How to make pull tabs for cowboy boots

Ty Skiver from Burns Boots gives a quick lesson on making a clean pull tab for your next boot making project. If you would like to build these boots, please check out: https://www.learnwithillume.com/cours... to sign up for the class and access to many more leatherworking classes as part of the learn with illume membership. Materials List: • Kidskin leather • Ruler or measuring tape • Pen/marking tool of choice • Strapping leather tape (2 inches wide) • Rubber cement • Cobbler’s hammer • Scissors or leather cutting tools •Leather stitcher (Leather Machine Co Cobra Class 18 used) • Thread (size 48) • 9/32-inch leather hole punch • Utility knife or similar Step 1: Start by measuring the length of leather for your pull strap. Each pull strap should be 6 inches long. For four pull straps, you’ll need a total of 24 inches in length for leather, allowing extra for trimming. Step 2: Using your scribed line, place a strip of 2 inch string tape down along the length of the leather. This tape prevents the leather from stretching or tearing. If using 2-inch tape, it will cover the entire width of the leather. Otherwise, align 1-inch tape down the middle. Step 3: Use the string tape as a guide for cutting the leather to two inches wide. Step 4: Apply rubber cement along the strapping tape. Allow the rubber cement to set up before moving on to the next step. Step 5: Fold the leather strip lengthwise toward the center of the strip on each side. Step 6: Use a cobbler’s hammer to flatten the folded leather along the entire strip, ensuring it is smooth and secure. Step 7: Cut your strip into 6” pieces and stitch down the length of the pieces on each side at least times to ensure it stays flat and secure when in use. The stitching will also add strength to the pull strap. Step 8: Measure about 2 to 2.5 inches from the end of each pull strap and make a fold, leaving the bottom area to be sewn inside the boot. Step 9: Mark the end the fold on each pull tab with your pen. Step 10: Use a 9/32-inch hole punch to create a hole in the center of your mark on each pull tab. Step 11: Finally, use your utility knife (or other cutting instrument of choice) to make a straight cut from the edge of the hole on either side down to the bottom of the leather (away from the fold) creating a notch. Repeat for each pull tab. You can learn more about Illume Connect and our mission to elevate and unite the leather working community at https://www.illumeconnect.com.