Laces and straps

Leather laces and straps — for your leathercraft, saddlery, and accessory projects

Leather laces and straps are essential components in many craft projects. Whether you are making a dog leash, a belt, a bag strap, a bracelet, or saddlery straps, the quality of the lace or strap directly affects the strength and aesthetics of the finished piece. At Cuir Naturel, we offer a comprehensive selection in various widths, thicknesses, and materials, suitable for all uses and skill levels.

Available types

• Square laces — uniform square section, available in 3x3 mm, in natural or dyed leather.
• Flat laces — thin rectangular section, perfect for decorative lacing on bags, shoes, and accessories. More discreet than square laces.
• Round laces — round section, flexible and durable. Used for bag closures, handmade shoe laces, jewelry, and handbag cords.
• Straps and strips — widths from 15 to 40 mm, in natural or colored vegetable-tanned leather. Ideal for bag handles, saddlery straps, dog collars, and belts.

How to choose your lace or strap

The choice mainly depends on the intended use. For shoulder bag straps, a vegetable-tanned leather strap of 20 to 25 mm width and 2.5 to 3.5 mm thickness ensures proper strength. For dog leashes, vegetable-tanned straps in 15 to 25 mm are recommended, combined with a sturdy snap hook. For belts, straps between 25 and 40 mm wide with a minimum thickness of 3.0 mm are ideal.

Frequently asked questions about leather laces and straps

What length of strap is needed for a bag handle?

For a hand-carried handle, allow 40 to 50 cm of finished length. For a crossbody strap, 100 to 130 cm depending on body size. Our straps are generally sold in 120 cm or longer, allowing you to cut them to the desired length. Add an extra 10 cm for hardware attachment and fittings.

Can you dye natural vegetable-tanned leather laces or straps?

Yes, natural vegetable-tanned leather laces and straps take dye very well using alcohol-based dyes such as Fiebing’s Leather Dye. Apply the dye evenly along the entire length using a cloth or applicator, then let it dry before applying a Resolene finish to protect the color.

What thickness of strap is needed for a strong dog collar?

For a small dog (under 10 kg), a 15 to 20 mm strap with a thickness of 2.0 to 3.0 mm is sufficient. For medium to large dogs (10 to 40 kg), choose 20 to 25 mm width and 2.5 to 3.5 mm thickness in vegetable-tanned leather. For large or strong breeds, go for 25 to 30 mm width and at least 3.5 mm thickness. Always pair with a high-quality buckle suited to the size.

Which strap should be used for leather belts?

For leather belt making, choose a width between 25 and 40 mm with a minimum thickness of 3.0 mm to ensure durability and proper structure. Vegetable-tanned leather is especially recommended as it provides better rigidity, clean edge finishing, and can be worked (dyed, tooled) for custom and long-lasting creations.