Lightsabers & Blasters Jedi Belts.

How did you make it, or where did you buy it?

Shaden *^_^*

Unlocking

 

I made my belt (as I do all of my gear). It's made from blacksmith leather (aka "oily sides") from Tandy Leather. The "buckle" is a miniature bridle bit decoration from a shoe (think loafers/dress shoes...the little metal decorative "buckle"). Mine closes with snaps which are on the side (for easier putting-on/taking-off...plus it conceals the closure somewhat). The pouch is from the same leather, as is the comlink case. The "food/energy capsules" are made from pen caps, which I decided to leave black for the time being. The clip for my lightsaber is permanently attatched.

[image=http://members.aol.com/kairhann/images/utilitybelt.jpg]

--Kai

 

That's a good looking belt.

I make all my own, and buy the buckles at fabric stores. It costs maybe a total of $8 for me to make one.

 

I found a good one at Target. Yeah, it was in the women's section, but looked quite cool. It's made by Massimo, or some such name, and has two buckles (over and under) to close it. The one I got was a dark brown, but I understand they have different colors.

 

Mine is a weird textured leather belt from Express in the 80's. It's really wide, it's got a unique looking closure, and I found it at the thrift shop for $1. I've found lots if good belts and (jackets for scrap leather) at those places.

 

Do you guys have pictures?

Shaden *^_^*

 

Made mine.

http://public.fotki.com/Kait/star_wars/jedikai/belt_closeup.html

http://public.fotki.com/Kait/star_wars/jedikai/back_buckle.html

buckles are ones I found at JoAnn's (a fabric store chain here in USA...for those on this board NOT in the USA!)

 

that's the kind of buckle i am looking for. do you know what the buckle is called? like brand name and model number. thanks


aaron

 

Aaron...to whom are you speaking?

If it's me, the front buckle is available at JoAnn's Fabrics, maker is La Mode and model is 4778. It is 3/4 of an inch and costs $2.50.

The back buckle is the same maker, model 4783, cost $4.95.

 

[color=336699]Awesome Belt Kai-Rhann!




~ICeBReaKeR[/color]
He has never been cooler...

 

Jedi Kai,

Are your belt pics still up? I tried the links but got an error.

My JoAnn's didn't have ANYTHING sutable for belt buckles...maybe they could order them for me.

...but I'd like to see what you found first!

Thanks.

 

BUMP! I'd like to see your pics too!

 

Oops, sorry gentle beings. I reorganized my site....isn't that just annoying.

Here's the belt buckle on a photo site that doesn't require sign in

Belt buckle closeup

Here's all the props:
Props

 

Thanks! With that tutorial site being down now, does anyone have another tutorial site or parts list for the belts? That would be extremely helpful!

 

that commlink pouch is friggin sweet! Mind sharing how you went about it?

 

The pouches were the only part of my Jedi garb I purchased. PM to Jedi Dragon, per this board's policy. If you don't know the policy, please read the FAQ (sec II, #3-5), which means, if you're new to this board, please do not ask me to PM you the info, too.

 

The comlink pouch was fairly simple. It's a 3 piece affair (front, back, and belt loop). I simply made a pattern by tracing the comlink, and allowing about 1/4" for stitching. The back folds over and has a snap closure. That little fold over also is cut out for the "voice pickup" piece on the comlink. It's a pretty handy way to keep your comlink on your belt...I like it...

--Kai

 

As far as parts list, it's pretty simple:

One 2 - 2.5 inch belt blank in color and length to suit.

One 1/2 - 1 inch belt blank, ditto above

leather rivets (there are some special knob like rivets used in the film version that I haven't been able to find...so I just used ordinary leather rivets)

buckles (as posted earlier, got these at JoAnn's)

Variation in width of belt depends on your size. Info is that film version is 2.5 inches wide. I'm very short (5'2") so 2.5 was too wide for me.

Use Tandy leather but you might have deal with dying the leather. I didn't want to, so the belt I made was actually from two belts purchased at Target! I've now found a local (WA) supplier of belt blanks in the dark brown color I want. So I'll eventually remake the belt when I need a smaller size

 

I'm a little confuse with the Rivets everyone using. What is that flat-like rivets some people are using called?

The ones I saw here at the leather goods shop (and will request to be used on my Jedi Belt) are similar to the ones used in the movie but in antique/weathered gold-bronze.

 

As to the rivet question, I use "rapid rivets" from Tandy Leather for general construction. The "knob" riviets Jedi_Kai referred to are commonly known as "button studs". They are used as a type of button commonly found on black powder acouterments, as well as some types of parade belts for military and so on, and on older gun holsters and gun belts. These are solid brass and require special setting tool and anvil (rivet anvil, not blacksmith anvil). Tandy should have those in stock, as well as the setting tools.

I've seen dog collar spikes/studs used for an alternative, but prefer the button studs. Essentially, those studs are used as a guide for the narrow strap (with the buckle on it) on the Jedi belt...

--Kai

 

Thanks for the list! Appreciate all of the info. When I went to Tandy's site, the belt blanks in that width were like $20+. Am I looking at the right stuff? I swear someone posted that these could be had cheap.

 

jedi kai, I was actually talking to kai rhann about the comlink pouch. I love the flap that comes over so you can see the top of the comlink sticking out, that's just awesome.

 

Kai, that belt looks sweet! Nice Job.


-Universal

 

Thats a REALLY good belt.