Learn some leathermaking while crafting a custom 22mm watchband/cuff. This was originally created for the Pebble Smartwatch.

Materials Needed

Scissors
Exacto Knife
Printout of template
Needle & waxed thread*
Leather scraps
Watch clasp
Sewing Awl
Beeswax
Optional: Edge Beveler/Groover

*You can either purchase waxed thread, or easily make your own by melting some of the beeswax and dunking a length of doubled thread.

Created for Making and Maker Spaces class through St. Catherine University.

watch-pattern.pdf
Download

Step 1: Working With the Pattern

Cut out the paper pattern.
Test on your wrist with your watch face. It is scaled up for a guy, so you may need to trim the length for smaller wrists/different sized watch face.
Use scissors or an Exacto knife to cut out leather.
Use your sewing awl to poke holes to mark where you will be sewing.

Step 2: Prepare the Leather Pieces

Round the edges by using your edge beveler on the front and back of your leather. If you do not have an edge beveler, use scissors to trim the front and back at an angle.

Step 3: Sew It Together

To sew, you will probably need to re-poke holes with sewing awl through both halves as you go along.

Clasp piece

Fold the end with the two flaps around your clasp. Sew one stitch on each flap. Fold the band so that the end of the band will meet the ends of the flaps. If you want a stiffer band, cut out thin cardboard to insert in the middle. Stitch along the places you marked, leaving a small space for a watch spring bar at the top.

Holes piece

Fold in half. Leaving a space again for the spring bar, sew in the marked spaces. When finished, make holes for the clasp with your sewing awl. (note this is much easier with a leather hole punch thing).

Strap Keeper

Optional: Stiffen leather by soaking for 10 minutes in cold water, then for a few minutes in hot water (not boiling). This will shrink the leather so you will need to make it larger than shown on the pattern

Place two stitches to join the circle together.

Step 4: Finish Edges

Dip the edges of the leather pieces in melted beeswax.
Run the edges in a groove about the same width as the edge. I just carved out a little bit of my handle to make a groove. Do this until the edges look darker and smoother.
If you have visible beeswax on the strap edges or stitches, use a hair dryer to slightly melt the wax and wipe off with a paper towel.