How Much Leather Will I Need To Make Chaps

[BarrelPony]

Hey there everyone, thanks again so much for all your great input and help! I think I've decided on this stuff. I feel that from what you all have said 28 sq. ft. should be enough. I agree with Big Sioux Saddlery that a seam does cheapen an otherwise good pair of chaps. Hopefully I can make them out of one piece if I do go with that leather. We will see how this goes, I will keep this active and post a picture of the finished chaps when I get them done! Thanks again!

[buckarooTB]

hi, i have a question. Do any of you have any suggestions on how to efficiently use a hide when cutting out a pair of armitas?

[Pebbles]

Being new to this leather business, I really appreciate this forum and all the great hints and tutorial in here. I´m looking to make a pair of chinks for myself, being a bit on the "anxious side" I really liked Dwight´s advice with the nylon backed fabric as pattern. Since Swedish being my native language I´m not sure which fabric that is, is it "the Tablecloth Vinyl" shown on the online store?

[Dwight]

4 hours ago, Pebbles said:

Being new to this leather business, I really appreciate this forum and all the great hints and tutorial in here. I´m looking to make a pair of chinks for myself, being a bit on the "anxious side" I really liked Dwight´s advice with the nylon backed fabric as pattern. Since Swedish being my native language I´m not sure which fabric that is, is it "the Tablecloth Vinyl" shown on the online store?

 

Pebbles, . . . the vinyl I use is .040 inches or 1mm thick.  It is much heavier than the tablecloth vinyl, and is used for upholstery, cushions, seat covers, and the like.  I use it because it is the nearest I have found to leather in the way it mimics folding, laying, or hanging.  

BUT, . . . I had not thought of tablecloth vinyl, . . . and at least for the pattern shape, . . . it may very well work out for you.  I would, however find some belly leather, or scrap stuff you have laying around for the belt, etc.  I do that with mine and it works out pretty good for me.

May God bless,

Dwight

[Pebbles]

I bought some tablecloth vinyl today, it was great for pattern. It was easy to draw lines with a pencil on it, even better to cut (like butter). It doesn't however behave anything like leather. Now I know what kind of fabric I need, "tusen tack" as we say in Swedish, thats "a thousand thanks" :-D

You mean I should use belly leather for the yokes and belts on the chinks, or for pattern?