Belt Making Course

Hi there, I’m Emily and I deal with all the bookings and admin at Prescott & Mackay.  I was really excited last Sunday to go to the belt making course at our studio on Warren St.

I got up really early to brave the cycle across London, in the freezing cold with a slight hangover and a bit worse for wear.  I sorted myself out with a breakfast bagel and got down to work in the studio.

There was four of us on the course and the atmosphere was really relaxed. One lady had done a bag-making course before, and the other two were friends who came to learn the craft. Two of them had thoughts of setting up a business, including making dog collars.

Lesley Taylor was a wonderful tutor and started by giving us an overview of her background and the leather trade in general. I found it really interesting to find out where the best leather on a cowhide came from and all the details of sizing, names and pricing.

We initially chose our buckles; of course I chose the two most unusual ones, which would of made the process quite difficult, so I selected a more simple design for my first belt attempt.

We then cut out the leather, and Lesley paid great attention to the interesting and practical aspects of the craft. We were told how much the tools were, if we were thinking of setting up at home and what we really needed now and what could wait. We chose our leathers and learned how to cut out the strap, using a strap cutter no less. I chose a beautiful purple vegetable tanned leather which was 3mm thick. It doesn’t sound like much, but it gives a really expensive look to the belt and feels amazing .

We then learnt how to use the tools. We had to cut out the end shape of the belt and punch the holes . Big mallets were involved and the room vibrated with our banging. Needless to say, this didn’t do my poor head much good. We learned some tricks for finishing the sides of the leather, creasing and dyeing. This was followed by more hammering as we cut out and riveted the buckles into place. The excitement was buzzing in the air between us. Someone on a sewing machine, others hammering, or trying to see how various designs would work.

Lesley really gave us the impression that this is a skill we could definitely take away and start a business with. I went on my lunch with one belt almost finished, and with exciting plans of becoming a Belt Making Millionaire.

I loved my belt and started to make another one. Another student wanted to make a dog collar, and as it turned out they all had dogs so they decided to make these. Phone calls home followed and I laughed as I imagined children running around trying to catch a dog and measure his collar. The collars turned out beautifully, with techniques such as hand stitching, double layers of leather and cut out shapes.  I can’t wait to see some pictures of the dogs in these. If only they knew the work that had gone into their collars. I made a waist belt in blue for a 1940’s style dress I have. It looks great, and the colour is really gorgeous.

The end of the day was upon us and we all went home very happy. I have worn a homemade belt each day this week, and feel very proud of myself.  So all that is left to say is;

This time next year, we’ll be millionaires.