Making of a Handmade Lined and Raised Leather Belt

Learn some more about the maker, training courses and the forthcoming book here saddlestitch.c.... Want to learn how to make belts? Checkout theartisansgui... or saddlestitch.c...
Watch a handmade leather Belt come to life. The Bridle Leather Lined and Raised Belt is one of our oldest and best known designs, a belt entirely made by hand, that is made for and with a love for craft more than any other motive. Each belt has around 1000 stitches, depending on length, and represents a day of work for the craftsman who makes it. Whilst the design is simple in its conception, it takes years to develop and refine the techniques necessary to make one and a single slip at the wrong moment can destroy a days work, making this a true test of the craftsman's skill, nerve and patience. In an age where luxury is often defined only by a logo and price tag a belt like this is different, handmade, hand stitched quality, made to last, made with passion and craftsmanship, not with a machine. #handsnotmachines #thinkdifferently

[@harrywegner123]

Anybody can make a belt, but very few can make one to this high of caliber. Seeing such beautiful items being made by hand with such high quality and attention to detail has really made me realize why these are so expensive and this is artwork rather than a 9-5 job.

[@SingTodayi]

Sure. You only need good leather - then any belt will be good. Same as any good raw original material.

[@raindog951]

It's a pleasure watching a true artist at work. Your concentration as you work almost makes me feel exhausted on your behalf :-)

[@saddlestitch]

Thank you :-)

[@philsullivan3679]

When in my leather working shop, I'm seriously thinking of playing more Italian music while keeping my eyes honed tightly in on my project piece. Perhaps by doing this I could transition from a leather worker to an artisan of fine leather. Rather than make leather goods, I could produce exquisite works of art and charge exorbitant prices to exclusive collectors of fine art. People do things different ways. People have different skills for different types of styles. This man has developed extraordinary skill in the work he does on this style of leatherwork. Just reminds me of how attentive one should be to details in order to produce quality items. Thanks for sharing.

[@lukelarsson]

I come back and watch this short film every few months. Thank you for making it. I’m sure you’re busy making beautiful leather goods but it would be great to see more of your work on this channel.

[@WokOverEasy]

Watched this video a bunch of times and attempted to make it for my husband. While my stitches were wonky in the back, the front looks perfect. It was not raised as much as I would wish but the end result is beautiful with top grain leather front and back. It’s to the point where my husband’s coworkers have taken notice and admired his belt. I hope this can last his lifetime.

[@densericebowl]

This is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful things I've seen. Truly amazed by the craftsmanship.

[@saddlestitch]

Thank you, thats kind of you to say

[@ARKommander]

For those who were wondering, the music is Adagio in G minor by Tomaso Albinoni.

[@VGhev]

Thank you good man!

[@ahmadassaf9914]

Thanks man

[@kingjgregory]

Thank you, good sir.

[@aliozcnar1585]

AR-Kommander thank you so much..

[@baa6047]

Music is just beautiful

[@Asyma88]

No wonder why handcrafted items cost expensive. But I’m willing to pay for this amount of dedication and craftsmanship. It totally worth it

[@E-Kat]

You even have your studio and maybe you live in a right type of house, everything is so fitting, perfect. Your studio is so tidy which is calming. I could watch you making your art forever. Thank you!

[@adrianibarra2651]

I've always enjoyed watching videos like this. There's just something that you get when you have something that is hand made these days, it makes you appreciate how much time and effort was put into something

[@pamlame4925]

I've watched this several times, and each time I learn something new. And not a word is spoken, how wonderful. And my first comment was something to do with having the right tools helps, but I forgot to add; especially if you know how to use them properly, as you obviously do. Thanks again for the beautiful work you do, it's inspiring me to become a whole lot better at my own craft. It's nice to see someone performing a service in which it's obvious the pride you feel while doing it. In any field pride is quickly becoming a thing of the past and this is a great reminder that doing something you can be proud of has so many more benefits that only the money earned. A pleasure to watch, for sure.

[@Wondering_Ghoul]

There's something truly gratifying about watching a true craftsman at work. Top notch stuff here!

[@austinaxley81]

I love watching this guy work, you can tell he's dedicated to perfection.

[@DreynHarry]

I really don't know what I admire more... your skillset or your choice of music. Albinoni's Adagio such a wounderful support for this video.

[@Asyma88]

Sauzechn Adagio makes me feel devastated. I don’t think it was good choice

[@cjc1216]

this guy is a pleasure to watch. so much pride in ones passion. beautiful not only because of the craftsmanship but because of the dedication to the fine details. Bravo

[@renardgrise]

As someone who has done leather-working as a hobby (with a tight budget)... I am envious of your tools sir... your videos are quite satisfying and educational.

[@saddlestitch]

Im glad you enjoy them!

[@DanielBacaMaker]

Watching this mast craftsman is like watching the violin virtuoso in the soundtrack playing.

[@FCAutos]

For anyone asking about the music of this masterpiece of a video, is *Albinoni's Adagio in G Minor*

[@Tosekupoleceu]

for the Death of the anonymous cow who took part as the leather for themasterpiece belt.

[@davidjames3494]

We got that the first time. Thanks anyway.

[@mikeracosta4725]

Tanks

[@Andy-in8ej]

@@Tosekupoleceu Wanker

[@Superman50503]

Albinoni adagio in g minor

[@Apathec3D]

These videos are the absolute most calming videos I’ve ever seen on KZbin and it why I keep coming back. No constant banging or loud crap music.

[@joejones6120]

That was an exquisite example of love, labor, and craftsmanship. I will own one of these master pieces one day, hopefully.

[@saddlestitch]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@MichaelHarto]

i'm addicted to your videos.. this is so engaging yet relaxing

[@WsFood]

It's like watching a movie making a belt.🥰

[@Gearz86]

You know this guy is actually listening to some slayer while he does this, lol

[@ellicor231]

Wicked, Polka on everything!

[@smctunes]

Polka will never die!

[@RHBootmakers]

I'm a shoemaker and I can attest to this hahaha.

[@ziadramman]

lol

[@zach9680]

Only when he makes "dead skin masks."

[@Hildolfr]

i'm a self-educated leathercrafter and your videos are inspiring. I hope to get such level of prolixity. Greetings from Chile

[@davidfricks2269]

Great to see true craftsmanship at work!!!

[@daa3417]

A video on your sharpening ritual would be greatly appreciated, those tools are no doubt studiously maintained to be so effectively sharp.

[@Strange-Viking]

Da A only uses the strop. no stone ever. leather is nice and soft so a the knives hardly get dull. when cutting with the grain like in the knife stand the knife gets stropped every time.

[@daa3417]

ULTRA NOOB So let me get this straight, you're suggesting that leather does not perish your edge? Because that is pure hokum, if cardboard does so then leather certainly will. I believe that he strops after every item and as needed but that doesn't tell me anything about any compound or technique of which there are many schools of thought. He is using bridal leather, it's very though and his tools are moving through it like it's paper they are clearly being expertly maintained.

[@Strange-Viking]

Da A yeah like i said.. only the knife stand remember? its bcos its cutting-splitting. but everything can just be maintained by stropping. no stones needed. but ofcourse he will have them. probably a #8k and #12k but if you strop after each use you dont need to sharpen, only strop. knives dont chip nor lose their bevel. leather is too soft for it and the quality of knives he is using is too high. though the edge does indeed need to be maintained, and yes they do go blunt on leather, hence I can ubderstand your point, but like said, stropping is enough. never want to use a stone and take away metal ever unless its absolutely nesasary. the vids on youtube where everyone keeps using stones is abdolutely not nesasary if you use it for the intended use. an example; my machette, chopping it hardly goes blunt. but if i use it do dig with (and in rainforest you need to, cant use a shovel) then i need a stone. a machette is not meanth for it. so i need to get a shovel designed for exactly that..

[@DamienPollet]

I love watching craftspeople working and how the tools of each trade are similar or differ, depending on the material. The one that cuts long strips from the edge of the leather handles like a woodworking plane, but cuts from the side instead of the bottom. Pulling the belt throught that machine made me think of a chairmaker's draw horse and drawknife. Punching the holes before sewing is nearly the same gesture as chiseling dovetails, etc…

[@FireGuy90]

Damien Pollet I agree! I'm a woodworker and the pull through device reminded me of a thicknessing planer, while the stripping tool had me reminded of a rabbetting plane.

[@saddlestitch]

Craft is craft, and if you have the feel for tools you can cross the divide between them. Leather and wood working are very similar in deed, but so also is silver and gold smiting. We use elements of all of them at times

[@mrdobalina3451]

Anytime I need a little inspiration (for anything) I find myself coming back to these videos. Thanks so much for making them.

[@josenildo153]

Nunca iria saber que fazer um cinto era um verdadeira obra de Arte se não visse sendo como é feito. Lindo.

[@calonico9470]

The attention to detail is outstanding

[@saddlestitch]

Thank you

[@tk4329]

The music and the art both masterpieces

[@pietrosorrenti24]

The colors, his movements, the sunny day.. That are so aethetically pleasing.

[@ellejaysmith6623]

And this is a perfect example of why people will pay top dollar for hand made quality goods.

[@keirambelli6394]

Mr_ E54 just shut up. You’re replying to every comment to get attention but guess what, your not getting any. We get that you can only pay 5 dollars cuz you’re broke, but no need to comment that because we already know people like you are broke. If you’re gonna continue to comment something mean, just don’t comment in the first place.

[@enriquepiquim.6245]

@@keirambelli6394 Same thing could be said to you. The industry, the way the world works... It's idiotic. I would also pay 5 bucks and there would also be those willing to pay 1 million for pure ideals. The thing is, most of the time, you're gonna be totally bamboozled, there's always someone exploiting and profiting out of your romantic ideas. So, more than 1 reason could surface to showcase how superficial your comment (and the initial one too) was and forever will be. Value is totally subjective. A lot of points come to mind but whatever, let's just say a sardonic laugh after witnessing the current state of humanity isn't that bad, right?

[@keirambelli6394]

Enrique M.P. You are right in a way, because the world is filled with business men that only care about profit. And that is with brands like Gucci or Prada, where all of the items are mass produced, but they still cost thousands of dollars. But this is different. This guy does not mass produce, he does every single thing by hand, that is why this is valuable. This is how things were made before industrialization when most things were made by artisans. And unlike big companies, this crafter does not care so much about profits. He simply adds the cost of materials and the time spent making this, plus a little extra for a profit, so he could actually make a living out of it.

[@keirambelli6394]

Also, I was mad at Mr_ E54 for replying to everyone’s comments with stupid replies just to get attention, and I was making fun of him for saying he will only pay 5 dollars. I didn’t mean it so seriously.

[@subhasisjoshi8135]

@Mr_ E54 cause u r fuckin Broke, and guess what u won't get it on 5 dollar , so better save it for food.

[@melissap9416]

Ok so I make western leather belts and horse tack. We do this same exact thing but play country music. Same....exact.....thing. (But cheaper leather 😜) I’m gonna play this classical music next time I’m working and feel really special.

[@pabloalarroyo]

Playing country music cheapens any item.

[@melissap9416]

pabloalarroyo nothing made in the USA is ever cheap. Sorry brother.

[@hen263]

This is like a 3 generation belt. You can pass it down to your kid and then to your grandkid. Nothing but respect for the craftsmanship that goes into this work.

[@dvillebenny1445]

This man is a master craftsman! Using only this finest leather. The belt is beautiful! It was a finely produced film and relaxing to watch. The only hard part I had believing was no leather crafter has a work area that is so clean..........lol

[@saddlestitch]

Well we may have tidied up a little for the film :-) My philosophy is you cant be creative in a mess though, so its normally pretty tidy

[@LeatherBeast]

I've watched this video many times. It never gets old. Very inspiring.

[@balance_one]

I'm a vegetarian and this is still beautiful to me. Watching a master craftsperson like yourself is mesmerizing.

[@lukaspabst3093]

Benjamin Norton seein The Skin of a dead animal is beautiful to you May should make you think about The reason why someone is a vegetarien

[@balance_one]

trollfail.exe

Good thing you don't eat belts for breakfast --- stupid self righteous veggie brain prawn

[@Graeme758]

@ So the guy shows that he still appreciates the workmanship and beauty of the work despite his principles and all you can do is throw abuse? I didnt see a trace of 'self righteousness' in his comment, only ignorance in yours.

[@SykesFW]

I have nothing but respect for old world craftsmanship

[@ceciLOVEtaco]

The spirit of handmade craftsmanship makes the product UNIQUE .

[@FCAutos]

Great editing!! Congratulations!

[@saddlestitch]

Thank you! The editor will be pleased to hear that

[@st3v3nk3]

It is like a Fairy tail.. on a fantasy workshop.. Fabled... i enjoy every secs....

[@supportive_comment]

I've already seen this before years ago when it was reccomended, and now its back!

[@hanniballecterspsychiatris8613]

Watching a master craftsman at work is something special.

[@ModernGamer_MG]

His crafting level is 99!

[@michaelcerafan1]

This is therapeutical

[@Paolo-uq3fc]

Brian Bonds tittilizing.

[@tristanking8280]

therapeutic* not therapeutical

[@mjkrbjcw]

Did you just invent a new word ? 😂

[@morganolfursson2560]

Probably not for the horses kzbin.info/www/bejne/mWPMkpeVaKeCmtk kzbin.info/www/bejne/a3jKk5WZgtWkjpY kzbin.info/www/bejne/e3eqZ5StlNKmfs0

[@habibabegum5260]

Gifted my dad indian handloom crafted leather belt on his 40th birthday. Taking the smack of it till today on his 50th birthday. ( The quality is so good it last upto years)

[@mikefarmer3409]

Producing fine leather goods by hand and with such close concentration a nice feeling I'm sure "pride" that's what it all about the music seems to go with the quality of the craft

[@Desklamp1234]

cuts open peoples heads, flies around in the enterprise and of course, he also makes belts!

[@NaughtyBwoi]

Are you referring to 47?

[@benjulien806]

Bored Engineer Operating Near Groom Lake Detachment 3 He is referring to Heros ... I believe

[@Desklamp1234]

Ben Julien 1st one is syler from heroes and second on is spock from the new star trek films

[@frazk2427]

So it's not just me who thought of that.

[@ChromeLuxx]

Millennials = uniformly unoriginal dullards

[@michell159]

Beautiful craftsmanship! Fantastic video, such a pleasure to watch, love the music.

[@saddlestitch]

Thank you, glad you enjoyed it :-)

[@aczep6706]

I am just starting leather working as a middle aged hobbyist. Your video was very inspirational and enjoyable to watch! Thank you! Andreas

[@saddlestitch]

If we inspired anyone to take up the craft we have succeeded in our aim! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@strada9397]

+Equus Leather were do yo get your leather tools and leathers

[@Bobsonomatic]

I don't know how or why this showed up in my recommended feed, but I saw the wallet one there and watched it. Now I'm actively seeking them out. These are great; LOVE the music selections. Very enjoyable. Thank you.

[@alompakagogo]

Great artwork. A pleasure to watch. Thank you Sir.

[@yogtheterrible]

I'm not going to balk at the cost of handmade belts anymore.

[@MichaelBerthelsen]

Yog theTerrible When you see the work and care put into them, it makes a lot more sense why they're better but also way more expensive... ;-)

[@SveinNOR]

As for all handmade craft items, the amount of work, attention to detail and cost of materials is not something people understand nowadays. He is probably not getting paid what he actually deserves for the product either...

[@vuk1419]

you cant, you either pay £100 for the belt or out lol

[@melin1969]

those belts start at £360 and go up with options

[@sriv9045]

Genuine top grain bridle leather is expensive and lasts decades. Or the other option is second grade leather with bonded "leather" (ground up leather dust and adhesive) backing with cheap hardware that lasts only a year or two. Your choice.

[@fandoms9523]

I'm satisfied when watching a true handcrafted item like this. I can't afford to buy like this Belt, but watching a true work of art handcraft Product is Super Satisfying.

[@Inkisitor_k]

What a shame this brand is not longer available 😢😢

[@bruxxcam2618]

Dear Sir. Exelent and inspiring video and music. Your work is marvelous. You and your craft are a great inspiration for me. Greetings from Serbia.

[@IMTHEMOTHERFUCKINGMAILMAN]

Great choice of music

[@57rifleman]

This is the cleanest shop I have ever seen. I wonder what it looks like behind the camera.

[@grindstone4910]

Even the packing slip is a one-of-a-kind handcrafted masterpiece!

[@grantoyamaha]

Beautiful work

[@saddlestitch]

Thank you!

[@twoserve2449]

Equus Leather, Do you sell your products on ebay? or how can I order a couple items

[@saddlestitch]

Take a look at our website www.equusleather.co.uk

[@twoserve2449]

Equus Leather, will do, thanks.

[@amarullahibrahim1249]

tas kulit gaj

[@danielalexandrebatistotego4562]

Que trabalho magnífico !

[@evilhasheroes7775]

Clearly this is one of the few remaining master craftsmen in the art of leatherwork.

[@johnlong2k9]

Fantastic work. I do not build much anymore, I do repairs mostly, but I still love hand tools over electric because I can feel what I am doing better.

[@saddlestitch]

Hand tools are the core of great work really. Anything really good has been made mostly by a human not a machine. #handsnotmachines

[@halilkara1686]

Hello from İstanbul :) We expect more videos. Mister, you're doing great jobs. I wish you a good day :))

[@saddlestitch]

Thank you, glad you enjoyed it

[@anka5486]

Equus Leather it is impossible not to admire your art

[@jiro768]

Thats the belt my dad used when he beat me

[@barneypaodoce]

:'(

[@JustinVaysset]

LMAO XD

[@INFIDEL82AA]

Maybe we're brothers?! Because I could have said the same thing. Drine? Drine?! Is that you?!

[@joshuagarcia7791]

A lot of hard work goes into all them belt whoopings. LOL makes you a better man out of you. We cried then laugh now cus we all know we deserved it.

[@joshuagarcia7791]

A lot of hard work goes into all them belt whoopings. LOL makes you a better man out of you. We cried then laugh now cus we all know we deserved it.

[@TheBossskinhead]

It's not just a belt, it's a work of art. I'd leave this belt in my will as a family heirloom.

[@9904455256]

I will happily want to do this job and become and master at it. I've always wanted to work with leather.

[@EllabingBowTies]

Simply amazing and an insane amount of craftsmanship.

[@saddlestitch]

Thanks!

[@TheDemethar]

This is art.

[@saddlestitch]

Thank you :-)

[@abisko1234]

This could be the most beautiful and well made leather belt I've ever seen in my entire life. Your handcraft is just amazing!

[@saddlestitch]

Thank you!

[@user-kw9xl4yj3u]

Это не ремесло, это искусство !!!!!!!!!! Волшебные руки мастера.

[@saddlestitch]

Спасибо!

[@vervolfnacht4336]

Ваша работа достойна внимания и заслуживает самых высоких похвал!!!

[@saddlestitch]

Спасибо!

[@alinaalinina245]

Что за музыка и композитор ?

[@jackdaniels4478]

adajio называется

[@xTheT2]

wow, just wow. subscribed!

[@saddlestitch]

Thank you!

[@BandicootLikeMMO]

agree. just wow!

[@saddlestitch]

Thank you!

[@user-ko6vc1lm3v]

я просто в восторге от увиденного! больше чем 30 лет я работаю сапожником, а сейчас понял, что работать не просто нужно уметь - нужно любить то что делаешь.

[@FOMI1970]

though i am four years late but i just could'nt hide my admiration , this is a true piece of art , wow ,wow , hats off.

[@khyentse8]

Absolutely superb. I feel like such a fool purchasing those grossly overpriced Hermes belts. My next belt will be Equus Leather.

[@hirasingh4725]

Indra Prakasa I have bought a hermes and multiple vuitton belts and nowhere match a quality of this relative to the price

[@abdulharistmuqorrobin7647]

Equus Leather have royal warrant. If it's good enough for HRH The Prince of Wales, then its certainly good enough for you.

[@simplex3335]

+Abdul Harist Muqorrobin ，0，

[@PeterChang93]

@Tom Smith Hermes belts are $800+, an Equus belt like this one is $350

[@PeterChang93]

@Tom Smith i was going off prices on their websites

[@kamaalrahimtula6781]

just awesomeness

[@saddlestitch]

Thank you, glad you enjoyed it

[@miguelantonio9701]

True artist at work. Love, dedication, concentration and passion reflex his labor

[@mgrein93]

Apart from the outstanding craftsmanship I´d like to point out the amazing videography and editing. Very well done!

[@saddlestitch]

Thank you. The creative team will certainly appreciate that

[@morganolfursson2560]

Here are some outstanding videos on leather making, not so great editing but pretty amazing stuff no doubt you will enjoy, make sure to watch it until the last second. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mWPMkpeVaKeCmtk kzbin.info/www/bejne/a3jKk5WZgtWkjpY kzbin.info/www/bejne/e3eqZ5StlNKmfs0

[@prisregil]

just out of curiosity. Why do leather workers use aprons? I know why those that work with hot metal use them but dont quite get why leather workers have them

[@hannsvii]

prisregil I have no freakin idea lol. Maybe for aesthetic appeal to the audience?

[@saddlestitch]

Edge dye, very hot things and very sharp things, not necessarily in that order

[@saddlestitch]

Lol, great answer!

[@krissilas654]

I'm a beginning leather worker mostly belts n bracelets, is there be way you could answer a few questions I have?

[@saddlestitch]

We can try!

[@BaNuj]

I wish I had craftman dad :(

[@baboom007]

be happy you have a dad

[@BaNuj]

Adi Adrian I don't since I was 4yo.

[@esvegateban]

Your video without music is much, much better; the sounds of the work being done are more enjoyable than music.

[@saddlestitch]

agreed

[@everettamador9885]

Love that Apron...A work of art itself

[@mmaida3358]

Lots of things are made by hands, it just happens that those hands are 6 years old and in Vietnam.

[@inhthanhuynh7200]

M Maida I'm from Vietnam and I doubt that

[@abata2557]

More like chinese

[@alexandrvasilev2865]

​@@inhthanhuynh7200 that's because you was too young to memorize that horrible page in your childhood.

[@moosgummi4480]

Wow, really great work! Makes me feel a little bad for the piece of rope I use to keep my pants up, but would be even funnier if you used really crappy handwriting for the certificate...

[@user-do9sr5mi7c]

Это что- то с чем- то!!! Какая работа, какой восхитительный результат!!!

[@LouSaydus]

oh god that slicing sound is so fucking satisfying....

[@17shots74]

the night shift effect on iPhones make this video look a million times better colour wise

[@saddlestitch]

Interesting. The colour grade is hard to get right with the light walls, we were happier with it in our later films

[@17shots74]

Equus Leather still a great video overall

[@saddlestitch]

Thank you

[@tchaffman]

My college roommate finds this video very kinky

[@andrewmartinez6991]

His attention to detail is amazing!

[@MrNotebookguy]

I am a leather craftsman myself but the guy in the video is an artist. We can never give the soul to the product like he does

[@saddlestitch]

Thank you for the kind words, appreciated

[@arianerubiella947]

Your workshop seems so wonderful and quite. Make me feel good, thank you

[@saddlestitch]

:-)

[@extrachowder5214]

Very nicely made - both product and film. (Also, great watch! I have worn the Flieger-24 for 20 years and am very glad to have gotten a new one before they discontinued the 24 hour option.)

[@utoobia6872]

Had a really bad day at work today. I am now ready for tomorrow.

[@baa6047]

Although im not very much into leather product manufacturing, watching him work is just absolutely amazing !!! The video is beautifully created

[@marion4320]

Proudly made by gentleman for gentlemands. A master piece.

[@user-qv1ru5ld4v]

At this point in time when my about to start our leather business, it's really grateful to watch this video.

[@morganolfursson2560]

And what is great is that in Korea you can easily find the material . Here are some great videos of how to get cheap leather in Korea and Japan Hope you enjoy, and best wishes with your business kzbin.info/www/bejne/mWPMkpeVaKeCmtk kzbin.info/www/bejne/a3jKk5WZgtWkjpY kzbin.info/www/bejne/e3eqZ5StlNKmfs0

[@OvelNick]

This is, in every way, what I have always pictured a cobbler/leather worker to look like and how they work.

[@jakewood308]

Its always a pleasure watching you work!