Making a ghillie suit can be a fun and challenging project, but it requires a significant amount of time and effort. In this article, we will provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to make your own ghillie suit.
Step 1: Choose the Base Clothing
The first step in making a ghillie suit is to choose the base clothing. You can use a variety of different types of clothing materials for this purpose, including an old pair of overalls or a military-style uniform. The key is to start with something that fits you well and is made of a sturdy material.
Step 2: Choose the Colors
Next, you need to choose the colors for your ghillie suit. The color scheme should match the environment you will be using the suit in. For example, if you plan on using the suit in a forested area, you may want to use greens and browns. If you plan on using the suit in a desert environment, you may want to use tan and brown colors.
Step 3: Cut the Fabric Strips
Once you have chosen your colors, you will need to cut the fabric strips that will be used to create the “vegetation” on your suit. Each strip should be about 12 inches long and 1 inch wide. You will need hundreds of these strips to cover your suit entirely.
Step 4: Sew the Strips onto the Base Clothing
Starting at the bottom of your clothing, you will need to sew the fabric strips onto the base clothing. Be sure to sew the strips on tightly to prevent them from falling off. As you sew, alternate the colors and sizes of the strips to create a more natural appearance.
Step 5: Cut and Dye Burlap
To add more texture to your ghillie suit, you may want to add cut and dyed burlap to the mix. Cut the burlap into strips and dye them to match the color scheme of your suit.
Step 6: Attach the Burlap to the Suit
Using the same sewing technique used for the fabric strips, attach the burlap to the base clothing. Be sure to sew the burlap on tightly to prevent it from falling off.
Step 7: Add Any Additional Materials
Once the burlap and fabric strips have been attached, you may want to add any additional materials, such as twine or netting, to add more texture to your suit. Use the same sewing technique to attach these materials.
Step 8: Trim and Shape the Vegetation
When all of the materials have been attached, you will need to step back and evaluate the appearance of your ghillie suit. Trim and shape the vegetation until it looks natural and blends in well with the surrounding environment.
In conclusion, making a ghillie suit is not an easy task, but it can be a fun and rewarding project. By following these steps, you can create a custom suit that will provide you with excellent camouflage in a wide variety of environments.