather certainly might add firmness but doesn't address stretch.  Not saying stretch is  problem.  Depends upon the particular leather.  Some is more prone to stretch than others.

[JeannieH]

6 minutes ago, Tugadude said:

Adding a layer of leather certainly might add firmness but doesn't address stretch.  Not saying stretch is  problem.  Depends upon the particular leather.  Some is more prone to stretch than others.

Oh ok.  Well this barenia does seem to have some stretch so I guess whatever I use needs to address that. But since I’m edge painting and stitches won’t be on either side..if I used webbing, should I use it the same width or narrower?

[KittenThrasher]

Don't know anything about Bontex or webbing but that is nice work.

[JeannieH]

29 minutes ago, KittenThrasher said:

Don't know anything about Bontex or webbing but that is nice work.

Thanks a bunch!! 

[Tugadude]

Narrower because you can't really hide it with edge finish.  I'm thinking you would have a better result with stitching on both edges, but I know that ruins the aesthetic you have going.  It will basically have a padded look about it.  Maybe try a short length from some scraps to help decide.  

[JeannieH]

4 minutes ago, Tugadude said:

Narrower because you can't really hide it with edge finish.  I'm thinking you would have a better result with stitching on both edges, but I know that ruins the aesthetic you have going.  It will basically have a padded look about it.  Maybe try a short length from some scraps to help decide.  

Ok I will try that. Yes it would change the look. What glues do you recommend that will give me a permanent strong hold? I’m new to leather working so there’s tons I don’t know!

[Tugadude]

Barge contact cement or Weldwood.  I use Weldwood contact cement and have good luck with it.

[LatigoAmigo]

On 3/14/2018 at 1:47 PM, JeannieH said:

Ok thank you. Let me know how it works!

Here they are. Stronger and (somewhat) stiffer as the result of the added reinforcement.

..

Edited April 2, 2018 by LatigoAmigo

[JeannieH]

That turned out great! I love the front. It’s like the Hermès birkin. That kind of bag is on my list lol! Very impressive bag you made!