This is my step-by-step instructions on how I built my ghillie suit:
Ghillie Suit #1:
#1. I first acquired some military camoflage netting from a Army Surplus store.
#2. I then sewed this netting onto an old BDU shirt dating from my father's service in the Vietnam War.
#3. I then tied on stripped pieces of olive drab cloth that I tore from other olive drab BDUs.
#4. I cut the ends of the strips so they would frazzle a little, and they did.
#5. I quickly learned that this ghillie suit didn't work properly, so I tore the netting off the shirt and use it as a wonderful spring/summer camo net for positional camoflage.
Ghillie Suit #2:
#1. I acquired a pair of mechanics coveralls from the army surplus shop. ($40)
#2. I sewed on padding and extra canvas around the knees, and sewed in an internal belt around my waist.
#3. I acquired some army hammock netting from a military catalog ( Brigade Quartermasters, $20)
#4. I also bought a Camelbak "Pakteen" 50 oz. also from Brigade Quartermasters ( $40)
#5. I sewed in a pouch on the inside back for the Camelbak.
#6. I sewed on the netting for my back. I anchored it around the sides and anchored some in the middle for strength. Instead of one giant piece of netting covering my whole body, I am placing the netting in sections that do not span any of my joints. This makes it more flexible and easier to attach.
#7. I bought some burlap at a fabric store. I got two tones of dark and light brown, and a tone of darkish green.( $10). I got about four square yards.
#8. I sewed some netting onto my boonie hat and added burlap strips and frazzled them by pulling off the smaller horizontal pieces of burlap. Quick Tip: Try to add the burlap outside because it can get messy, especially while cutting. And shred the burlap outside, this is extremely messy.
#9. I put burlap and assorted cloth on legs. Then I did the same to the back and finally the arms. It is important that all these parts look the same in color, or the suit will look funny.
#10. Now that I am mainly done ( a ghillie suit is never really done) I am going to field test it. For this, my spotter and I go to a field which is about 200 yards wide, and my spotter sets up a spotting scope and tries to find me on the other side of the field.
Once I start using this suit, I will try to come up with some good tips on usage and tactics while wearing it. Also, I will try to get some pictures of it. Check back later and email me with any suggestions. I am trying to make this site the best for ghillie suits.
Pics of My Own Suit- New 7/29/98!!!
Retreat!!!
