MYO Leather Belt from Salvaged Leather

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

1. Welcome, Safety & Sustainability

   • Workshop goals; examples of finished belts

   • PPE and tool safety

   • Why salvaged leather: sourcing, quality checks, ethics

2. 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

3. Design & Measuring

   • Belt width and buckle matching

   • Waist measurement; strap length and hole layout

   • Mark-up on leather

4. Cutting & Strap Preparation

   • Safe straight cuts; clean edges

   • Tip shaping (round/taper/point)

   • Edge bevel, light sanding and burnish prep

5. Buckle End & Keeper Loop

   • Skive if needed; fold and set buckle end

   • Punch for tongue and rivets/snaps

   • Make and secure keeper loop

6. Customisation

   • Edge burnishing with wax

   • Optional dyeing/staining

   • Stamp/emboss initials or simple motifs

7. Hole Layout & Finishing

   • Even spacing and alignment

   • Final burnish, condition and polish

   • Fit check and minor adjustments

8. Care & Repair

   • Cleaning, conditioning schedule and storage

   • Simple fixes: re-set hardware, re-burnish edges

9. 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.