DG LeatherCraft

How to Make a Leather Ranger Belt | Leathercraft Project

Posted by Don Gonzales

If you’ve been making leather belts, you may have been asked to make a Ranger Style Belt. In this video, How to Make a Leather Ranger Belt, I walk through the full process—from cutting the leather and preparing the edges to stitching, finishing, and adding hardware.

We also cover the “measuring” for a ranger belt. This is a little different than how we do it for a standard belt. Since there is not “fold” for the buckle this changes the sizing… there are also exterior billets that we use and those have to be balanced when the person is wearing the belt.

This belt isn’t just functional—it’s a great way to practice precision, clean stitching, and working with heavier leather. I also share tips that make the build smoother and the finished product look professional.

Whether you’re new to leathercraft or have some experience, this project will teach techniques you can use in lots of other builds, from straps to bags.

If you want to follow along, grab your materials and watch the full step-by-step in the video.

Make a Leather Cowboy Boot Bag | Leathercraft Project

Posted by Don Gonzales

If you’re looking for a solid leather project that’s as useful as it is good-looking, a Leather Cowboy Boot Bag is a great one to tackle. In this video, Make a Leather Cowboy Boot Bag, I walk through the full build step by step—from cutting and layout to assembly and finishing.

A boot bag isn’t just a cool piece to make; it’s a practical one. Whether you’re hauling your boots to a show, rodeo, or just keeping them clean in storage, this project gives you something durable and unique that’ll last for years.

You’ll see how I handle all the leather pieces, line everything up clean, and make sure the handles and seams are built correctly. I also go over a few small tips that make the difference between a good build and a great one—things like edge prep, panel layout, and clean stitching.

If you’d like to make one yourself, we’ve got a pattern pack available in our online store that includes all the cut patterns as well as a collection of leather floral carving patterns. It’s designed to save you time on the layout and give you a professional-looking result, even if you’re not running a big shop setup.

This is one of those projects that’s just plain satisfying to build—and once you finish it, you’ll have something that’s not only functional but looks like it came straight out of a custom shop.