A belt is one of the oldest wardrobe items. After all, its use became possible with the invention of the bone buckle. Such products are still used in some tribes of Africa and South America. Over time, bone fixtures replaced wood and metal fasteners.
History of occurrence
The first belts similar to modern ones appeared in Persia. They were leather harnesses decorated with plates of various metals. Weapons and purses were hung on them on special loops. Therefore, they should have been particularly durable. The invention of leather processing methods has given a significant impetus to the belt manufacturing industry.
For a long time they were considered an accessory for wealthy gentlemen. Masters created real works of art from leather and metal. Women's belts were distinguished by a special grace. In Russia, belts appeared during the reign of Peter the Great. Silver jewelry was especially popular among women. Only at the end of the 19th century began to wear leather belts instead of men's suspenders. This item was a military uniform. After the First World War, the belt became an indispensable attribute of any gentleman. In the 70s of the twentieth century, women's clothing began to decorate with leather goods. Currently, belts perform two main functions: decorative and practical. They are made from various materials.
How to shorten the belt
A correctly selected belt fastens on the middle hole. But usually manufacturers make long belts, and the buyer adjusts them to their size. How to shorten a leather belt? Any such product can be made shorter on its own, without using special tools. It is better to shorten the belt on the side where its buckle is located. Do not punch new holes. They reduce strength and spoil the appearance of the product. A belt with a long end will look messy.
There are several types of buckle fastening: clamp, screw, rivet, stitching.
Clamp
A belt with this type of fastener has no holes. It is shortened the easiest. How to shorten the belt? You need to bend the tongue, which fixes the buckle, and pull the belt out of it.
Measure your waist. Add about 15 cm to this figure. Measure and mark the desired belt length. Cut it with a knife. Insert into the buckle, pull the belt and lock it.
Screw
How to shorten a belt with such a fastener? It is necessary to unscrew the screw located on the back of the leather product with a screwdriver. Measure waist volume and buckle length. Measure and mark the distance equal to the waist volume from the middle hole of the belt. Remove the buckle length from it. Cut off excess belt.
The cut off piece with a hole needs to be kept. It is used as a template for a new hole. It is better to punch the intended hole using a special punch. If it is not at hand, you can punch a hole with scissors. Also use a drill for this. It is necessary to place a wooden block of the required thickness under the belt. Some craftsmen use a tube from an old antenna as a drill. The hole is smooth and accurate. Then the belt is fixed in the buckle with a screw. At the same time, it must be secured between the leather holder part.
Sewn buckle
How to shorten the belt? If it is with a sewn buckle, then it is quite difficult to do. Therefore, it is better to contact a professional master. The procedure is as follows. The seam is neatly unzipped with a clerical knife or blade. Then repeat the steps with the previous mounting methods. On the harness and belt, new holes are punctured with an awl. Next, the seam is stitched manually.
Rivet buckle
The most uncomfortable mount. The easiest way is to go to the workshop where rivets are installed. The remaining pieces of the belt can be used to create bracelets.