Info on lace making and braiding from start to finish

[DirtBagRobot]

So I'm new to leatherworking and I started making a 12 braid belt but think I've done things a bit backwards. Figured this would be a good place to try and find info I haven't had any luck getting! Most things I've found are info on how parts are done (such as cutting and beveling lace, braiding certain styles, etc) but never anything from start to finish. 

Should I have dampened the hide first before cutting lace? 

Once the lace is cut I read it should be oiled and stretched? Should this be done before dyeing? Can I oil the lace, braid, then dip dye?

All the videos and books I've seen show how to do the braids but how do you finish a belt off? Haven't found anything on the pattern or process for closing the laces off. Also looking for anywhere that sells belt ends that aren't generic blanks, or the one version Tandy sells. 

Thanks for any info!

 

[LatigoAmigo]

2 hours ago, DirtBagRobot said:

Most things I've found are info on how parts are done (such as cutting and beveling lace, braiding certain styles, etc) but never anything from start to finish. 

Then you will love this book: 

https://www.amazon.com/Encyclopedia-Rawhide-Leather-Braiding-Bruce/dp/0870331612/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2T0N7YOKXVUU3&keywords=bruce+grant+encyclopedia+of+rawhide+and+leather+braiding&qid=1570059673&s=gateway&sprefix=bruce+grant+%2Caps%2C215&sr=8-1

 

[DirtBagRobot]

1 hour ago, LatigoAmigo said:

Then you will love this book: 

It’s got everything on making lace and weaving a belt? I was actually thinking about getting that after looking at his leather braiding one but didn’t want to spend $30 on something that is either just going to repeat the info in the one I already have and not anything I needed to know

[LatigoAmigo]

7 minutes ago, DirtBagRobot said:

It’s got everything on making lace and weaving a belt?

It is not a "project book" with directions on how to make belts, but demonstrates many, many types of braiding, some of which lend themselves to making a belt. It does show how to make lace and has photos of many woven belts. Much of the focus of this 500-page book is cowboy horse gear from around the world, however, and spends quite a bit of time on rawhide braiding. It features some beautiful knots and handles, and includes whips and hatbands. 

It aided me very well when I started leather work 50 years ago, and continues to provide a source of inspiration. You might be able to find it used or in paperback, which would reduce the price, or even find it available for free in a public or college library. 

[Alisdair]

Ron Edwards' books on Australian Leathercraft and Bushcraft are great: he describes how to make braided stockmans belts.

[DirtBagRobot]

10 hours ago, Alisdair said:

Ron Edwards' books on Australian Leathercraft and Bushcraft are great: he describes how to make braided stockmans belts.

Awesome! Google didn’t have anything that was exactly called that, but looks like he has a lot of books out with good info

[Nyckname]

Rawhide needs to be damp in order to cut easily with a knife. 

Veg tanned leather should be cut dry. 

Edited October 3, 2019 by Nyckname

[Northmount]

4 hours ago, DirtBagRobot said:

Awesome! Google didn’t have anything that was exactly called that, but looks like he has a lot of books out with good info

Full listing of books by Ron Edwards,

https://www.ramsskullpress.com/index.php/itemlist/category/7-bushcrafts

Tom

[DirtBagRobot]

4 hours ago, Nyckname said:

Rawhide needs to be damp in order to cut easily with a knife. 

Veg tanned leather should be cut dry. 

Thanks! Was looking everywhere for confirmation of that and wasn't able to find anything. I made my lace from veg tan and it just felt super brittle and dry so thought it might have needed to be damp first.

 

1 hour ago, Northmount said:

Full listing of books by Ron Edwards,

https://www.ramsskullpress.com/index.php/itemlist/category/7-bushcrafts

Tom

Right on, I'll have to take a look! I just ordered Grants book, might have to check the libraries near me to see if they have any of these.

[Nyckname]

22 hours ago, DirtBagRobot said:

I made my lace from veg tan and it just felt super brittle and dry so thought it might have needed to be damp first.

Grease the lace before braiding with it.