getting the most stretch out of ure capes?

I would sweat those capes for a night if i were you. Also make sure its shaved well

 

Are you saying that the capes will not come back to fit the original size deer that they came off of........Or are you saying that you can't get a 18" cape to make it on a 24" form? Capes will usually fit the proper size form, with ease. If you are trying to put them on something two sizes larger you will always run into trouble.

 

I would be a little careful using a lot of that super washing soda.

 

The soda can relax the skin too much and cause slip.

 

Proper shaving is the key!

 

X-2 Tazzymoto

 

My tannery recommends using a little baking soda with water to relax capes. I usually put a cup of baking soda to 5-6 gallons of water with a cap full of fabric softener. Allow them to drain, then sweat overnight.

 

So far all the answers are good ones. However some ways getting good stretch start at the fleshing phase.

1. Makes sure and stretch your capes as WIDE as possible before salting.

2. Don't hang them by the nose to dry...let them lay flat or put them on a big stretcher.

3. Don't let your capes dry out ROCK HARD

 

just wondering what u guys mean by " letting it sweat over night" and how do u do this? just wondering

 

x2 on the fabric softner, by sweat. they simply mean put in a plastic bag so no moisture can escape, and put in the fridg over night

 

Sweating simply is..... the act of putting it in plastic, placing it in a refrigerator to make the relative humidity skyrocket, and giving the skin enought time to absorb the moisture.
No real magic, just physics.