Leather Tie Belt (Full Tutorial) – How to Tie a Belt
Updated on June 25, 2021
Belts are making a comeback, and the styles are getting more and more creative. Tie belts are especially popular, and here’s the good news – it turns out that they’re easy to make as well! Today I’m sharing a surprisingly simple project which won’t cost you more than a few bucks at your local fabric or craft store.
Leather Tie Belt — what you need
- An old belt, larger than your normal size
- 1 1/2 yards of thin leather ribbon or cord
- Glue gun
- Scissors
- Drill with 1/4 inch drill bit
How to Tie a Belt (Directions)
Step 1: cutting process
Begin by cutting a V shape right where the holes end on your old belt. (Just make sure that the belt is long enough so that the space between the buckle and the holes will fit around your natural waist). Measure your natural waist and subtract 2 inches from the measurement. Mark the belt at the other end by the buckle in that length. Cut in a V shape again.
*Note: this belt can also be made using vegan leather if you prefer.
Step 2: hole at each end
Using an electric drill, make one hole at each end within the V shapes as shown above.
Step 3: leather ribbon
Cut a 1-yard piece of leather ribbon (reserve the other 1/2 yard). Thread it through the hole at the end of the belt, and thread the other end of the ribbon through the other hole at the opposite end of the belt. Pull both ends most of the way through. You will tie this in a bow to create the closure of your belt.
Step 4: Create the tassels
The last step is to create tassels at the ends of the ribbon. Cut thin 2 inch slices at both ends of the ribbon as shown above. Then cut (2) 2 1/4 inch pieces from your remaining 1/2 yard of ribbon. Cut those into slices too, leaving 1/4 inch uncut to keep them together.
Step 5: gluing process
Glue one piece of 2 1/4 inch cut leather on top of one of the cut ends of the ribbon that’s attached to the belt. Glue the other to the opposite end. Then cut (2) 1 1/2 inch pieces to wrap around the tops of the tassels as shown above. Glue in place.
Conclusion
And your belt is finished! Loosen the ties, step into the belt and then tighten it around your waist and tie in a bow.
It’s a great alternative to a traditional belt, adding some serious character to any outfit. I just love how that bow breaks up the thickness of the rest of the belt.
The contrast of thick and thin is quite attractive, and those tassels are the perfect finishing touch. The V shapes cut into the thick part of the belt also add a hint of geometric flair to an otherwise more organically-shaped piece.
It works perfectly with dresses or tunics, and it can be made in any color you like. What a great use of an old belt!
