Leather strap roughing up

[cossie]

Hey,

I'm not sure if this is the right place to post this, but after a search for "strap" Miscellaneous turned up the most hits.

I have a leather strap for my bass and the underside of the strap has become very very rough, almost like sandpaper. I look after it so i don't know how this has happened, but it's at a point now where i can't wear it because it roughs up and damages any shirt i might wear for a gig.

It was given to me as a 21st birthday present so it holds some sentimental value, anyone have a tips on how i could "fix" it?

Thanks!

[Bryan316]

Go buy some very smooth, almost-satin fabric. Something polyester or rayon, and hoefully the same color as your strap. Cut the fabric longer than your strap, and 2" wider.



Get some shoe glue, and glue one edge of the fabric 1" into the strap.



Then fold it over, and spread glue 1" wide onto the other side of the strap. Then fold the last edge over to finish it up, being careful to fold the fabric just right so the second edge creases and meets the edge of the leather strap straight and flush.



I know this image doesn't show it, just cuz I'm trying to show a cutaway of what the fabric and strap should look like. But make sure that your fabric is far longer than your strap, so after the glue dries you can trim the excess at the ends.




And if you know someone with sewing skills, have them run a stitch around the entire edge to reinforce it. If you don't know anyone, take it to a tailor. They should be able to sew through leather. If not, you know they're not a good tailor!

[cossie]

Wow thanks a million for such a complete reply!

I was beginning to consider making a "sleeve" in some black fabric that i could slide over the strap to cover the roughed up area, but your way is much more permanent!

Thanks again Bryan316