MATERIALS NEEDED
To complete this tutorial, you will need:
- 1 strap of nourished collar leather - Width 24 - Length 120 cm - Thickness 3.5
- 2 sets of PABLO Mexican belt buckles - 24 mm
- 1 pack of 5 Chicago screws - 9 mm
- 1 jar of Tokonole
And the following tools:
- 1 cutter
- 1 screwdriver
- 1 round hole punch, 4 mm
- 1 straight edge skiving tool - size 2
- 1 ogival belt end template
- 1 abrasive sponge
1. TAKE YOUR MEASUREMENTS
Using a tape measure, measure your waist (at the navel). Then subtract 9 cm.
For example, for this tutorial we have a waist of 76 cm - 9 cm = 67 cm
2. CUT THE LEATHER STRAP
Cut the first end of the leather strap with a cutter according to the length obtained in step 1 (here 67 cm).
3. CREATE A SLOT ON EACH END
Using a slot punch or a cutter and a round punch: create a 4 x 19 mm slot on each end of the strap (cut previously). The size of the slot depends on the size of your buckle's tongue.
The slot should be made 4 cm from the edge and at each end of the strap (photo n°2).
 |
 |
4. FOLD EACH END OF THE STRAP
Using a silver pencil, mark 5 cm from the edge at each end of the strap. Fold each end towards the flesh side of the leather by striking with a mallet (photo n°2).
5. CUT A 37 CM STRAP
The original leather strap is 120 cm long; you cut a first strap in step 1 (according to your size). Now, cut a second strap (from the original strap) of 37 cm.
6. CUT THE ENDS ACCORDING TO THE BELT TIP
Trace and cut the ends of the 37 cm strap so that they fit into the zamak belt tips.
For this, we used the ogival belt end template (3/4).
The PABLO Mexican belt buckle is sold with a keeper and a zamak belt tip.
7. MAKE 6 HOLES IN THE 37 CM STRAP
Make 6 holes of 4 mm with a punch or a revolving punch. The holes should be made at each end of the 37 cm strap at 10 - 12.5 and 15 cm from the edge.
8. MAKE 8 HOLES IN THE MAIN STRAP
Take the main strap and make 4 holes at each end to attach the Chicago screws.
We recommend making the 4 holes at 1 - 3 - 7 and 9 cm from the edge and at each end.
9. BEVEL THE EDGES
Bevel the edges of the straps on both sides: grain side and flesh side of the leather.
10. SAND THE EDGES
Sand the edges of the straps with an abrasive sponge (fine - grit 400).
Always sand in the same direction, at 45° to the edge and towards the grain side of the leather.
11. DYE THE EDGES
Dye the edges of the straps with an edge finish.
Apply at least 3 coats of edge dye. Let dry thoroughly between each coat and sand lightly.
When the edge dye is dry, rub beeswax on the edges and heat it with a cloth or a creaser.
12. ATTACH THE BELT TIPS
Using a screwdriver and the screw provided with the buckle, attach the belt tips to each end of the 37 cm strap.
13. ATTACH THE BUCKLE AND BELT KEEPER
Insert the buckle's tongue into the slot (photo 1) then slide on the zamak belt keeper (photo 2).
Secure the keeper with 2 Chicago screws (photo 3).
Do the same for each end of the long strap.
If desired, you can pare (thin) both ends of the strap with a skiving knife.
 |
 |
14. FINAL RESULT
Your double-ring belt is finished!
