Strap

Leather Straps and Strips — Uses, Selection and Manufacturing Tips

Leather straps are essential components for many leathercraft, saddlery and accessory-making projects. This page is intended for artisans, hobbyists and leather professionals alike. Here you will find all the key information needed to understand the different types of leather straps, their uses, selection criteria based on your needs, as well as practical advice for customisation and fabrication. Choosing the right leather strap is a crucial step in ensuring the quality, durability and aesthetic appeal of your creations.

What is a leather strap?

A leather strap is a strong, durable and versatile strip of leather used in many fields such as leather goods, saddlery and belt making. It stands out for its resistance to tension, wear and tear, and its adaptability to a wide range of uses. Leather straps are appreciated for their natural appearance, strength, and ability to develop a beautiful patina over time.

Advantages of leather straps

Leather straps offer many benefits that make them a preferred choice for artisans and makers:

• Durability — resistant to wear, friction and time
• Versatility — suitable for a wide range of applications, from leather goods to saddlery
• Aesthetic appeal — full-grain leather develops a beautiful natural patina
• Customisation — can be dyed, embossed and finished according to your needs

Which leather should you choose for a strap?

The type of leather used for a strap directly affects its durability, appearance, feel, grain and finish. Choosing the right material determines the final look and performance of the strap:

• Vegetable-tanned leather develops a natural patina and accepts tooling and dyeing very well over time. It is ideal for projects that need character and for any work involving embossing or colouring.
• Chrome-tanned leather offers greater immediate flexibility and more stable colour resistance to friction. It is suitable for projects requiring softness and flexibility from the start.

For extreme resistance to outdoor conditions, oiled leathers or hybrid materials may also be preferred.

Available widths and thicknesses

Our leather straps and strips come in various sizes. Width is chosen according to the intended use, and length according to the project:

• 15 mm
• 20 mm
• 25 mm
• 30 mm
• 35 mm
• 40 mm

Thickness should be considered alongside width, depending on actual requirements. A thicker strap provides greater tensile strength for heavily stressed items (saddlery straps, heavy bag handles), while a thinner strap is suitable for lightweight accessories and flexible finishes.

Uses of leather straps

Leather straps are used across many fields. Here are their main applications:

Artisan leather goods

Genuine leather straps are ideal for making handbags, pouches, shoulder straps and custom accessories. They integrate easily with all types of buckles and hardware for belts, bags and harnesses.

Saddlery

In saddlery, leather straps are used to make harnesses, bridles, reins and other equipment requiring strength and reliability. Thick vegetable-tanned leather is the reference choice here due to its high tensile resistance.

Belt making

Straps of 120 cm and more are made from vegetable-tanned bend leather, while those of 180 cm and more come from double butt, also vegetable-tanned. They are perfect for creating leather belts and custom accessories.

Handles and grips

Cowhide leather is particularly well suited for making handles and grips thanks to its strength and long-term stability. These leathers are suitable for both handles and grips, and are also ideal for bag or pouch construction.

Customisation and manufacturing steps

Whether you are a professional leatherworker, artisan or hobbyist working in a workshop, customising your straps involves several key steps:

• Cutting your pieces cleanly using various leather cutting tools
• Dyeing in your chosen colours (black, chocolate, natural, etc.)
• Finishing the edges for a professional result
• Punching holes for assembly
• Embossing or marking depending on the desired product style

Leather straps can also be cleaned, conditioned, recoloured or repaired to extend their lifespan. For long-lasting quality, full-grain leather remains the best choice when durability, strength and abrasion resistance are key factors.

Frequently asked questions about leather straps

What thickness of leather should be used for a bag strap?

For a bag handle or shoulder strap, a thickness of 2.5 to 3.5 mm is recommended to ensure strength under load. For a lightweight bag or pouch, 2 mm may be sufficient. Vegetable-tanned leather provides the best long-term performance for this type of use.

What length of strap should be used for a belt?

For a belt, measure your waist and add approximately 15 to 20 cm for the buckle and folding allowance. Our 120 cm straps suit most waist sizes; for larger sizes or extra margin, choose 180 cm straps. It is always better to start slightly longer and trim down if needed.

Can natural leather straps be dyed?

Yes, natural vegetable-tanned leather straps dye very well using alcohol-based dyes such as the Fiebing’s range. Apply the dye evenly along the entire length using an applicator, let it dry, then protect it with a Resolene finish to fix the colour and prevent bleeding.

What is the difference between bend leather and double butt for straps?

The bend (neck/shoulder area) is a dense and strong part of the hide, ideal for belts and straight straps. The double butt (central back section) is the most uniform and consistent area in thickness, particularly suitable for handles and grips that require even structure along their length.

How should a leather strap be maintained?

Clean regularly with a soft, slightly damp cloth. Condition the leather once or twice a year with a suitable cream or balm to maintain flexibility and prevent cracking. For straps exposed to moisture (saddlery, outdoor use), a waterproofing treatment is recommended.

What strap width is suitable for a dog collar or leash?

For a small dog, a 15–20 mm strap is sufficient. For medium to large dogs, choose 20–30 mm vegetable-tanned leather with a thickness of 2.5 to 3.5 mm for strength. Always match the strap with buckles and snap hooks appropriate for the animal’s size and strength.