How to un-curl leather kilt straps?

**unixken** · 23rd February 12, 03:59 PM

Hello, group.

I've received the three kilts I discussed in this thread: http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...ng-more-72115/, and have a question about the three leather straps, on each of the three kilts.

Due to the way each kilt had been folded for shipping, the straps have taken on an outward curl. There are no creases or folds in the leather to contend with... just an overall outward curl, that will cause the free ends of the straps to stick out, right up to the buckles, and appear unsightly at best, when I put them on.

Is there a recommended way to either flatten, or perhaps even slightly reverse the curl, such that the straps will lay close to my body, instead of curling outward, when the kilts are worn?

My first thoughts are toward a damp pressing cloth and a warm iron, applied to the back side (the rough side) of the leather, to gently persuade the leather to flatten and un-curl. But I don't want the leather to dry and crack, or risk other issues.

I know I can't be the first to deal with this, so what's the best way to flatten the leather straps on a kilt?

Thanks in advance, for the advice.

**artificer** · 23rd February 12, 04:01 PM

Is it a major issue?

Leather will eventually return to it's normal shape, or assume the new one once you wear them a bit and they "set" into the hole/spacing you use.

I would NOT iron leather in any way, shape, or form.

ith:

**unixken** · 23rd February 12, 04:10 PM

Short of trimming back the length of the free ends of the straps, the free ends of each strap are each currently about 4-5 inches long when buckled, so they stick out quite a bit. I suppose I could try wrapping the straps around something round, like a dowel, to reverse the curl a bit, to at least get the worst of the outward curl out of the straps. At the moment they just strike me as curly cat's whiskers, sticking out so far from my body. LOL

**Lyle1** · 23rd February 12, 04:35 PM

Originally Posted by unixken

Short of trimming back the length of the free ends of the straps, the free ends of each strap are each currently about 4-5 inches long when buckled, so they stick out quite a bit. I suppose I could try wrapping the straps around something round, like a dowel, to reverse the curl a bit, to at least get the worst of the outward curl out of the straps. At the moment they just strike me as curly cat's whiskers, sticking out so far from my body. LOL

Try rolling the ends of the the straps in on themselves a few times and securing them with a paperclip for a few days.

**Downunder Kilt** · 23rd February 12, 04:42 PM

If you are going to be wearing a belt with your new kilts the belt will cover the 2 waist buckles. As for the hip buckle, I would go with what Lyle 1 suggested.

**unixken** · 23rd February 12, 05:10 PM

Originally Posted by Lyle1

Try rolling the ends of the the straps in on themselves a few times and securing them with a paperclip for a few days.

This sounds so insanely simple.

Just slap me for over-thinking the problem.

Thanks!

**unixken** · 27th February 12, 07:28 AM

Originally Posted by Lyle1

Try rolling the ends of the the straps in on themselves a few times and securing them with a paperclip for a few days.

Simplest is always better. Lyle, this worked beautifully. Thanks!

I know from past experience that although water can make leather pliable, I've seen a few occasions where the leather ends up dried out, and stiff, as a result. (Think baseball gloves left out in the rain, when you were a kid LOL)

I also didn't want to risk mink oil or other such penetrating treatments leaching into the fabric of the kilt, possibly staining or otherwise damaging it.

Lyle's quick-fix solution, followed by Artificer's suggestion that the leather would relax on it's own, did the trick. My straps now lay flat.

Thanks again, everyone, for all the input!