flak vest and riding patch finishing touches

[Skinner3D]

Here is the finished version of the flak vest. Is it the right length? I can still adjust the sleeves if not.

 

Also, how did you all put the riding patch on the suit? Did you hand sew or glue? It doesn't seem possible to use the sewing machine.

[mr_hair]

Sleeves still look a little long mate. They should finish just under the shoulder bell. Looks like you could lose an inch or so. With the riding patch, don't think it really matters which method you use so long as in stays on. Although, machine is probably best. It can be done, you just need the right machine.

[mr_hair]

I'd also soften the weathering a tad if I was you mate. Bit heavy on the chest plate.

[Chef]

If you have the option, I would shorten in just a touch.

Basically you want it to sit practically level with the bottoms of your shoulder bells, or about 10-15cm below.

 

 

Riding patch... Sewn, it's tricky. If you have a special jeans type machine you can do it quite simply. But if your machine is a regular one, then it's best to split the sides of the flight suit (down the outer seams of the legs) which gains access to the crotch area allowing you to sew the patch in place.

Then you need to sew up the seams again and take in any bagginess that your suit has.

 

They're a pain... I don't like doing them myself, but sewing the suede in is the only sure fire way.

[Mizuno]

10-15 cm is a bit much on the vest ^^;; thats about 6 inches 1-2 cm or 0.5-1 inchs below the shoulder bells perhaps, I would say.

 

Regarding the riding patch, I guess you could glue it even, there are specialized glues for this, but I do not know how good it will hold up in the crotch area , so you might have to re-glue regulary.

Otherwise try what chef said about sewing

[Mandalorean]

I'm guessing Chef meant mm

 

Andy

[Skinner3D]

Thanks all, will take up the sleeves. Ripped the seams out of the suit and will see about getting the patch on.

 

I'd also soften the weathering a tad if I was you mate. Bit heavy on the chest plate.

 

lol i got the hard bits second hand and hadn't even considered the weathering level. I will see what I can do with weathering removal.

[Smiling Fox]

It looks like the problem might be at the top of your sleeve. Shorten the length of the shoulder, where the sleeve attaches to it, and that will bring the sleeve up to the proper length.

 

I have an old Singer sewing machine from the late 60's. It's not industrial, just a regular one. I pinned the riding patches in the proper place, double and triple checked the positioning and then took it slow. It did the trick the first time, no cutting, no hand sewing or gluing. If you take it slow, you should be okay with a regular sewing machine.

[Chef]

whoops... yes, Millimetres (mm). not Centimetres (cm)

[Skinner3D]

Smiling Fox, the wife is doing the sewing on the flak vest and she thinks your suggestion will actually save her a ton of work. So, thanks.

I ended up ripping out seams on the legs, and then reading your post. Woops. Oh well, should be easy to sew on now.

[Skinner3D]

Ok update time. We figured out the flak vest issue (we think) will post soon.

 

Before I commit with the riding patch, does it look right?

 

Front

 

Back

[Skinner3D]

and another update. The final on the flak vest after all modifications. I think the sleeves are the right length now.

 

[Chef]

Nice one buddy. That'll do just the job.