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I;m making a pair of chaps. I love the twisted fringe look but I'm not quite sure how to get that perfect twist. I've attached a picture of the look I'm trying to accomplish. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Hello, I hope everyone is enjoying the winter weather I was wondering if anyone might have any instructions or advice on making a pair of wooly chaps? I've been wanting to make a pair for my husband for a long time. I've been trying to look on the internet for pictures or instructions but I haven't found a whole lot. I've made chinks but never any chaps. I did see a pair of woolies that were made with chap leather (no canvas) and I liked that idea, my husband would rather have leather than canvas he said. So I have chap leather and an angora hide we got from Sheridan Leather. And he'd like to have zippers so I have those too. I think I have about everything to start (hopefully). I'm at a loss on how to make these so if anyone has any advice they'd be willing to share I would really really appreciate it. Do you start with a basic shotgun chap pattern and go from there? Do you glue whole angora hide down to each leg with barge or do you even glue them to the legs? Thanks so much

Hello. I can't seem to be able to attend the various leather shows due to scheduling so I can't attend the classes offerred. So I am looking for an experienced chap and chink maker who would be willing to give me a few days of private instruction on building chaps and chinks. I have made a couple pairs but my mistakes are costly. Thanks.

Hi, I am struggling somewhat on the type of leather to use for making chaps and chinks. I’m interested in 4 to 5 ounce leather that is not too expensive. I have looked at several websites like Hide House and Tandy, but my confusion still exists. I would appreciate any suggestions as to the type of leather that fits the bill. Thanks

Hi everyone, I'm looking at a few different machines to sew 1000 D cordura, heavy canvas etc. Consew 206RB5, Consew P1206RB and Juki DNU1541 The premier 1206 has a better price and auto oiler. Can anyone explain the difference in these machine ? I have an Adler 205-370, is it possible to make this machine sew lighter fabric Softener, that would solve my dilemma and save me a bundle of cash! Thanks in advance, George Unionlevelleather.com

So in view of getting back into the groove of leather work (I spend all summer riding / doing outdoor stuff) I have decided to do some practice work first - Meaning building a pair of chinks for a friend. These will be square bottomed, 'buckaroo' style out of a glove tan leather in a tan color. My biggest challenge with leather work is floral tooling. I'm reasonably artistic, however, I have never drawn a floral pattern I really liked. With that being in mind I purchased Cary Schwarz's floral layout and carving DVD's. They are very good and help to understand how to achieve flow etc. I find that its not to hard to draw a flower or a leaf but to get it all to flow in a cohesive pattern is a nightmare...These DVD's have helped quite a bit. For the yokes on these chinks I created a floral pattern - I have one side carved - The design incorporates my friends brand - The '04'. I'm still not very happy with the pattern but it is probably one of the better ones I have come up with to date. Clearly still need practice though. Here is the yoke for the right side. The other reason for building these chinks first is to get the hang of my new Cobra Class 4 Sewing machine a little better - This machine works great - However I have never used sewing machines prior to this - So there is a definite learning curve. R

Are you looking for an experienced leatherworker ? This individual has over 25 years experience in making and designing saddles,chaps,and a wide variety of tack and personal items as well. Is willing to relocate. He has taught leather instruction classes in the US as well as over seas. He has been awarded numerous awards for several different types of saddles,tack,chaps, and belts. He is looking for a full time postion and would also be interested is talking with someone who is looking to expand their business since he has a complete shop which includes a clicker & dies, 20" strap cutter, foot presses, splitter, Adler sewing machine,2 Singer flat bed sewing machines,Artisan sewing machine, Union Lock Stitch sewing machine,Bar Tacker sewing machine,Cinderella wire stapler, punch presses, large inventory of hand tools by Horse Shoe Brand, Barry King, and others. Extensive collection of tooling and stampimg tools by Barry King,Wayne Jueske,Gore Tool, Bob Beard, etc. Patterns for saddles, chaps,halters,headstalls, and too many to list. Some inventory of finished products. Has competed in cutting,team roping,saddle bronc riding, reining,western pleasure,and bull riding so he has a working knowledge of how to produce products that are functional as well as eye appealling. Anyone interested in this individual can contact me for further information. References both personal and professionally will be provided upon request. This could be in once in a life time opportunity to add a person of this quality to your organization.

I am about to finish up my first pair of chaps. I have been trying to decide what to do about the buttons for the pockets. Finally decided to go with leather rolled buttons, but can't find anything that tells how to make or attach them. I would appreciate some help...and maybe a couple photos. Thanks.

I did these for a friends wife. She loves them (thank goodness!) He didn't ask her about color, tooling, or anything he just ordered them. 7/8 oz. tooling leather 4/5 oz Chap Hide from Hide House Sewn on my Cowboy Compound Feed GC628 with 138 thread I oiled the veg tan after tooling and let it sit for a day then sealed with Clear Lac Then I used Fiebings Antique "British Tan" after that dried I sealed with Tan Kote Sorry about photo quality. I'm still trying to master that!

Just finished my first pair of Botas, and I am pleased with the result. Actually I made 2 pairs, and am working on finishing the second pair, at present. I will post some pics of the second pair when I get them finished. I used 6-7oz. top-grain cowhide stained to look nearly identical to elk hide. The pattern I used for both pairs is a modification of one I found posted here in a thread entitled "half chaps or leggings", posted on the forum entitled "patterns and templates". I modified this basic pattern to have a more symmetrical look all the way around, with no overlap/underlap at the heel. This affords a more finished look, and also allows a gap for spurs to protrude out from the heel of the leggings, without interference. The finished product looks great... almost like someone sawed off the bottom half of a pair of full-length, step-in shotgun chaps. My template negates the need to sew on the top "knee flap", which flips up to offer additional protection for the knees while horseback riding. I also added an integral strap to the top of the template, which eliminates the need to sew on an extra strap and buckle for cinching the botas on below the knee. Instead, I sewed Velcro to the top (and strap) for fastening, which is the preferred method of attachment for most English style half chaps, and is a lot more comfortable than having a buckle grinding into the side of your knee. I put my botas to the test, recently. I went horseback riding with my wife, and during the ride, we jumped a mountain creek that runs through a narrow gap between the mountain side and a drop-off. My horse shied away from the drop-off, hugged the mountain, and scraped my lower leg on a tree that was growing out. The botas protected as planned... the whole reason I became interested in making a pair in the first place, (full chaps are too hot to wear in the high desert mountains where we ride). Fortunately the tree didn't damage the botas other than to give them a little authentic "wear" in the form of a minor scuff. Please feel free to comment, critique, or ask questions.

howdy, y'all, I'm Wulf Zeiler. Some folks in the SCA, Kingdom of Ansteorra (Oklahoma & Texas), know me as THL Bjoulf Jahrnhamr, and I've been a leather crafter, bladesmith, and armorer most of my life. About 7 years ago I moved to Australia and got married, and now I'm starting a small custom leather shop here in Adelaide. In my time, I've done it ALL in leather, from saddlemaking to leather combat armor.You name the tool, i've probably made a case for it. Holsters and scabbards, particularly left handed versions, vests, chaps, wallets, belts, handbags, fetish gear, and many others too numerous to list. I've worked at everything in tooling and embossing from Stohlman-style western traditional to customized Celtic knotwork and zoomorphics. I've made cases for cell phones, Ebook readers, saddle bags, tool rolls, moccasins and sandals of all kinds, you name it, I've probably already made one. If I haven't, gove me the details and specs and I'll give it a try. I'm an old school, 'see it in your head, then make it with your hands' crafter, and there's nothing I won't take a shot at. I was born in America, last lived in Jacksonville, FL, and am now a citizen of Australia.

Looking for suggestions on making pattern for small boys batwing chaps. I have some patterns for adult sizes - though I have yet to make a pair. Unable to visualize them in sizes to fit a 5 and 6 year old. My grandsons would each like a pair for Christmas, so Santa's workshop will be busy, if I can get a starting point. All the leather and hardware is on hand, just need a pattern. Any help, links, or suggestions greatly appreciated. Only three leatherworking days till Christmas!

Hi, I'm moving to Nelson, New Zealand for a few months in mid November. I'm trying to avoid shipping my machines there - I'm a custom leatherworker (Black Horse Leatherworks) and I'm wondering if anybody knows of someone there in the south island - or anywhere in New Zealand with a working leather shop. If possible, I would like to "rent" shop space ie: use a sewing machine suitable for chaps and one suitable for some leathers for bridles and other smaller top grain tooled items. Maybe once a week for an afternoon. I could also work a trade for lessons, etc. whatever would work. Thank you for any help. Carol