How to Make Spur Straps

A spur strap is a simply designed, U-shaped strap that is created to slip over the heel of a boot, to hold the spur in place. The spur has a blunt, pointed or roweled projection from the heel of the boot. Used by a mounted rider, the spur is used to urge a horse to move. Creating a spur strap can be done using a variety of tools and materials.

Things You'll Need

  • Razor knife
  • Stamping tools
  • Flexible tape measure
  • Hide
  • Buckles
  • Scissors
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Instructions

    • 1

      Measure the length of the heel band around your spur. Manufacturers use different measurements, so there is not a standard measurement to use when looking to create an ideal strap fit. If the spurs have a longer heel band than usual, they will require a shorter strap.

    • 2

      Place your spur on your boot, then apply a flexible tape measure to determine the distance from the center of the button, across your foot, to the center of the other button. This will identify how long to make the spur strap.

    • 3

      Obtain 1 square yard of chestnut English bridle leather, colored pig hide or whatever material you desire to use for the spur strap.

    • 4

      Download a free spur strap pattern from TandyLeatherFactory.com. Print off the pattern, then cut out the various pieces of the pattern to trace onto your leather hide.

    • 5

      Lay each pattern piece onto your leather hide, at least a 1/2 inch apart. Use a pencil and mark around the pattern pieces. Be sure to flip the pattern when cutting out your leather. If you don't, you'll have two rights instead of a left and a right.

    • 6

      Cut the various pieces out of the leather with a razor knife or sharp scissors. Lay the pieces in a group according to the pattern.

    • 7

      Drill the noted holes, as indicated on the pattern with the proper stamping tools. Add the proper hardware, buckles and accessories as you desire.