Dog harness/leather question

[Stetson912]

I've unofficially been asked to make a coworker a dog harness for her Akita. I don't know what style she wants or have many details yet. 

I've never made a dog harness before so, as far as that's concerned I'd like to ask the more experienced on here what measurements I need and how to go about a pattern for it.

As for the leather, I don't have anything suitable for a harness at the moment and will have to order it. I also can't afford to order a whole side or something just for this harness. I'm fairly certain just the cost of ordering the leather will put her off the prospect. But, in the chance she is willing to front cost, what do I use?

I'm between English bridle and latigo. I've used neither of them but am a little familiar with their properties. Does anyone know a reasonably priced latigo or bridle leather? I saw the sipici brand on Maverick's website and am curious. 

Finally, I'd hate to have a heavy leather lying around and not be able to use it after this. Would a lighter weight leather laminated together for the harness straps be a good alternative?

Believe me, if I had it my way I'd order a wickett and Craig  side right now haha. Thanks in advance! 

[Mattsbagger]

Laminate with 2 leathers with padding on the inside would be my suggestion. Albeit though I've never made a dog collar. So you can take it for what it's worth.lol As to ordering leather you can only charge for the leather used plus some wastage. It's a good way to build a stock of leather up. Also just my opinion.

[Stetson912]

Yeah that's part of my problem. I just don't have the money for it. I don't sell much. So I don't have use for a large stock of leather. I don't feel right charging for the whole side or back or double shoulder. I can use lighter weight better than heavier weight too. I may just have to deny the job :/ 

[Mattsbagger]

You could order a bend from w/c 7/8 oz. Then it would be great for belts. Line with a 3oz from Tandy. Heavy enough for belts, sheaths, holsters. You could then dye any color you want and seal it. If you don't go the Latigo route. Just thinking out loud here.

[Stetson912]

You know, I have some veg tan light saddle skirting I totally forgot about. It's a total pita to work and cut but I have it. That's plenty strong for this right? I wouldn't think a harness for an Akita  would damage easy made out of super stiff saddle skirting.

Ah but bridle or latigo would be so much better. I wonder how much a bend from them runs? Might have to email em if it gets serious haha. 

[Mattsbagger]

3 hours ago, Stetson912 said:

You know, I have some veg tan light saddle skirting I totally forgot about. It's a total pita to work and cut but I have it. That's plenty strong for this right? I wouldn't think a harness for an Akita  would damage easy made out of super stiff saddle skirting.

Ah but bridle or latigo would be so much better. I wonder how much a bend from them runs? Might have to email em if it gets serious haha. 

Just call Kylie. W/C is old school. Talk to her she will steer you in the right direction. It is amazing leather to work with and in the end you are only spending $20/$30 over Tandy. And the results you get are so much better. 

[motocouture]

Hmmm...depending on the style of harness (assuming no ‘chest plate’, aka H style harness), could you just order strapping, to save buying excess? Found a photo of an example below (internet search, not one I’ve made)

[Mattsbagger]

9 minutes ago, motocouture said:

Hmmm...depending on the style of harness (assuming no ‘chest plate’, aka H style harness), could you just order strapping, to save buying excess? Found a photo of an example below (internet search, not one I’ve made)

That a thought too. I always think of extra leather as "stock" to make something else.lol

[motocouture]

7 minutes ago, Mattsbagger said:

That a thought too. I always think of extra leather as "stock" to make something else.lol

I’m with you there! I have a whole lotta stuff I’m gonna make a whole lotta things with someday

[Stetson912]

I'm with you on that too @Mattsbagger which is why I'd like to get a bend or back or something. However... Since I can't reasonably charge that... Sadly hehe, strapping does sound like a great idea. Thanks for the suggestions. 

[Stetson912]

I still haven't seen this 'picture' of what my coworker wants. It sounds like it is an h style or step in harness. And I do have a pattern for an h style another member pmed me. She said it was a simple harness so, we will see. 

[motocouture]

Just now, Stetson912 said:

I still haven't seen this 'picture' of what my coworker wants. It sounds like it is an h style or step in harness. And I do have a pattern for an h style another member pmed me. She said it was a simple harness so, we will see. 

Curious to see how it goes. Good luck!!

[Sheilajeanne]

You can get latigo strips for a reasonable price. That's what I used for leashes and collars, and am going to use them to make a protection harness for my dog.

[Stetson912]

Just found buckle guy sells English bridle strips. Wickett and Craig, Hermann oak and Clayton's . Rough prices..Wickett and Craig is $13 Hermann oak is $17 and Clayton's is $27 all 8-10 some 10-12 oz 55"-60" length.