Handmade Belts with Ross Miller

Hey Everyone,

First off, I apologise for the delay! With lockdowns ending and life slowly returning to normal, my day-to-day career had some major changes which meant temporarily, and reluctantly, putting down my leatherwork tools. Finally with some adjustments made I have been able to pick them back up again!

So, with pricking iron in hand, I decided it was time to learn some new skills in the world of leathercraft and tackle a product I have had in my sights for a while… Belts! Last month I was able to pop over to the Abbey England HQ where I was helped by one of their friendly and knowledgeable staff members. I described the style of belts I was planning on making and was then shown the vast range of buckles, rivets, keepers and screws that Abbey England has on offer from their foundry in Walsall. I also picked up a beautiful hide of the Sedgwick 1900 English Tan along with some punches and other tools I felt may make the process a little less daunting. For my first ever belt I decided to go with a very simple design, mainly to focus on the construction and techniques.

Ross Miller's handmade belt with Sedgwicks 1900 Bowdon.

Now that I understood the general construction, I felt it was time to step it up a bit! I have had some dark green Wicket & Craig bridle leather rolled up for a while that I couldn’t find a use for. This ended up being the perfect leather to line the back of my second belt. Forest green, Whisky Tan & Polished brass are a match made in heaven!


And yes, the stitching took forever! I have really enjoyed making these two and feel they are the start to many, many more. Especially since I have just received my order of more buckles and keepers!

What’s next?

With Christmas around the corner, it is time to take the next step. I am in the process of arranging a market stall at a Wine & Craft Evening in a local café/wine bar which is being held at the beginning of December. As I type this I am surrounded by half finished wallets, card holders, notebook, keyring, glasses cases and much more! With that in mind I will sign off and get back to making! I hope you all have a great November and I will be back next month with more updates.

Take care,
Ross