Here is the picture of the tools I use to make straps. I think I dont have to tell you what a particular tool is, as You can clearly see it above
"> But specific, the bottles You see one the left top corner are special leather paints (aprox 2euro cost each), they are used to paint the edges of the straps, so the leather would look better, when dry, they are flexible and hard to go off. The big glue is a transparent poliuteranic glue used to shoes, leathers etc. This is the main one, the smaller, Super Glue helps in the stitching part
">B - Leather
I dont think that there is any rule in leather choosing. So we pick one
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A leather belt I bought for small money and tools needed to this B part.
We slice the leather to the size we like. I sliced a bigger piece. When it comes to the dimensions, please reffer to any strap You own. For my 7.1 inch wrist I make straps 110/70 in lenght, So as You see, I need to slice two pieces of 230mm and 150mm. I add 10mm for the loss due to the bend process. We can always cut the leather after glueing.
Now, using the ruller and a spike I try to mark the leather with two straight line in distance of 24mm or a little more, as the leather can shrink a bit after cutting it.
This is the way I slice the leather. I use heavy steel blocks with straight edges, so theres no way Im gonna slice a no straight piece
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This is the part where You cut the leather if its too long for your size. You simply bend over the leather aprox 15mm from the middle and try to fit as it is showed on the picture. If you cut the right size, You would not have to cut the spare part of the leather. If You are completly sure that the dimensions are proper, but really really sure, as there is no way turning back from this moment
"> we can proceed further.
We make markings on the inside part of the strap so we are able to put the glue well. I used the spike again, but you can use pen or something completly different I have no idea about
"> These lines arent nessesary, but they help alot ">
Then we put the glue. I put the glue in straight line, and then, with a help of a simple match I spread the glue on the whole surfance.
And this is the part the leather must glue strong. I use two steel blocks squized as You can see on the picture. Theres plenty of options in this part, You can even put number of heavy books on the strap
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Next You have to make the ..... (I cant find a word for it, as Im no english native speaker also
">) thing that holds the longer part of the strap. The way to do it is almost the same as above. You can get the idea from the pics.
You can either glue it, or make a simple loop stitch. About stitching - further in the post
"> And then fit IT in the right place, and glue the rest of the leather as shown on the picture.
You end with a complete stitchless and holeless strap
">Now its time to prepare the holes for the stitching part.
First put your watch lug tube in the strap (or something alse of similar shape), this will help You, to get the stitching line distance from the top of the strap most accurate. Remember to get this line straight and at exact distances from both edges. Believe me, every 1mm of difference will make Your eyes bleed
">With help of spike, razor, knife or anything else, try to make straight lines on the part of the strap You would like to have the stitching, and its important to choose the visable, front side of the strap.
Now the hard part, amateur hole punching
"> Tools required are spike, hammer, ruller and loads of patience.
This is the way I do it, but I quess there is many other ways. So through the lines You have made before, You make holes exact same distance from each other. I prefer 4mm, but I quess its Your choice what distance to choose. Anyway, put a ruller next to the line, put a spike on the place You would like to have a hole, and strike it with hammer.
Remember to strinke from the frontal side of the strap, as the spike can go a little away from the point You put the spike on the front side and i result, after making number of holes, You can get not nessesary a straight line of holes on the back of the strap. Thats why
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Then simply punch another and another hole, till Your strap is ready for the stitching!!
C - Stitching
Choose the thread of size, color and facture You like and arm yourself in even more patience. This is, imo, the taughest part of the whole process.
I use the simple loop stitching, just follow the pics, and everything will be clear
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Wuoala! The stitching is ready, now cut the thread, finish it with a little help of Super Glue, You can use sandpaper on the dried glue to not harm your hand. I use the same razor knife I used to leather cutting and it works fine with me.
You get the strap almost ready to go!! All You have to do is to cut the space for the buckle.
Then put the buckle and one part of the strap is ready to use
">The second part of the strap is easier to do, because You simply bend it over, glue it, punch the holes, stitch it, and its ready. For the rounded end of the strap You can use a pro tools, or cut it, I do it that way, with the same razor knive You used before. When the second part is finished You have Your brand new self made custom strap
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UPDATE 12.06.2006
So You asked about the sizing holes... This is the best method imo but You may use another. Excuse me for using a done already strap, but Im too lazy to do another one now
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Just put the buckle on the strap, put the watch on Your wrist, bend back the buckle pin and meshure you wrist with it (just tighten it until youre satisfied) then take a spike, or some pen, whatever, just to make the mark where You have to put the first and the most important sizing hole. Then just use punchers on this one mark, and mark the other places to put the rest of the sizing holes if You want them.
