Correct way to cut the end of a belt?

[Klara]

If you want to use maths, 2:3 is generally considered pleasing, or 3:5, or 5:8 (Fibonacci sequence, remember? )

Without maths, somebody (possibly linked to above, I didn't check the videos) said to poke a compass in one side of the belt, about one belt width from the end, adjust it to the belt width, and draw a curve to the point. Repeat on the other side. 

Or you could just cut free hand: Both sides narrowed to a point and point off - I think it's called a bridle point. 

Heck, my woven belts have square ends and work as well...

 

 

[JLSleather]

11 hours ago, Hardrada said:

On the buckle end of the pattern, the shaded areas are just cutouts on the cardstock pattern where the branding stamps will go.

[Squid61]

My head hurts!  Find a belt you like and use it as a pattern.

[Samalan]

On 12/5/2021 at 1:34 PM, unioncreek said:

What is the correct way to cut the end (non buckle end) of a belt?  I know there are dies to do this, but I'm just getting started and can afford a die right now.  I thought I say somewhere that gave measurements so you could get the correct curve so it would look nice.

 

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Bob

The very best way to do this is to make your own patterns that look nice to you poster paper works good for this I can say I have never used a ready made pattern unless I made it I always hear people saying do you have a pattern for this or that the very best way is make your own patterns , sharpen your own knifes, make your own designs but don't do all this blindly do your research one more thing " It's up to you to know everything"  Good luck in all that you do.

[unioncreek]

I eventually just started making a pattern and then cutting it on some scrap leather to see how they looked.  Finally came up with one I liked.

Thanks for the info though.

 

Bob

[Doc Reaper]

Starting out I would use a table spoon, it was in the drawer with knives and forks and was rarely used. It had an aesthetically pleasing arch so I tried it and it became a tool for shaping strap ends

[chuck123wapati]

if you want em to look store bought you could always go to some used clothes store buy a bunch of cheapo belts, but get ones with usable buckles lol, and cut the ends off for patterns. But like the others i usually just wing it with my own patterns however i do buy the belts and reuse the nice buckles. 

[HandyDave]

On 12/9/2021 at 12:17 PM, chuck123wapati said:

reuse the nice buckles.

I do this all the time with alot of materials. I have 5 younger sisters so i allways take there old bags and such as well as picking up good deals i find at thrift shops and yardsales. Ive got boxes of salvaged parts and pieces i repurpose into my crafts. I especially look out for old buckles and fastners that will give me a great one of a kind look.

[Danne]

An easy way is to use Google Sketchup.

1. Make a rectangle with the width you like.

2. Two circles.

3. Erase the excess

Of course you can also do this with a wing divider, either for a template, or scribed on the leather. 

 

When you cut you can either do it in multiple cuts, the first cut just slightly through the grain.

Or you can "stab" your way around with a skiving knife, and sand it smooth.