I need some Chaps help

[rdb]

I've been asked to make a pair of western chaps.

The only patterns I have are the Tandy ones. I've made a few of those over the years, but never liked them for their style or fit.

I spoke with Bob, a very nice man, at Klenda's Saddlery, and have ordered a few of the new ones offered by him. I am excited about these, because, I don't get very many chances to build them, so I would like to do something worthwhile. #34 appeals to me.

http://www.klendasaddlery.com/patterns.htm

But, my customer would prefer a straight leg chap, without the bottom flare generally seen on the shotgun style. Does anyone have a paper pattern, pdf, or advice that would help me in this commission?

When I actually get the patterns in hand, I'll be able to tell how modifiable they are, but Bob did warn that they are designed as a whole, and mods could throw the thing off.

Anyways, thanks for any help in advance.

[Timbo]

I have made my own chap patterns before...see some pics of my chaps on my website.......and I will agree with Bob that mods could throw things off.....but its not impossible. What I would do is to get the patterns and make a template from poster board from them and start modding from there. Sounds like you are only going to want to change them from the knee down so it should be fairly straight forward. I can't see what the backside of the leg does on his pic, but take your template and change the outside of the leg to be the way you want then bring the backside around and make the necessary adjustments to make it fit. Be careful though as sometimes mods can put a twist in the leg that you can't get with posterboard but shows up in leather. Also for that reason don't change the relationship of how the yoke goes onto the body either. That can make the chap legs do really funky things.......found that out the hard way. I like his patterns and believe I will also be ordering some from him as well. Especially that #34....and I am with your customer and not liking the bell bottom look too much either. I do like his chink patterns though.

Hope I have been of some help.

Tim

[rdb]

Thanks Timbo! That's exactly the kind of advice, I'm looking for. I think I'll use some old leather I've had for centuries to make the pattern mods as a test. It's only good for the dogs to chew on anyways...lol

Nice site you have. I like the black nubuck.

[Timbo]

Thank you very much for the compliment............ down side of the black nubuck is that it gets everywhere!!!! Ruined a good shirt before I realized how much black was transferring to it..........live and learn though. It's one of the reasons I rarely do black. But I still have a whole side of it that I know I'll have to use sooner or later.

Good luck on the chaps!! Let me know how they come out and also let me know how the patterns work too. I'll wait to order mine until you give me a thumbs up on them!!

Tim

[Randy Cornelius]

If you have not made chaps before I would suggest that you get Dusty Johnson's video , it come with a pattern pack that tells how to make adjustments that works very well and get you started in making all kinds of chaps. You can order them direct from Duty's web site and Hidecrafters used to carry it. That would be my suggestion to get you started.

Randy

[rdb]

I will let you know the progress Timbo.

Randy, thanks for your suggestion. I'm aware of the video. I have made the Tandy ones before, but nothing "real". I just thought I would research the vast array of information right here, before I went to the other sources.

I'm not sure there's a big enough chap business in my area to start spending too much . If there is a market, it's probably the $100 ones from china that anyone around here could afford.

[scott]

let me know if your not happy with your patteren and i can trace one out of mine and get it in the mail. i've gone to useing a simple with strait side and the guys really like them.