DIY Homemade Cowboy Chaps
There are many different kinds of cowboy chaps to choose from including the Batwing Chap, Chink Chap, Cutting Chap, Rodeo Chap, Shotgun Chap and Show Chap. Chaps are usually made of leather and are worn by cowboys as covering over their pants to protect against bull horns and even bites from animals like snakes. Making homemade cowboy chaps for children or adults is fun and simple, and creating them only takes a few simple materials that can be found in most craft stores.
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Measurements
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The first and most important thing you need to do before making your chaps is to take the measurements of the person who will be wearing them. You will need a waist measurement, a thigh measurement, an inseam measurement and a calf measurement. Use a standard measuring tape, and write down the measurements on a piece of paper.
Materials
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Part of what makes making your own chaps fun is being able to choose what kind of material to use. Chaps are a fun addition to any cowboy costume, and they can be made out of several different materials. For example, you can use canvas, suede or even leather, depending on your budget. A good color to choose would be dark brown, but the color of the material that you use is really up to you, depending on how you want your costume to look.
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Cutting
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Before you cut your material, you first have to design a pattern for them. Draw the outline of the design of the chaps you wish to make onto the material with a marker, using your inseam and thigh measurements as a rough guide as to size. When you've drawn your design onto the material, use heavy shears to cut the material along the lines that you made. Alternately, since you will be cutting two mirror image shapes, one for each leg, you can cut one side and simply fold it over and cut around it to cut the same design for the other leg.
Sewing
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Once you have the basic shape for your chaps, it's time to sew them together. If you're using leather, you'll need to use a heavy duty sewing machine or a heavy needle and thread. You can use thread that matches the color of your chaps, or again, depending on your design, any color that matches your costume. Begin by sewing the inseam of the chaps, making sure that they are roomy enough for your legs to fit. Remember, you'll be wearing pants under your chaps, so they have to fit loosely. Your measurements should be your guide. Depending on the design of your chaps, you may want to sew some loops onto the waist of the chaps so that you can wear them with a belt. Use the belt loops in a pair of jeans as a model for where to place the loops and what size to make them.
To add fringe to your chaps, leave some extra material at the edges and cut some fringe along the side.
Make your chaps as simple or as ornate as you would like them to be. In addition to fringe, you might want to sew patches onto your chaps and add other embellishments, such as studs. You can add almost any decorations you choose; use your imagination to make your chaps your own.
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