DIY: Boot Strapping

Haven't you ever wanted to change a plain boot at some point? No? Well, I have! Perhaps you acquire some boots strictly for the reason of being able to integrate them into diverse ensembles. As you know I enjoy changing up my accessories and this time I wanted a shoe embellishment ... make way for the boot strap!


Here, I've created a no-sew versatile boot strap. Initially, I designed a strap that included a small amount of sewing, but I had a few of you in mind for this no-sew project and decided to create a simpler one. 


Don't fret, I have many other projects in the works that do require a good sewing machine for my fellow advanced fashionistas. Enjoy!
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Materials:
Leather or Textured PU
Metal rings (circular) - 2/ea. strap
Paper for pattern
Studs - 8
Other trim (optional)
Chain - Cut 2 approx. 6"
Fabric glue-heavy duty
Scissors
Pencil
Measuring tape or ruler
Needle-nose pliers
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After I created my pattern [essentially from the width and length, the circumference of my boot ankle area] I cut my fabric; the widest part of my strap was approx. 5cm/2 -2.125+/-. Seam allowance was added only at the ends of each piece for folding over the ring. approx. 4cm/around 1.5" for larger straps and 5/8" for smaller ones.  This may be adjusted depending on how you want your straps to drape. I decided on a tiered look. 

       Click to enlarge images

There are two identical pieces per strap, depending on the thickness of your leather, (for my second style I used one-layer pieces). On each strap fabric glue is applied in-between each layer. Let dry, then start folding each side of your (widest) strap on the metal ring. To secure attach a stud to each strap-end, using the stud's prongs as a guide for piercing ... an awl may be used to pierce through the fabric as well. (Secure and flatten the studs with needle-nose pliers by squeezing the prongs closed). Repeat these steps for each strap.

Next, attach chain to the metal ring between one of the tiered straps (I altered this for my second pair). You may need wire cutters to adjust the chain links to your liking. Lastly, trim your straps by adding studs and/or other embellishments and that's it! Repeat steps to complete second boot strap.