Ghillie makers

[Benoli]

I've seen several "do it yourself" threads on making Ghillie suits using netting. I was wondering what size(the square holes) netting work best?

[Wandering Archer]

Whatever size allows you to feed your material through without much trouble. AKA depends what material you are using. If its got smaller holes, then tie your material farther apart. The netting is just a substrate for the material you are using.
I know, not much help...

[southernwoody]

I'm a sniper and we use the standard military camo net. I think its 3"x3" netting ghillies are an art.

[Benoli]

Thanks. Given the choices I have 1" or 2" it sounds like 2" is the way to go.

[carbonflyr]

i'd say 1 3/4-3in. openings,square opening,#9 nylon thread are you going to make a poncho style or sew netting onto a garment?
i have some spare netting i can send if you need some, be advised building a suit from scratch takes LOTS of time. mine took 3 1/2 months to do.

[shirikahn]

I have an issue of Outdoor Life that has a great how-to article on gillie's.  It showed using surplus BDU's for the "base" and of course, netting to tie the twine onto.   I am going to work on one that is "trad friendly" when I get a chance.  I like the idea of using camo as the foundation, so I can leave the inside of my arms etc free of the jute so it doesn't interfere with the shot.

Loren

[Lone Ranger]

the 2 I have made use a 1/2" or a 3/4" square mesh- It fits very much like a t-shirt when worn.

L.R.

[Bow-n-Head]

I use netting with about 3/8" to 1/2" holes.  I just feed my burlap (1 1/2" wide) through the hole & back out the hole next to it. No stitching required. I make a "hospital style" suit that is connected only about 6"-8" at the top-back. Very light & mix/match the burlap colors.

[ChuckC]

I have and use the ultralight version of the RS ghillie.  Not sure what that means, but I know what I see comparing it to other non-UL versions.  

The others are very thickly populated with "stuff". You look a bit like the Michelin man wearing it.  Man do they work.  

Mine uses a coat of woven mesh, like used to make bags for holding soccer balls, and it happens to be a camo color. The mesh material is not like a fish net, but has roundish holes with woven areas surrounding the holes.  You've seen it.

Sewn onto the mesh are strips of material, looks like cuts from cheap, thin (but not T shirt) camo materials.  They are folded over and sewn so that there are two tabs hanging, not one. Although there are plenty, they do not totally cover me. There are plenty of open spaces.  

That has not, in any way, hindered my ability to hide from critters !  I believe it also makes it a bit lighter in weight, in bulk and in heat retention.  I also need a lot less trimming and it gives me room to weave in other colors.

Just FYI as an idea.
ChuckC

[steadman]

Read this, Curt did an awesome job!!

http://tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=2;t=000113

[rvrbtm]

Just completed a top for my Grandson 6'1" 165#. I used a 3xxx dark gray hooded sweatshirt $10.98 and less than 3 scane different colored camo yarn @ $2.47 per scane (sp). Also strips from used plaid wool shirts cut .75 in. wide in spiral so it will not lay totally flat. Cut slots in sweatshirt .5" apart .625 long in pairs. Used castrating blade on razor sharp Buck Stockman with soft pine board backing. Wrapped bundles of 6 yarn on 8" board then split making them 16" long then tied through the slots. Cut shirt strips same length and tied same. Could do same with sweat pants. This is too hot for above 60 deg. The 3xxx size allows him to pull on easily over winter wear. Use the zip front sweatshirt.

[buckeye_hunter]

In the middle of making my own right now. 1 inch squares for my netting. Hope it turns out okay. It isn't looking too great yet.

[RecurveRookie]

I used volleyball net and burlap strips.  Burlap is heavy and hot, but looks really natural.  A tedious project, but worth the effort.

This is when I first made my suit on a set of ACU's

   


This is after I trimmed it to shoot out of.  Notice the extensive trimming of the left armpit area. Not a great pic.

   

I recently made another hat using a boonie hat and a big dip net I bought, some burlap and some cotton cloth to save weight. A heavy hat will strain your neck after hours of wear.