Sporran straps

**ScottInNewHampshire** · 16th February 07, 08:42 PM

Have always thought that old purse straps from the second hand store could easily by converted into sporran straps. Then, I was in Target (department store) recently, walked by the women's accessories and what do I see, lots and lots of thin belts that in a large or extra large make EXCELLENT and very attractive straps. I bought a chrome mesh type chain belt to replace the cheap chains that came with the sporran; a reversable (cordovan/black) with a chrome buckle; and a brown with beautiful brass rectangles that fall right on my hips. Each belt was between $10 and $15 (US). Not kidding. It's worth a look.

**Tattoo Bradley** · 16th February 07, 09:04 PM

I believe it's Panache that often swears by this.

I forked up the (not much more mind you) cash for brown and black sporran straps from Cavscout...

**Dirka Skene** · 16th February 07, 09:21 PM

Duh! What do you think we have those for? They're of no practical use. Perfect sporran belt!

**Bob C** · 17th February 07, 12:49 PM

I use a strap from one of my wife's old purses with my black day sporran.

**Hamish** · 17th February 07, 07:06 PM

That is a perfect solution and, let's face it, anything is better than having a metallic chain constantly rubbing against your expensive woollen kilt. Over the years, I have seen examples of horrendous wear-and-tear done to good kilts - one, I remember, was so bad that the aprons had to be completely replaced by the original kiltmaker.

Chain straps on day sporrans are a fairly recent innovation, and one which should be stamped out again! Not so many years ago, chains were worn only on dress sporrans which, being worn much less frequently, were unlikely to cause the damage that daily wear will surely do in time. When buying a new sporran, I insist on having a plain leather strap rather than the chain strap which seems to come by default thesedays.

**sorcererdale** · 17th February 07, 08:45 PM

I found an old belt that I had that was really narrow, and now makes an almost perfect sporran strap. The only problem I have is how to make it hook to the sporran. One end of the belt, where the buckle was, has snaps so that works for hooking and un hooking it. The other end needed to be formed into a loop to hook on the sporran.

So far I used a bolt and nut, filed smooth on the inside so as not to rub or catch on my kilt. Isn't there a fastener that would work like I have on my 2 1/2 inch kilt belt - actually had that made. Hmmm, that just gave me an idea. I should contact that belt maker and see if he has some more snap screws so I can make my sporran belt adjustable. Thanks, brain.

How do some of you attach these purse straps to your sporran?

DALE.

**McMurdo** · 17th February 07, 09:00 PM

That is a wonderful solution, I can not stand the idea of using a chain against my kilts, I would much rather have a leather strap any day.

**Big Mikey** · 17th February 07, 09:37 PM

I recently got a good deal on a new narrow belt to use for daywear. I just run the belt through the strap on the back of the sporran and buckle it in back, no hooks or snaps. So far it seems to be fine.

**Panache** · 17th February 07, 10:45 PM

Originally Posted by sorcererdale

... The only problem I have is how to make it hook to the sporran...

All the sporrans I have gotten come with this little strap with two metal rings where one hooks of the sporran belt attach to it. This little strap sits into a leather sleeve attached to the belt. I simply slide out the little strap thingee and put the thin woman's 1/2" belt through it. Voila'. I have found the after a few uses the leather belt molds to a bit of a dip where the sporran hangs, making it fit even better.

Simple but it works!

By the by, SINH - Good on you for thinking outside of the box!

Cheers

Panache

**Hamish** · 18th February 07, 04:30 AM

Originally Posted by Panache

All the sporrans I have gotten come with this little strap with two metal rings where one hooks of the sporran belt attach to it. This little strap sits into a leather sleeve attached to the belt. I simply slide out the little strap thingee and put the thin woman's 1/2" belt through it. Voila'. I have found the after a few uses the leather belt molds to a bit of a dip where the sporran hangs, making it fit even better.

Simple but it works!

By the by, SINH - Good on you for thinking outside of the box!

Cheers

Panache

James, that is precisely how day sporrans have been attached to their all-leather straps for many years - until recently! Dress sporrans always had the little strap thingee with D rings at either end slotted through the 'sleeve' on the back of the sporran itself, but day sporrans no, never.

Apart from being simple,uncluttered and kind to one's kilts this system means that the sporran can simply be slid along the strap, to one side or the other, whenever required - and there ARE times when that is so useful.