Here's a more detailed breakdown:
1. Hanging and Weight:
How it works:
The weight of the bolo tie, especially the ornamental piece, can help pull the leather straight.
How to do it:
Hang the bolo tie with the slide near the top, allowing the leather straps to hang freely.
Tips:
You can hang it from a hook, a rolling mill handle (as seen in a video), or even a hanger in your closet.
2. Wetting and Stretching:
How it works:
Applying moisture to the leather can help it become more pliable and easier to stretch.
How to do it:
If you're using vegetable-tanned leather, you can dampen it with distilled water (or a similar product) and then gently stretch the leather to the desired length.
Tips:
Be careful not to over-saturate the leather. Leave it to dry naturally, and you may need to repeat the process a few times to achieve the desired stretch.
3. Softening with Friction:
How it works: This method softens the leather by creating friction as you move it over a smooth surface.
How to do it: Take the leather cord and run it back and forth over a smooth metal surface, like a table, until it softens and straightens.
Tips: Apply some pressure as you run the cord to help it stretch.
4. Storage:
How it works: Proper storage can help maintain the shape and straightness of your bolo tie.
How to do it: Store bolo ties with leather cords by hanging them on a tie rack or laying them flat.
Tips: Avoid storing them in a way that causes the cords to curl or bend.
5. Addressing Curl:
How it works: Leather cord can sometimes retain a curl from being on a spool.
How to do it: Move the slide to the end of the cord and let it hang for a day or two.
Tips: This can help the cord relax and straighten out.