Creating your own ghillie suit is a hands-on project that lets you create a suit that's perfect for your needs. It takes time and effort, but you'll end up with a highly effective camouflage tool that you can customize to blend seamlessly into your environment.
If you're a hunter, airsoft fan, or just preparing for a tactical operation, making a ghillie suit can be both rewarding and practical.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the entire process, from gathering materials to adding the final touches.
Materials You’ll Need
Before you get started, you’ll need to gather all the necessary materials. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Base Clothing: Start with a durable set of camo pants, a jacket, and a hat. It’s best if these are made of mesh material, which allows for better breathability and comfort. The base clothing should fit loosely over your regular clothes.
- Burlap or Jute: This will be your primary material for creating the textured camouflage. Burlap or jute is ideal because it mimics the appearance of natural foliage.
- Netting or Fishnet: This will be attached to your base clothing and used to hold the burlap or jute in place.
- Fabric Dye: Choose dyes in various shades like green, brown, and tan to match your environment. These colors will help your suit blend seamlessly into your surroundings.
- Needle and Thread, or Fabric Glue: These are used to secure the netting to your base clothing. If you’re not comfortable sewing, fabric glue is a great alternative.
- Scissors: You’ll need a sturdy pair of scissors for cutting the burlap or jute into strips.
- Optional Natural Materials: For added realism, you can incorporate twigs, leaves, or artificial foliage into your suit.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that you’ve gathered your materials, it’s time to start building your ghillie suit. Follow these steps carefully to ensure your suit is both effective and comfortable.
1. Prepare the Base Clothing
Begin by preparing your base clothing. This step sets the foundation for your ghillie suit.
Choose a set of camo clothing that fits loosely over your regular clothes. This will ensure you have room to move and stay comfortable.
Next, sew or attach the netting to the jacket and pants. The netting should cover the entire outer surface, as this is where you’ll attach the burlap or jute.
Make sure the netting is securely fastened but not too tight. You want some flexibility so the suit can move naturally with you.
2. Cut the Burlap or Jute
Now that your base is ready, it’s time to prepare the burlap or jute. This material will create the textured camouflage that breaks up your outline.
Cut the burlap or jute into long strips. These strips should be irregular in length and width to mimic natural foliage. The more varied the strips, the better the camouflage.
Once you have your strips, dye them in various shades that match the environment where you’ll be using the suit. This step is crucial for ensuring your suit blends in with its surroundings. Allow the strips to dry completely before moving on to the next step.
3. Attach the Burlap or Jute to the Netting
With your strips ready, it’s time to start attaching them to the netting on your base clothing.
Begin by tying or sewing the strips onto the netting. You can use either method, but sewing is more secure. The goal is to cover the entire surface of the suit with overlapping strips. This creates a shaggy, uneven texture that effectively breaks up your outline.
To achieve a more natural look, vary the lengths and colors of the strips as you attach them. Focus on areas like the shoulders and back, where extra bulk will help blend you into your environment.
4. Customize the Suit
After covering the suit with burlap or jute, you can further customize it to enhance its effectiveness.
Add natural elements like twigs, leaves, or grass to your suit. These can be attached using fabric glue or zip ties. Incorporating materials from the environment where you’ll be using the suit will help it blend in even better.
Pay special attention to the hat, as your head is often the most visible part of your body. Make sure the hat is well-covered with strips and natural elements to complete the camouflage.
5. Test and Adjust
Once your suit is assembled, it’s essential to test it in the environment where you plan to use it.
Put on the suit and move around in the area where you’ll be operating. Pay attention to any areas that stand out or need more coverage. The goal is to blend in completely with your surroundings.
Make any necessary adjustments by adding more strips or natural elements until you achieve the desired level of camouflage. This step is crucial for ensuring your suit is as effective as possible.
6. Final Touches
With your suit now fully customized, it’s time for the final touches.
Trim any excessively long strips that could get caught on branches or interfere with movement. This will help you move more freely and quietly.
Store your ghillie suit in a dry place to prevent mold or mildew. Periodically check for any wear and tear, and make repairs as needed to keep your suit in top condition.
Tips for Making a Ghillie Suit
As you create your ghillie suit, keep these tips in mind to ensure the best results:
- Use Lightweight Materials: Lightweight materials will help keep the suit breathable and more comfortable to wear, especially during long periods.
- Blend with the Environment: Always tailor your suit’s colors and textures to the specific environment where it will be used. This ensures maximum effectiveness.
- Stay Safe: Remember that ghillie suits are designed for concealment. Be cautious about where and when you wear them, especially in public areas or during hunting seasons. It’s essential to remain visible to others when not in active concealment.
Conclusion
In summary, making your own ghillie suit is not just a DIY project but an opportunity to build a tool that can give you a significant advantage in your chosen activity. With patience and attention to detail, you can craft a ghillie suit that provides superior concealment in your specific environment.
If you prefer a professional touch or don't have the time to make one yourself, we're here to help. At LQARMY, we offer custom ghillie suits tailored to your exact needs.
Reach out to us, and we'll make sure you get the perfect suit that blends seamlessly into your environment. Whether you make it yourself or leave it to us, your ideal ghillie suit is just a step away.
