Cowboy Belt

I did not make this one up. I made it, but I got the instructions and pictures from ym.com.



If this belt were an adjective, it would be sexy. More Indian than cowboy, this Concho belt looks great hanging off your waist and angling down toward one hip. Conchos are decorative clasps used on belts and bolo ties. You can find them in different kinds of metal with a variety of patterns. We used a sheriff's star pattern for our belt.


Difficulty: 6
Approximate Time: 1-2 hours

Step 1 Step 2 Step 3



Step 1: Fold the leather string in half lengthwise. Now fold it in half again. Tie a knot at one end that leaves an opening a little bigger than the size of a quarter. Your string should now be knotted at one end and have two folds at the other end. Cut the folds so you have four strands of dangling leather to string beads on.

Step 2: Plastic pony beads are usually sold in small baggies. Empty the beads into a bowl so you can pick them up more easily. String five to seven beads on each of the four strands of leather. There is no need to evenly divide the beads. Random numbers and colors will add to the belt's charm. Next you'll string your first Concho.
A Concho has two slits in it. Pull all four strands of the leather up from the back of one of your larger Conchos and down through the other hole from the top. The leather should run behind the Concho so the Concho's pattern is visible. Make sure the leather isn't crossing. Repeat the beading and the Concho steps two more times, making sure that the conchos are all facing the same direction.

Step 3: You should be able to wrap the belt around your waist with about two feet of leather to spare — so you can drape it down your hip. Pull all the strands through the knot you made in Step 1. Now string a smaller Concho onto two strands of the leather and the remaining Concho on the other two strands. Finally, tie a knot after each Concho. The knot should be behind the Concho.
Slip into your belt. The weight of the final two Conchos should keep it on. The belt should hang off your waist with the divided strands hanging down one leg, Conchos dangling on the end. Wear it over jeans or a prairie skirt, and you'll be heading up your posse in no time.



This was written by Diane Goodman for ym.com.