How to Sew Your Own Western Show Clothing

It is best to choose colors that match your horse.

Your clothing is an important factor when you compete in Western division horse shows. Your outfit can affect your score as well as the amount of attention you get from the judges and spectators. Since the entire purpose of the competition is to "show," you will want to display your finest skill and appearance throughout the competition. With the help of the many patterns available for Western show clothes, you can save yourself a significant amount of money by making these clothes yourself.

Things You'll Need

• Horsemanship or slinky style shirt patterns (Western style shirts)
• Pattern for breeches (Western style pants)
• Vest pattern
• Assorted solid fabrics
• Assorted print fabrics
• Sewing machine
• Sewing needles
• Assorted colored thread
• Large buttons
• Embroidery hoop
• Assorted colored embroidery floss
• Embroidery needles
• Assorted colored fringe
• Assorted color braid trim
• Appliques
• Rhinestones
• Screwdriver
• Studs

Instructions

1. Select patterns and fabrics that will fit appropriately and stand out. The simplest patterns to find are regular Western shirt patterns and Western pants patterns at your local fabric store. The shirts are either the looser horsemanship style or the more formfitting slinky style. Lycra material is ideal for the slinky style. If you prefer the horsemanship style, purchase a cotton-poly blend fabric for ease of care. For Western pants or breeches, denim or cotton twill is sturdy and long lasting. Consider stretch denim if you want something more formfitting. For vests, an ultra-suede material works well. Consider color variations for outfits like black with silver lame on the yoke, collar and cuffs. Navy blue outfits with red fringe and white yoke, collar and cuffs show your patriotism on holidays like the Fourth of July.

2. Cut out and sew the fabrics together following the patterns you have purchased using sharp scissors and your sewing machine. Use print fabrics on the yoke, cuffs, and collar with regular solids on the shirt and pants for a fashionable look.

3. Try on your clothes to see how they fit, and determine if you can move around comfortably. Make any adjustments as needed.

4. Embroider the cuffs or sleeves of your shirt. You may also add matching embroidery down the front of the shirt for a woman's shirt. Sew fringe down the outer leg seam on your breeches. Cover the trim line of the fringe with the braid trim to hide the excess fringe trim and the seam line. Sew the fringe and braid trim in place, keeping it straight as you sew down the line.

5. Decorate the vest with large, ornate buttons. Add appliques and studs, or rhinestones, to the yoke of the shirt. Use a screwdriver as opposed to glue to attach the decorations, so they stay in place when you clean the garments later. Push the bottom setting piece of the stud or rhinestone (it has four prongs) up through the underside of the shirt until the prongs puncture through the fabric. Lay your rhinestone or stud in the pronged setting and push the prongs down over the stone or stud with the tip of the screwdriver until the stone or stud sits firmly in the prongs.

References

• Cher Forman; Seamstress and "Creations by Cher" Owner; Roswell, GA

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish