Overview

Make a durable, custom-fit leather belt from salvaged leather. Learn the essentials: measuring, cutting, setting hardware and finishing.

Who it’s for

Absolute beginners
Tinkerers, DIYers and creatives
Anyone that’s keen to have some fun while leaning something new
Adults 18+

Learning outcomes

Participants will:

Understand salvaged leather types and basic sustainability considerations
Use core leatherworking tools safely
Measure, cut and prepare a belt strap
Fit a buckle, set rivets/snaps and add a keeper loop
Finish edges, punch holes and customise with dyeing/stamping
Care for and maintain their belt

Modules & activities

Welcome, Safety & Sustainability
- Workshop goals; examples of finished belts
- PPE and tool safety
- Why salvaged leather: sourcing, quality checks, ethics
Tools & Materials Familiarisation
- Knife, ruler/square, awl, hole punches, edge beveler, burnisher, mallet, rivet setter
- Buckles, rivets/snaps, keeper loop options, wax/conditioner, optional dyes/stamps
Design & Measuring
- Belt width and buckle matching
- Waist measurement; strap length and hole layout
- Mark-up on leather
Cutting & Strap Preparation
- Safe straight cuts; clean edges
- Tip shaping (round/taper/point)
- Edge bevel, light sanding and burnish prep
Buckle End & Keeper Loop
- Skive if needed; fold and set buckle end
- Punch for tongue and rivets/snaps
- Make and secure keeper loop
Customisation
- Edge burnishing with wax
- Optional dyeing/staining
- Stamp/emboss initials or simple motifs
Hole Layout & Finishing
- Even spacing and alignment
- Final burnish, condition and polish
- Fit check and minor adjustments
Care & Repair
- Cleaning, conditioning schedule and storage
- Simple fixes: re-set hardware, re-burnish edges
Wrap-Up & Q&A
- Showcase and quick photos
- Final fit checks; troubleshooting recap
- Q&A and next-project suggestions

Assessment (light-touch)

Instructor observes safe tool use
Belt meets fit-and-finish checklist (even holes, secure hardware, smooth edges)

What’s provided (all materials)

Pre-inspected salvaged leather straps (cut to width)
Buckles, rivets/snaps, keeper loop stock
Consumables: wax/conditioner, sandpaper, rags
Full tool kit and shared stamping/dyeing station
Printed step-by-step handout

Participant prep

Wear closed-toe shoes and non-delicate clothing
Tie back long hair; avoid loose sleeves and jewellery
Optional: bring a favourite buckle for sizing (quality will be checked)

Accessibility

Some of our instructors are experienced in working with individuals living with disability. Please advise us of any accessibility needs prior to enrolment so we can accommodate your requirements.