New sporran belt

[SF Jeff]

I went to a Highland Games a few weeks ago and for the umpteenth time, struggled constantly with my cheap sporran belt. The leather is of such poor quality that it is almost like stiff cardboard. Does not flex at all or conform to my waist, snags on everything (kilt, kilt belt, belt loops, waistcoat, i.e. anything it comes in contact with). It had the most horrible buckle imaginable, and don't get me started on the chain clips. It's a poorly made belt made with inferior materials. Odd, since the sporran it came with is pretty nice quality.

So on my way home I decided to make a new belt. this was Memorial day weekend and Tandy Leather was having a sale so I went the next day and bought all the parts I needed. All of the metal is stainless steel except the chain. The ss chain I wanted was not in stock so I ended up buying a chrome plated chain. It's nice but I will replace it at some point with ss. I wanted to use closed back screw posts rather than rivets but Tandy only had the open back posts in stock, so I went with those. Don't really like the look but it's fine. The leather strap is of very high quality and much better than the old belt. Soft, supple and beautifully dyed. I punched the holes and cut the chains in such a way that the buckle is directly in the mid-line of my back, not off to the side like the old one.

The only piece I used from the old belt is the small pebbled leather piece that the chains clip into. The belt strap was far too thick to fashion a new one of these, so I just reused the old one. All materials came to $26 after the 20% off. I'm so happy with the results that I'm going to make another one with brown leather and antiqued brass hardware. Here are some pics.

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[Troglodyte]

Having made new sporran chain-straps myself, and refurbished vintage versions, you appear to have made a very nice, neat job of yours - obviously better than the one you replaced.

Vintage chain-straps are found in a variety of qualities and sophisitication of construction - unlike the generic modern version which are invariably simple hide with rivets.

The older ones are often better quality leather with a lining leather and very find edge stitching, and the ends are stitched in place rather than riveted. You can also find the buckles are leather-bound too. But unedged and unlined leathers are also common.

The problem you mention about getting the buckle placed centrally at the rear is something I thought I was the only one it troubled. As you have found, it is easily solved, so good on you..!

[Janner52]

Looks a great job.

It’s also worth considering an all leather sporran strap. Much simpler to make and less wear on the kilt. Ideal for everyday wear.

[SF Jeff]

Looks a great job.

It’s also worth considering an all leather sporran strap. Much simpler to make and less wear on the kilt. Ideal for everyday wear.

I've noticed that many sporran belts are "more chain, less strap." Mine certainly was. I decided to go "less chain, more strap". The new strap comes around my hips about two inches or so to the front and then just 5 in. (12.5 cm) of chain on both sides, which gives me the drop that I like and centers the buckle in the back. Better look IMO and possibly less wear on the tartan.

I have an old horsehair sporran that I'm fixing up that has an all leather strap. It's beat up so I'm not sure if I will attempt to restore it or just make a new one. If I do make a new one, I will replicate the old one as closely as I can.

[Jock Scot]

[QUOTE=Janner52;1415273]Looks a great job.

It’s also worth considering an all leather sporran strap. Much simpler to make and less wear on the kilt. Ideal for everyday wear.[/QUOTE)

I quite agree.

I have a hallmarked silver sporran chain, but I have not used it for some twenty or so years. I just find a quality leather sporran strap easier to use and a tad more comfortable to wear . As an after-thought, the leather strap is, probably in the long run, kinder to the kilt.