Here are a couple pictures of some recent fur hats for anyone interested. Had a customer request a waxed canvas shell aviator. I tried with some regular cotton duck and raccoon first to make sure all the topstitching was correct and the pattern worked (first picture). The last two are waxed canvas, one in progress, and one complete. Customer wanted otter. I was a little hesitant of how a short haired fur would look, but it turned out pretty nice. As always with the first hats I make with a new pattern, I see a few ways to tweak it, but for the most part, it suited me. In the south a full fur is nice about 2 days a year, sitting still, in a deer stand. This style is more usable, and the fur trim is more subtle, and I think I'll be making some more.

Dang, looks good! What kind of machine did you use for the canvas stitching? I've got a fur sewing machine but am having difficulty sewing the shells on a standard machine. Wondered if a post machine would work better...?

Very Nice!

Looks great.

Very nice!

Jonnytrapper, my wife has a Babylock Soprano sewing machine. She makes a lot of our kids cloths, and does embroidery too. In fact, a couple years ago I used my trapping income to buy her both machines (knowing I would get good use from the sewing machine as well.) I digress . . .

Any regular sewing machine will be fine. I used a $100 singer for years to make bow releases, gear bags, etc. The key is to use the correct needle and thread. I am using a 100/16 (size) universal point needle for the waxed canvas to sew and top sew. I have used denim point needles before, and they may work better. But it didn't have any and the universal seems to be doing OK. Waxed canvas calls for bonded polyester thread, but I am using bonding nylon as that is what I use in my bonis sewing machine. The bonded nylon is size 46. I think the Soprano will handle a heavier thread, maybe up to a size 20, but the 46 works fine, and still shows good visible top stitches. Always keep a sharp needle and go slow. Repeat, sharp needles, like a sharp knife, is like night and day while sewing. You may find a walking foot is helpful when top stitching, especially around the seams, but if you go slow and take your time, a regular foot seems to be sufficient most of the time. Check your manual, it will tell you how heavy of thread your machine is capable of sewing.

Great info Bur! Thanks a ton. I've always hand stitched everything and I've just got my fur machine working this fall. Bigger learning curve than I had hoped but it's nice when it comes together in the end. I'm looking around for something used to start sewing the shells with. So many options! You guys stuff is inspiring, glad you shared.

You sir are an artist.

How much? I’ll send ya some skins.

Sweet !

Very nice..

Garry-

Any chance in seeing a picture with the ear flaps up?

Moosetrot

Really nice

Nice job Bur.

Very nice

Thanks for the kind words




Here you go.

Thanks! Nice work! Are they fur-lined or something else?

Moosetrot

What you see is all the fur. The inner crown is quilted cotton. Sometimes I use fleece.