One Day Course - How to Make a Bridle Leather Belt
By Charlie Trevor
Making Bridle Leather Belts has been the foundation of my leatherwork career, the first one made some 25 years ago, and was a natural progression from the saddlery world where I started. I have literally made thousands in the intervening years and have developed a workflow that works really well to make a polished, well finished and well made belt without wasting time. I have always considered a bridle leather belt as a perfect place to both learn and perfect core leatherwork skills. On the face of it a very simple product, but therefore also one that gives poor techniques no room to hide!
Course Structure
The one day Bridle Leather Belt course is a group course with a maximum of three like minded participants taught in my workshop, giving plenty of individual attention. The day is 9-5 with approx half an hour for lunch. The course will cover
- The right leather for belts
- Straitening leather and cutting straps
- Tools - saddlery tools for heavier leathers
- Point styles and cutting
- Sizing - how to make a belt the right size, surprisingly hard!
- Edge shaving
- Creasing
- Edge finishing
- Buckles, finding, choosing and fitting
- Hole measurement, marking out and punching
- Keepers, brass/metal and leather
- Pricking
- Saddle Stitching
Leather and a buckle is included and the aim of the course is that you will come away from the course with a completed belt. You are not expected to bring tools but you are very welcome to do so should you wish and we can compare and contrast with the tools in the workshop and the different results you might get from different tool styles etc. We can also discuss any tool questions you have. Likewise you are welcome to bring leather and hardware of your own if you want. Assuming there is time in the day general leatherwork, tool and technique discussion is also welcomed and very much part of the day.
Prerequisites
This course is suitable for the beginner, but don’t let that put you off if you are an experienced leatherworker and you want to develop your skills with bridle leather in general, or belts in particular. I have made thousands of belts and am happy to share nuance of pattern and technique in significant detail given the opportunity. Get in touch if you want to talk through the details or ask any questions about content.
Location
The course is at my workshop at;
Westholme Farm
Winston,
Darlington,
County Durham,
DL2 3QN
Please park on the side of the road in the parking spaces. If you go to the farm you have gone too far! If you are here for several days and need help with accommodation Im happy to advise.