How to Make a Leather Cuff

If you have extra leather leftover from a project, you can easily make a leather cuff. It’s a good project to practice leatherwork on and can be customized to make a unique accessory.

We worked with Will Lisak at Craftsman MAKEcation to make our cuff and to make a full leather belt and you can too!

Step 1 – Size Your Cuff

Wrap the leather around your wrist and decide how you’d like it to fit. Make a light mark using your awl and measure out an extra inch to make room for the button. Cut the leather using a utility knife or shears and make another mark a ½ inch in from both sides.

Step 2 - Cut Your Holes

Use a hole punch on each of these marks. If you are using a rotary hole punch, it works similar to a normal paper hole punch. Traditional drive punches require a hammer. Line up the hole punch and strongly hammer down like you would a nail until it’s fully cut through the leather.

Choose one hole to enlarge so the button fits easily. Use the utility knife to stretch the hole in a way that will make it easier for you to remove the button while you’re wearing it. We cut a teardrop shape, but also cut a line deeper in, just in case the button got stuck.

Step 3 - Smooth the Edges

Use an edge beveler to create more rounded, softer edges along the cuff. Place the beveler at a 45-degree angle; you can rest one side against the table to steady your movement. Use long, firm movement as you guide the beveler along the length of the leather. Aim for long strips so the edge feels consistent and smooth. Repeat on all sides.

An X-Acto knife can also be used if you don’t have an edge beveler, but it will be more difficult to get consistent lines safely. Some people also sand the edges as an alternative to the beveler.

Step 4 - Secure Your Button

Put the long part of the rivet stud through the leather and second piece of the stud. This will be your button. Use a ball-peen hammer to secure the two pieces together like a rivet.

If the long piece pokes out too far, cut off the excess. The edge should not be flush against the metal, but should have a peak poking out for you to work with.

Use your ball-peen hammer to mash the peak down so it flattens out and creates an edge that secures it to the other metal. Work with the metal, hammering at a diagonal in a circular motion to shape it into a mushroom shape. Finish it off with a decisive hit on the center and you’re all set.

Optional – Finishing Touches

Before adding on the fastener, you can apply a stain, balm, or conditioner to the belt to get the look you want. If your leather is completely untreated, you'll want to treat it to keep it from staining from water contact. Make sure to follow the specific product’s instructions, but be prepared to get a little messy and have rags handy. You want to use smooth strokes to let the product penetrate the leather evenly throughout.

Different types of leather wax can also help keep any frays in place. This can be applied after the products listed above to finish off your new accessory.