Ok all... I want to make a fur coat or parka probably using tanned coyotes. I do not want it made like a custom fit tailored modern coyote coat. I am sure back in the 1800s many mountain men (who hardly never went down to the towns) put together a rather crude and primitive looking garment that hardly resembled anything like we have for coats today. That said has anyone made something like the mountain men probably did ? Rough looking and cobbled together but extremely effective in keeping a soul warm in bone chilling cold? I've got some ideas floating in my head... just looking for suggestions! Thanks !

A good source for patterns like that would be the Mountain Man Sketchbook Volumes 1 and 2.

Volume 1
Volume 2

The vast majority of mountain man clothing was either purchased at trading posts/rendezvous or made by native women. Native women were renowned for their tailoring abilities, often making clothing from leather and fur using European clothes as patterns. Not trying to persuade you not to make something "primitive" or simpler. There are plenty of those clothes in the record also. Sometimes just rectangles for front, back and sleeves. Some were slightly fitted.

The mongolian cross pattern is what you want.
Super simple and super functional.
Once you make the cross there are only two seams to finish it.
Indian buckskin shirts were made the same way.

Very good information.

Keith

Looked really interesting. Got a copy of the first volume.

You might take a look at otzi, the guy they uncovered in the ice, I done some research on the shoes he was wearing, I would love to get a pair built like they were.

A lot of what I have seen along this line were not very concerned with fitting of sleeves. They are rather more of an open “bellow” type sleeve to the elbow? It struck me that everything those natives and whites did back then had a lot of hand work involved and they needed those arms unimpeded.

I think if it got seriously cold they just kept their arms inside the body wrap portion.

Just my impression.

Osky

Boco... are you aware of anyone that would make these? I'm interested also

Not offhand,
Not hard to make yourself.

Like a poncho? Or the Japanese man's kimono = sort of like a poncho.......jk

Here is your basic mongolian cross pattern.
You can add a hood to the head hole and laces to the neck slit.
If made from bearhide to wear over a parka,wear it fur out.
You can wear it fur in if not worn over a heavy coat.It is made to be reversible,Very old and primitive pattern but practical for those who spend long periods out on the land.

Hey Boco, wouldn't that make a poncho instead of a shirt/jacket? Seems like the sew lines are in the wrong spot.

Dont use coyote it wont hold up with rough use, been there done it., use horse, bear or buffalo.

You can make it out of thinner skinned fur but you need to sew a good strong backer like deerskin or denim to it before constructing.

Isn't Coyote water resistant though? Probably makes a good outer layer.

Nope beaver and otter coyote will soak through fast actually any animal not producing skin oil or shaking excess water of it fur will soak through. Deer or elk with hair on would work to some degree.

let's see some pic, when its done,