Introduction: Uncurl Curling Leather Cords Using a Steamer

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About: Either nobody makes the stuff I want, or I can't find the stuff I want, or the stuff is too expensive. So, I decided to make the stuff I want. I created this profile to kind of keep track of the stuff I make. …

I have a project that is going to use leather cord. However, it keeps curling up even though it is off the spool. I need a way to straighten the cord. The first idea I had was to use a wire straightener (that Instructables is here), which worked fine. However, I came across a video of someone using a steamer to straighten bolo cording, so I thought I would give that a shot. Here are the results.

Supplies

For equipment, you will need:

  1. A garment steamer.
  2. I bought the cheapest one I could find. This was at Home Depot.
  3. I actually got it free because I had built up credit by using the Capitol One Shopping extension for Firefox.
  4. Scissors, or some other cutting implement to cut the cord.
  5. I'm using a cheap pair of Singer scissors I got before JoAnn Fabric closed.
  6. Recommendation: Don't buy Singer scissors.

For materials, you will need:

  1. Distilled water (to put in the steamer)
  2. A length of leather cord that keeps trying to curl even though it is off the spool
  3. Mine is 2mm natural leather cord from Tandy Leather.

Step 1: Cut the Cord!

Cut the cord to the desired length, BUT add a few inches for the part that is going to be secured in the next step. This part will NOT be straightened by the steam. For the purpose of this demonstration, I cut a 3-foot length.

Step 2: Hang the Cord

Hang the cord somewhere. I am using some masking tape and my loft bed. You could tape it to a door frame or tie it to a light fixture. The choice is yours, as are the consequences.

Step 3: Fill the Steamer

Pour the distilled water into the steamer per the steamer's instructions. My steamer has a "maximum level" line, so I keep an eye on that while filling.

Step 4: Turn on the Power

Plug in the steamer. If your steamer has a switch, turn the steamer on. Mine has a light indicating it is getting power.

Step 5: Watch for Steam

Watch for the steamer to start producing steam. I'm not sure the picture does this step justice, but it is steaming. It took what felt like a minute; it wasn't a long wait.

Step 6: Steam the Cord

While holding the cord at the bottom and pulling it taught, run the steamer up and down the cord. I make sure to get multiple sides of the cord.

Step 7: Voilà!

You now have a straightened, although not perfectly straight, piece of leather cording to do with as you please. I know it is hard to see in the picture, but it is there. Now I can move on to what I want to make with the cord.