How To Add Holes To A Leather Belt

I’d like to introduce you to one of my all time favorite fashion tools…the leather hole puncher! This funny looking tool punches perfectly shaped holes into leather, and can be used to fix a variety of leather related issues. In the past, I’ve used it to add holes to belts that were too large or awkward fitting (one hole is too tight, one is too loose), add a hole to a hip belt that I also wanted to wear on my waist, and add holes to shoe straps that either started out too big, or stretched out with wear. It comes in completely handy, and I’ve even had requests from co-workers to bring it into work so we can have a “hole punching party” where everyone brings in their belts and shoes in need of extra holes.

UPDATE: a reader (thanks Linda!) shared another great tool that is better for making those super tiny holes you may need on watch or sandal straps.

I bought mine many moons ago, so I’m not sure of the exact make and model, but this one on Amazon looks almost exactly like it, and this one has pretty good reviews.

I had a belt that came on a dress that needed just one more set of holes to fit on my waist where I’d like, so let me take this opportunity to show you how to add holes to a leather belt.

This belt needs one more set of holes to fit my waist.

To make sure the new holes look uniform, measure the distance between the existing holes. Measure and mark this distance where you want to add the new holes.

If the belt is wide or double-holed like this one, also measure the distance between the existing holes and the edge so you can make a new hole that looks uniform in that way, also.

Holes marked and ready for punching.

Select the correct hole size by rotating the punch head (loosen the screw on the metal arm, rotate the head to the desired hole size, and re-tighten the screw so it won’t move or slip on you while you punch), and line it up to the markings you made.

Squeeze the handle until you feel the puncher go all the way through the leather. I usually have to put a good amount of weight into it.

Voila! Two new holes!

To better match the existing holes and style of this belt, I needed to add a small notch to each hole. I used an x-acto knife to carefully cut the notches.

All done!

As I mentioned above, you can use this tool on shoes, handbag straps…anything leather that needs some more holes for a better fit. It can also work on faux leather, vinyl and even thick fabrics. Happy punching!