Kindaki Report post Posted February 20, 2013 I have a few questions about a blacksmith apron I am going to make for my brother. I have never made any clothing before so I want to get all the info I can so I don't mess up. My brother does classes and events so he will be seen by a lot of people and I want my work to look good on him. I have done some research already and have a basic pattern that he is happy with. here is what I would like some help with: 1. what kind of leather is best to use? I am thinking buffalo. he wants a slick hide (not suede) in dark brown. what thickness is best? maybe 5 ounce? 2. how best to put it all together? can I stitch with a thin metal (cause normal thread will get burnt and break) or should I rivet it all together? 3. should I make my pattern on paper or cloth? paper would be cheaper but I am wondering if cloth would be easier to try it on so it fits more like leather will. 4. the strap that goes around his waist needs to be a little adjustable and I am not sure how to do it. I am thinking 2 D rings on one end and a straight strap on the other and he can pull it as tight as he wants and pass it back through the other ring to hold it. or maybe a buckle? it cant be coming undone while he is working but it also cant be uncomfortable. these are all my questions for now. I will also be asking the guy at Tandy and my local SCA leatherworker so I will have a lot of info and be prepared. If this all goes well and he loves it I will probably get business from some of the people of his guild. Please help me not suck, any info is more then I have now. Kindaki Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dirtclod Report post Posted February 20, 2013 5 / 6 ounce ougth to be about right. Stitch it with regular thread. The only thing that should have to be sewed is the straps and the waist strap is going to around to the side and the neck piece round his neck if he gets the thread burned there he's going to be burned. I would use paper unless you have a old shop apron, if you do you can use it for a pattern. I would tie it in the back like regular apron.. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bryan M Report post Posted February 20, 2013 Go look at a welders apron at the local industrial supply. I have been blacksmithing for quite a few years and thats what I use. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MakerUnknown Report post Posted February 20, 2013 (edited) No experience with blacksmith aprons per se but with shop aprons. I would give some real thought to how you do the neck loop. The simple loop around the neck can become uncomfortable and irritating. A much better design is where the top straps come over the shoulders and crisscross on the back and attach to the waist attachment. The weight of the apron carries much better with this design. Edited February 20, 2013 by MakerUnknown Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gary Report post Posted February 20, 2013 (edited) I made one recenly to a pattern supplied by the customer. It was lighter weight than his existing one and he wanted the front skirt to split in the middle with an overlap. The two lower skirt panels needed to be stitched to the top bib part and I used thin brass wire. I did look at his current apron and it had been stapled together. he also wanted it adjustable and I thought the simpler the better (such as two straps that you tie at the back) but he wanted two D rings as you suggest. He was happy with it. The sewing was a bit of a swine but I found you could do it in short segments as it helped to keep the thread length short and manageable. Hope that helps. Gary Edited February 20, 2013 by gary Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
billymac814 Report post Posted February 20, 2013 For the straps you can do it kind of like a suspender style. It would be more comfortable than a loop around the neck. Strap works. Com sells everything for that, you can add some elastic in it to give a little relief as well. Check out Duluth trading, they have an apron made that way. I have everything to do it as that's how I was going to make my shop apron but I haven't ever got around to making it yet. You can get Kevlar thread that won't burn. You can get it from the thread exchange website in small amounts. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kindaki Report post Posted February 20, 2013 The simple loop around the neck can become uncomfortable and irritating. A much better design is where the top straps come over the shoulders and crisscross on the back and attach to the waist attachment. The weight of the apron carries much better with this design. yeah this is the design he wanted too. the one he has now is a woven strap that looks real cheap but he loves that is crosses in the back. You can get Kevlar thread that won't burn. You can get it from the thread exchange website in small amounts. great info thanks. I will look into kevlar thread. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
