Leather Jerkin - First Attempt

[Undeadzombiehunter]

I have never tried garments before, and while I had though this jerkin design was a simple one to learn on, it had hidden complexity.

This style leather jerkin were issued to first and second world war dispatch riders. This one if based on a 1956 synthetic one I bought from the UK to pull apart to make a pattern. This was sewn on Juki ddl-555 which coped well with the #69 thread and a 110 needle. I used the singer 45k on the two shoulder seams because I wanted to a heavier (210) thread at that stress point.

I made to wear in the workshop when working the forge and making damascus steel. It will keep sparks and flying flux. However the leather is so nice it would be shame to get it burnt and scared.

The buckles are hook and dee snaps, similar to those found on fire fighters turn out jackets. These were from ohio travel bag.

Comments and suggestions are most welcome. I am thinking of lining it with a simple cotton flannelette. what do people think? leave it as the leather underside or try and line it.

[Sporq]

looks great :3

[olds cool]

Based on the intended use, I would say leave it unlined. You're already going to be standing next to a hot forge. Do you really want to add another layer of warmth to the vest? I know I hate wearing my unlined leather welding jacket in the summer because it's so hot. I only wear it for a few minutes at a time for hobby welding. I can't imagine it being lined and that much warmer and wearing it for an extended period of time.

[Undeadzombiehunter]

Hey Olds Cool, great handle by the way, I think I agree with you, as does my wife. The thinking behind the idea of lining it, was more for comfort, but I would always be wearing a shirt underneath anyway.

It is in fact quite comfortable. it is s real Igor look though, or some sort of medieval cosplay thing.

Tony