How to Make Western Chaps and Vests
The Old West has become a symbol of the American traits of toughness, determination, and freedom. Wearing clothes from this era is popular in many western cities in the United States, and even around the world. By learning how to create your own authentic western wear, you can learn a skill that will give you great satisfaction and even can become a lucrative hobby for a side income. It will also save you thousands of dollars in expenses.
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Things You'll Need
- Leather, wool, or ultrasuede material
- Heavy duty shears
- Heavy duty thread
- Sewing machine
- Buttons
- Decorative materials (optional)
- Washable marker
- Awl
Instructions
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Begin by measuring the material you will need. For a set of chaps, you need a waist measurement, a thigh measurement, an inseam measurement, and a calf measurement. For the vest, you need a shoulder, chest, and waist measurement. Use a tailor's measuring tape and record your measurements in inches.
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Choose and purchase your material. For authentic old style, you will need heavy leather, such as bullhide. If you need a more cost-effective material, ultra-suede is a good choice - it is cheaper and easier to maintain. You may also use wool, or heavy cotton canvas material. Remember, rugged is the rule.
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Using the awl and your washable marker, measure and mark the materials you are using. For chaps, you will need a belt measurement for the waistline- mark the hips, thighs and calves, as well as the inseam. Using your marker, lightly trace the outline of the design for the chaps onto your material. Make sure you include a cut-out between the belt and the upper thighs, as this is where the pockets of your jeans or trousers will be. For vests, duplicate the process, making sure you leave a tad bit extra room in your measurements to make room for activity while you wear your clothes. You do not want them skin tight!
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Cut out your materials. Make absolutely certain your measurements are accurate and you have checked and rechecked the design before you make that first cut! Once cut, there is no going back, and it can be very expensive to replace leather or even wool. Authentic chaps are made from one piece of hide, and if they are sewn together in pieces, they will not be as durable. Vests are easier to replace if you goof up, but once you buy your material, you will see how important it is to get your measurements right.
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Sew your garments using a heavy duty sewing machine. You may leave extra room in your measurements, and in your pattern, to create fringe. If you do this, always remember to sew the body pattern first, and then cut your fringe after. Fringe should be one of the last steps.
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Add your decorations. This can be as simple as adding some conchos and fringe, or as complicated as ornate leather tooling that can cover every inch of your material. But the authentic look was a simple one. The clothes were meant for use and durability, and their attractiveness came from their simplistic beauty.
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Tips & Warnings
Measure and re-measure. You do not want to mess up your projects by being rushed or sloppy.
Take as much time as is needed to do the job right the first time. You do not want to have to buy more leather if at all possible.
