How to Make Rolled Leather Reins

Rolled leather reins are the pinnacle of elegance and sophistication in the equestrian world. Their smooth, round profile feels comfortable in the hand and offers a polished look that complements any bridle. While high-end, custom-made rolled reins can be expensive, creating your own is a deeply rewarding leathercraft project. It allows you to choose the exact quality, color, and thickness of the leather for a truly bespoke piece of tack. This guide is designed for the ambitious beginner, providing clear, detailed instructions and demystifying the process of how to make rolled leather reins from start to finish.

Crafting your own rolled leather reins is a fascinating blend of skill, patience, and creativity. By learning the basic techniques and taking the time to practice, you can transform a simple piece of leather into a functional and elegant piece of equestrian tack. Whether you’re making reins for personal use or as a thoughtful gift, the process allows you to create something unique that reflects your own style. With the right tools and a careful approach, even beginners can achieve professional-looking results.

Tools for Making Rolled Leather Reins

To create rolled leather reins, you will need a few specialized tools. These can be purchased at most craft or equestrian supply stores, or online.

1. Leather: The first and most important tool you will need is high-quality leather. Look for vegetable-tanned leather that is thick enough to provide durability but still pliable enough to roll easily.
2. Cutting Tool: A sharp utility knife or rotary cutter will work well for cutting the leather into strips of the desired width and length.
3. Leather Hole Punch: This tool is used to create holes along the edges of the leather strips where they will be stitched together.
4. Needles: Large, sturdy needles with sharp points are essential for leatherwork. They should be able to easily pierce through the thickness of the leather.
5. Thread: A strong and durable thread is necessary for stitching leather. Waxed thread or a heavy-duty nylon thread works best.

8 Step-by-Step Guide on How to Make Rolled Leather Reins

Step 1: Gather Your Tools and Materials

Before you can begin, you need to assemble the right tools and materials. For the leather, you will need high-quality vegetable-tanned leather straps, typically around 4-5 oz in thickness. You’ll also need a core material, such as a thin nylon rope or a leather lace, to give the reins their round shape. Essential tools include a very sharp leather-cutting knife, a strap cutter, a French edger, a stitching groover, a pricking iron or stitching chisel, waxed thread, two leather needles, and contact cement. Finally, you will need the hardware, which includes two rein buckles and a center buckle if you are making laced reins.

Step 2: Prepare the Leather Straps

Begin by cutting your leather hide into long, straight straps. For a standard pair of reins, you will need two straps, each about 5/8 inch wide and around 54 inches long, though you can adjust the length to your preference. Use a strap cutter for the most consistent and straight cuts. Once you have your two main straps, you need to skive, or thin, the edges. The goal is to make the leather thinner where it will be folded and stitched. This thinning is crucial for creating a smooth, round profile without excess bulk.

Step 3: Use a French Edger

The next step is to create a channel down the center of the flesh side (the rough side) of each leather strap. This is where the core will sit. Using a French edger, carefully carve out a shallow, rounded groove running the entire length of the strap. This channel helps the leather fold more naturally around the core and is a key detail for achieving a perfectly round shape. Take your time with this step, applying even pressure to ensure the channel has a consistent depth and width from one end of the strap to the other.

Step 4: Glue the Core into the Channel

With the channel prepared, it’s time to secure the core. The core is what gives the rolled rein its body and roundness. Apply a thin, even layer of leather contact cement inside the channel you just created and also onto the core material itself. Let the cement dry until it is tacky to the touch. Carefully place the core into the channel, pressing it down firmly to ensure a strong bond. This step provides the foundational structure around which you will fold and stitch the leather.

Step 5: Fold and Glue the Leather

Now you will fold the leather around the core to create the rolled shape. Apply contact cement to the skived edges on the flesh side of the leather strap. Carefully fold the two edges in so they meet perfectly over the top of the core. The goal is to have the two finished sides of the leather meet with a seamless butt joint, not overlap. Press the edges together firmly, working your way down the entire length of the rein. At this stage, your strap should now have a distinct round shape, held together by the glue.

Step 6: Mark and Punch Your Stitching Holes

A strong, even stitch is the hallmark of quality leatherwork. Use a stitching groover to create a light groove along the seam where the two edges of the leather meet. This groove will guide your stitching and help the thread sit flush with the leather surface, protecting it from wear. Next, take your pricking iron or stitching chisel and a mallet to mark your stitching holes along this groove. Ensure your marks are evenly spaced and perpendicular to the seam for a professional and durable finish.

Step 7: Hand-Stitch the Reins Using a Saddle Stitch

The saddle stitch is the strongest and most reliable hand-stitching method for leather. You will need two needles and a length of waxed thread about four times the length of the section you are stitching. Using a stitching pony to hold the rein securely, pass one needle through the first hole. Even out the thread on both sides. Then, pass each needle through the subsequent holes in opposite directions, creating a locking stitch inside the leather. Maintain consistent tension on your thread to ensure a tight and even seam all the way down the rein.

Step 8: Attach the Hardware and Finish the Ends

The final step is to attach your buckles and finish the ends of the reins. This typically involves creating a loop at the end of each rein, securing it around the buckle, and stitching it in place. You will also need to punch holes for the bit attachments. Once all the stitching is complete, you must burnish the edges. Use a slicker and some water or gum tragacanth to rub the cut edges until they are smooth, dark, and sealed. Finally, apply a quality leather conditioner to protect your new reins and give them a beautiful sheen.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What Is the Best Type of Leather for Making Reins?

The best choice is high-quality, vegetable-tanned leather, often from the back or shoulder of the hide, as this area is strong and has a consistent grain. A weight of 4-5 oz is ideal because it is thin enough to be pliable and roll smoothly but durable enough for everyday use. English bridle leather is a premium option that is pre-finished with waxes and tallows, making it exceptionally strong and weather-resistant.

What Is a “Core” in a Rolled Rein?

The core is the material that runs down the center of the rolled leather, giving it a round shape and body. Without a core, the rein would flatten into an oval. Common core materials include a thin nylon rope, a round leather lace, or even a strip of rawhide. The core provides structure and helps the rein maintain its perfectly round profile over time.

How Long Should a Standard Pair of Reins Be?

A standard length for a pair of horse reins is typically around 54 inches for each rein. However, this can vary based on the size of the horse and the rider’s preference. Pony reins are shorter, while reins for large draft horses will be longer. One of the main benefits of making your own reins is that you can customize the length for a perfect fit.

What Is a Saddle Stitch and Why Is It Used?

The saddle stitch is a traditional hand-sewing technique that uses two needles on a single thread to create two independent rows of stitching that lock in each hole. It is significantly stronger and more durable than a machine lockstitch. If one thread in a saddle stitch breaks, the stitches on either side will hold it in place, preventing the entire seam from unraveling.

Do I Need to Skive the Leather?

Yes, skiving—or thinning the edges of the leather—is a critical step for creating a high-quality rolled rein. By thinning the leather where it will be folded and stitched, you reduce bulk and allow the two edges to meet smoothly over the core. This results in a rounder, more refined profile and prevents a bulky, awkward seam.

Conclusion

Creating your own set of rolled leather reins is a journey into the heart of traditional tack making. It is a project that demands patience, precision, and a respect for the materials. From carefully channeling the leather and setting the core to the meditative process of hand-stitching the seam, each step contributes to a final product that is both beautiful and functional. The pride you will feel using equipment you crafted with your own hands is immense. Now that you have the foundational knowledge of how to make rolled leather reins, you are ready to embark on this rewarding project and create a piece of tack that will last a lifetime.