Gather Materials
As you’re gathering your materials, consider the type of leather that you’d like to use. Depending on your preference, you can use real or faux leather, and the sky is the limit when it comes to color! Choose a classic brown or add a fun pop of color like the red you see here. Also, your leather may come in various forms, so choose what you prefer. You could start with a belt blank from the craft store or use a sheet of leather like we do here.
What You’ll Need
Leather (either a belt blank, or a sheet of leather long enough to wrap around your waist)Cutting mat with inch markingsScissorsRotary cutterYard stickLeather punchLeather lacing (if using a belt blank)
Cut the Belt Piece
If you’re using a belt blank that is already cut to a long strip, you can skip this step. If you’re using a sheet of leather, this is for you. Lay your leather out on your cutting mat. Place the yard stick down on the leather, pressing firmly to hold the leather in place underneath. Being sure that the yard stick stays aligned with one of the lines on your mat, use the rotary cutter to cut along the edge of the yard stick. Create a nice, smooth, clean edge on your leather sheet. Next, move your yardstick 1 1/4-inch in along the clean edge that you have cut. Repeating the same process, cut a strip of leather that’s 1 1/4-inch and as long as you need your belt. By using this process, you ensure that both edges of your belt are clean and the width remains constant.
Measure the Right Length for You
Once you have your 1 1/4-inch leather strip, wrap it around your waist. We recommend trimming it so that you have about three inches between the ends when you wrap it around yourself. This is shorter than you would measure a normal belt, but the lacing will make up for the gap.
Cut the Lacing Piece
Use the mat and rotary cutting process to cut a piece of leather lacing that’s 1/4-inch wide and 30-inches long. If you used a belt blank rather than cutting your own leather, you’ll just need to cut 30 inches of your pre-cut lacing.
Punch Holes
Use your leather punch to punch a single hole on either end of the belt, about 3/4 of an inch from the ends.
Lace it Together
Thread your lacing through both holes, and use it to tie a bow. This will be your belt closure.
Wear It
Put it on! This DIY leather belt looks great over a loose dress to create a chic waistline. Enjoy!
