A co worker has asked if i could make a vest out of deer skin, it still has the fur on. She said it has been tanned.My question is does someone know where I could find info on methods of stitching, where to get the sewing tools, should it be lined etc?
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Deer hair is hollow and very brittle. Within days it'll be shedding all over here and within a year, it'll look like a badly mowed lawn. Deer hair is not a fur and making any garment out of a hide with hair on only invites problems.
That's what I thought but she wants it done anyway. So any info on sewing it will be helpful.
OK, you asked for it. Working with deer hair is tricky as you probably already know since it has a grain to it. Unless it's a very BIG deer and she's a very SMALL lady, on hide probably won't do it as it needs to be done.
Get a pattern for her size vest at any fabric store (NO POCKETS NOW! LOL) Lay the hide, skin side up and put the pattern top toward the head of the hide. No you see why the single hide won't cut it probably.
Once you have the three pieces, sew them with a hidden stitch form the skin side. I'd strongly suggest that you line he pieces before you sew. I'd use a thin quilted dacron fabric just for comfort and ease of sewing. I have an old White Sewing Machine tuned up with a heavy gauge leather needle I use for such projects. Once you have the lining sewn on, then I'd suggest you get some beige or brown twill and make your own bias binding. Sew the binding around the arm holes and around the neck and down the front opening.
Since it's deer skin, I'd make it rustic and use leather lacing for button hole loops and sawn antler slugs for buttons. And remember, guys buttons go on the right side as you wear it and ladies on the left. LOL. Good luck.