Take me to the Steps

Here is a simple guide that will show you how to make a cool braided leather bracelet using an old belt that you were going to throw away.

What will the next generation of Make: look like? We’re inviting you to shape the future by investing in Make:. By becoming an investor, you help decide what’s next. The future of Make: is in your hands. Learn More.

Project Steps

This is what the bracelet will look like when you’re done.

To get started here’s what you’ll need: An old leather belt, a sharp knife and a short piece of cord.

First, cut the belt as shown in the picture. You want a strip about 9 inches (23cm) in length and about 8/10 of an inch (2cm) in width.

This is what you should get.

Next, cut the strip lengthwise twice starting about 1/2 inch (1,2cm) from the top and going all the way through, dividing the strip into 3 equal bands.

Now you are ready to start braiding. First separate the bands. Then take the LEFT one and put it OVER the MIDDLE one, so that the left one is now the middle one and the middle one is the left one. Then take the RIGHT one and put it OVER the MIDDLE one.

This is what you should get.

Now just keep going: LEFT OVER MIDDLE, RIGHT OVER MIDDLE…….until you reach the end. When you reach the end tie a strong knot with a piece of cord.

Then tie a second knot about an inch (2,5cm) away from the first one. This is the first part of your closure mechanism.

At the other end cut a small triangular hole so that the second knot will fit through tightly. This is the second part of your closure mechanism. Almost there! :)

Now just put the end of the cord and the second knot through the hole you’ve just made and you are done!