Bracer Question

[Stinky Dragon]

So I've got these bracers (http://www.medievalcollectibles.com/images/ML2201106 Large.jpg) and they look great, except for one thing. The straps are wayyyyy too long for me. I was wondering if it would be a bad idea to just cut them shorter. They have some stitching around the border of the straps, so I don't know if that's just decoration or if it's actually holding something together. So.... bad idea or wouldn't matter?

 

[Ramiel]

Probably I would remove the stitching (most likely on that side it's just decorative) and then I would cut them to the right size and re-stitch them...
But you will have to re-stain the cut parts, because inside will be surely a natural color...

 

[Stinky Dragon]

Thanks for the advice. Now, I've never really worked with leather before, but I'm assuming I should get a sturdier needle than for normal cloth-work. Would they sell that kind of thing at a hobby store?

 

[Ramiel]

Not sure... probably... Or try a Tandy Leather (even online), or you could "simply" pierce the leather first and then stitch it.

 

[BlindSquirrel]

If you have a local Tandy Leather, go! They are very helpful.

I was researching a project and they recommended using a drill to add holes for stitching. Then you could probably lace by hand.

 

[justanuthercap]

Just pick up one of these at Tandy or I think most craft stores like Michaels have them as well.

Very easy to use and will look professional as long as you get your holes spaced evenly, do NOT try to eyeball it... trust me on this one, I learned the hard way.

To punch holes evenly and straight through the leather, I use the metal point of a leather punch put into my bench mounted drill press. As long as you have an extra scrap piece of leather beneath your project, it will punch perfect holes at exactly 90 degrees with each rotation of the drill press handle.

Hope this helps.