Second in the blindfold series is the 'goggles' design, so called because it looks like a pair of swimming goggles (if you use your imagination). Again, the design is fairly straightforward. A nice feature is the ability to make multiple sets of eye patches in different sizes for use with the same head strap.
Utility Knife, Punch, 1" Oblong Punch, Edge Beveler #2, Rivet Setter, Scissors, Strap-Cutter (optional), Skiver (optional), Eyelet Setter and Anvil (optional)
Long and Medium Rivets
½" buckle (1)
Felt Lining
3/16" Eyelets (optional) (3+)
Head Strap: X+4" x .5"
Eye Patches (2): ~3" x ~3"
Eye Patch Straps (2): 3.625" x .5"
Measure the circumference of the target head loosely, across the eyebrows and above the ears. Add about ½" to accommodate the eye patches and you have X in Diagram 1 below. You can measure from the eyebrow ridge to the top of the cheekbone for a good eye patch diameter, although you may want to experiment.
The best way to cut the eye patches is to find something solid of approximately the desired diameter. Likely candidates are cups, glasses, steel washers.. anything round. Failing this, you'll have to either draw the circle freehand or with a compass, and cut freehand. If you find a good object to cut around, hold it firmly on the leather and make several light passes around with a utility knife. When cutting freehand, I prefer a heavier initial cut followed by several light cuts to make it all the way through. Obviously, you need two leather circles.
Next, you need a ½" wide strap, X+4" long. You might want to leave some excess for now, since it is easier to take more off than put some back on! I recommend using a skiver to thin the strap leather to about 2/3 of it's original thickness.. this will allow the buckle to operate more easily, as most ½" buckles are not intended for leather this thick.
Finally, two retaining straps are required. These are simply ½" by 3 5/8".
If you own a skiver, you may want to skive both straps to make the buckle operate more smoothly. Just thin the strips by about a third.
Bevel all edges of the primary strap, the tops of retaining straps, and the top both eye patches.
Punch the holes indicated below in both retaining straps. Also, punch two holes in each eye patch, each 9/16" out from the center along a line. These holes end up 1 1/8" apart, and line up with the middle holes in the retaining straps.
Use two long rivets to secure one retaining strap to each eye patch. The ends fold under as shown in Diagram 1, leaving a rectangular slot through which the primary strap may pass.
Since the blindfold will rest against the sensitive skin of the face, a heavy felt or fur lining is recommended. Cut two pieces slightly larger than the eye patches and place them inside-down on the work surface. Apply Fabri-Tac or a similar glue to the first eye patch, making sure the edges are well covered. Starting at one end, lay the glued area down onto the lining while applying firm pressure. Once in place, press firmly on the eye patch for a few seconds. Repeat with second eye patch. After the glue dries, trim the excess lining off with a pair of scissors.
Punch the four round and one oblong holes indicated in Diagram 1 in one end of the primary strap.
Use two medium rivets to secure the buckle to the buckle strap.
Thread the primary strap through both retaining straps and position them appropriately. Use the target head to decide the right location for the belt holes. Mark the desired length, then punch one or more holes at which to buckle. Optionally, you might want to reinforce these holes with 3/16" eyelets.
You probably don't want a square end on the belt strap. Shape it as desired.. round, pointed, whatever. Bevel the edges of the new point.
Apply Edge Coat to all edges of the piece.
Note that the picture above shows one strap and two sets of eye patches, large and small. Specifically, these are 3" and 2 1/8". My personal most comfortable size would be somewhere in between.