Ghillie Suit:

Started by wrapping jute string around cardboard, then cutting the strands.


Then I dyed some of it.


Put bird netting on a shirt, with heavy string and shoe goo. And a hat, not shown.


Tied the strings to the netting.


Unraveled some of the strings.

Now, ready for turkey and deer.

 



 

Took about 25-30 hours.

Wow! That looks great!  

Looks real good bud!!!  When I made mine a couple years ago I used burlap and jute rope. I liked having the two differnt materials for camo and texture....but....I ended up taking all the jute out of it because the fibers were constantly coming off and were getting all over into everything!

Yours really makes you disappear  

It does shed alot. lol.
I looked at yours, and others, before starting mine. I'll add field debris as needed.
I can't wait for the critters to get real close to me.

What if it rains?

QuoteOriginally posted by Keith Zimmerman:
What if it rains?

I'll leave it home. I don't hunt in the rain much anyway.

If it rains get an umbrella and make for it

Very nicely done!      

Steve

That turned out great!

Nice work!!!

Question about the jute material. I am making a jacket using the same method described in this post and using jute as well. I discovered that all jute string has a strange chemical smell that I don't like.  I tried removing the smell by soaking the jute material in white vinegar & baking soda, didn't work. Then I sent it through the wash with hunters laundry soap on gentle cycle. Some of the jute came unraveled and it still smelled.  I spent a long time picking out strands of jute material out if the crevices inside the washer. What a mess, dont do that.  Then, I sprinkled more baking soda on the jute and set it out in the sun for a day hoping that would take care of the smell. That didn't work either. I have a sensitive nose and that nasty smell gives me a head ache. And don't get fought wearing it in the rain , it only smells worse.  Any suggestions on ridding that yucky smell?

Question about the jute material. I am making a jacket using the same method described in this post and using jute as well. I discovered that all jute string has a strange chemical smell that I don't like.  I tried removing the smell by soaking the jute material in white vinegar & baking soda, didn't work. Then I sent it through the wash with hunters laundry soap on gentle cycle. Some of the jute came unraveled and it still smelled.  I spent a long time picking out strands of jute material out if the crevices inside the washer. What a mess, dont do that.  Then, I sprinkled more baking soda on the jute and set it out in the sun for a day hoping that would take care of the smell. That didn't work either. I have a sensitive nose and that nasty smell gives me a head ache. And don't get caught wearing it in the rain , it only smells worse.  Any suggestions on ridding that yucky smell?

Very nice job. That really blends in well with the surroundings.

Thanks all.

galadriel, as soon as I would start working on it, my wife could smell it in the house. She was sitting across the room. To me, it kind of smells like hay. Like when we would play in the hay barn on my uncle's farm.
When I took it outside to shoot and take pics, I couldn't smell it at all, but when I came in, it was strong. I think it's a natural smell, since it's a plant material. Maybe it will even cover my scent. I'll still hunt the wind.
It does shed a lot of fibers, my wife would kill me if I put it in the washing machine.
When I boiled it with dye, the strands loosened right up, and fluffy. Gave good bulk to the suit.

Looks great!

I made one with the same method last year.  Like Curt, I shed a  lot but  I figure, after a couple years it may stop   :rolleyes:  

The nice thing is, wind checking material is always at hand.

I will probably only use mine for turkeys for the first 2 weeks,  then it will be awfully hot.  wish I just used net and not attached to a shirt..

You boiled it with dye for how long?..never thought of doing that, I wonder if that would take care of the smell, which to me smells chemical-ish.

I think I simmered for half hour or so, and then let dry by woodstove. And no, the smell doesn't go away.

A couple things who may want to consider.  When in the service we alway treated our ghillies with fire retardant.  After all, jute is a great fire tinder.  I replaced a section of the back with noseeum type mesh to allow breathing.  That thing gets hot.  If you thing you may do some crawling add some foam padding covered with a durable material like cordura or old carhardt pant sections.

I couldnt see you!