How to Make a Pair of Pants Out of Deer Skin

Animal skins were the original fabric for human clothing. Historically, deerskin clothing was popular with the Native Americans and trappers, because it was readily available and long lasting. Tanned deer skin -- so soft to the touch -- is an ideal fabric for a pair of pants. Because of its weight, deerskin drapes well and doesn't wrinkle. Enough deerskin to make a pair of pants represents a considerable investment, so it is worth while to take extra time and care with this project.

Instructions

1

Pick a style for the deerskin pants that suits you. If you are tall and slender you might want to go for flared legs. If you have a full figure, straight legs are a better choice.

2

Make decisions about whether you want pockets. Instead of a zipper, you can go for a leather thong that ties like Thai fishermen trousers. Another option is a thin leather thong, threaded through holes that you can pull together like the laces in a shoe.

3

Measure your waist, hips and waist-to-floor pant length. Compare these measurements with the pattern to make sure it is the right size. Very few people are exactly the measurements of a particular size and you don't want to run the risk of cutting the deerskin too small.

4

Tape the pattern to the deerskin, rather than using pins. The deerskin is thick and you don't want to put holes in it.

5

Trace around the pattern pieces with dressmaker's chalk. Be generous so that you get a seam allowance as well. Carefully cut the pieces with strong, sharp scissors to get a clean finish. Scissors that are dull or weak will leave a frayed-looking cut.

6

Use thick needles and an industrial sewing machine. Deerskin is a touch fabric and is too heavy for most household sewing machines. Sew slowly and carefully so the deerskin doesn't bunch up.

7

Sew the pieces of deerskin together with the good sides of the skin facing in. Turn the waistband inside out to sew and then right-side-out to attach to the pants.

8

Line the pockets with fabric, rather than deerskin for a leaner look. Also line the deerskin pants from the waist to the knees. The lining helps them hang properly and keeps your skin from perspiring onto the deerskin.

9

Skip the hem. Deerskin looks best if it is left hanging, rather than tucked up and sewn.

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