How To Make A Bush Shirt From A Wool Blanket.

[@MHarenArt]

Just because a man can build a beautiful canoe from wood, doesn't mean he can sew a sweater!!! Or does it! Great job Simon!

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Hahaha! I shan’t be going in to production that’s for sure!! Cheers Maggie! Take care, Simon

[@lucyb15]

You can always add an underarm gusset for more comfort in movement and an easier on and off. Merely open the underarm seam and insert a diamond-shaped piece. It would also make it fit better over other layers.

[@02petal]

A seamstress and I believe you did a sterling job. Well done. Don't be too OCD lol

[@tambaurorastation756]

Well done! At 47 I never thought would be interested in making clothes or fabric items, but here I am. Wonderfull project! Thanks for all the content your doing.

[@tambaurorastation756]

I also saw a video where the guy did a 45-degree stitch along the corners of the pocket, making it easier to retrieve items. That was a good idea as well. I noticed this video is 4 yrs old. I wonder if you could do a follow-up review on how it is holding up or other changes you have made.

[@bigoldgrizzly]

same here and I'm into my seventies

[@loaferx5409]

You have a rare combination of talent, skill and ambition. As usual, I'm impressed.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thank you for your kind words! It’s amazing what a bit of editing can do! If only you could see the uncut clips - my true skill levels show then! Cheers, Simon.

[@donnabootes7272]

I agree Simon you multi talented very clever great video thanks I love your videos I'm really enjoying them 🙂

[@patspeiser330]

Is there anything you can't do? Amazing! Well done, you!

[@laurafern]

beautifully done! I love how you solved any problem on the go, very creative!

[@magpyeminifree5612]

You've inspired me. Got some wool that will be going camping now. One suggestion for stiffening the hood edge is to thread a zip tie in the hem.

[@johnrhodes3350]

Or a length of solid copper wire from a domestic twin core cable. Put a tight little loop on the ends too stop the wire poking through the fabric.

[@inmyopinion6836]

I see this being a beneficial bit of kit . I think I'll be buying mine . LOL I like your George Clooney sense of humor .

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

They are super cozy and comfy!

[@josephinecronin1195]

Excellent. My late father taught me how to sew. He would’ve loved this vid.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thank you Josephine! Sounds like your father was a top bloke - not shy of the thread and needle and passed on those essential skills to you. Make do and mend, or something like that! Cheers, Simon.

[@johnmichaels4330]

I never learned to sew when I was a kid. For some stupid reason I just thought that was a "girl" thing and stayed away. When I joined the military I was deployed and ended up working with a Navy Seal team. My pack got a tear in it and I didn't fix it, just moved stuff to a different pocket which threw off my weight. One of the Seals asked why I wasn't repairing my equipment and asked if I forgot my sewing kit. Long story short, I learned being able to maintain your gear and staying fighting effective is not a "girl" thing, it is a life and death thing. So he taught me how to sew between missions. Now I'm teaching my daughters and son how to sew and make their own gear. Dad's shouldn't be afraid of doing anything that needs to be done. Sounds like your dad was the type of guy I'm still learning to be. 👍

[@tomaswmitchellphotography]

Great video! I told my wife I want one of those and I pulled three old wool blankets out of a trunk I have and showed her. We just watched your video and loved it! By the way we spent 3 weeks photographing in the UK in 2014 and really fell in love with England and Scotland. I’ll be watching more of your videos!

[@nowthenad3286]

Nice one bloke in the woods. I love the big pocket.

[@rickywoodcock7222]

To keep the hood shape i would use a thick long cable tie Great work as usual Simon

[@malcolmsmith9232]

Such a good job, it deserves leather lace to replace the paracord. Looks great, colour is fine.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Cheers Malcolm, I like the idea of using leather - I might go down the button/toggle route, but leather loops and fasteners for the buttons would look nice. I don’t mind the colour too much either - even if I look like a blackberry! Atb, Simon.

[@taxusbaccata3001]

@@simonablokeinthewoods the colour is absolutly great. If i can choose my colour i allways go for brown or olive. But looking at your shirt maybe i go for something more colourful next time :D

[@Woodsman_wildcamper]

The bush shirt looked great, Simon. I was thinking with the neck closure, you could maybe sew on buttons. Maybe a few deer antler buttons. They would keep the traditional look. Thanks for sharing, buddy. Take care.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Cheers Andy! I like the idea of using antler, nice and traditional, I’ll have to pop down to the pet store again!! Thanks mate, Simon.

[@intothefoxhole7985]

An epilet (tab/strap) on one side that spans accross to a button. This will get the front out of your face when you have it open.

[@seanprescott2359]

Simon, a bloke in the woods sounds exactly like I would expect him too. Great video! 👍🏼👍🏼

[@sullysullivan9320]

That looks mighty toasty, perfect for a chilly evening.

[@tyoberg]

Thx Mano. I like the detailed account. I’m About to step off into making one of these and this was super useful.

[@jamesbaird2126]

Hey Canadian truck driver here i work in extreme temps i love this hoodie good job

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Cheers James! 👍

[@NewHampshireJack]

Simon's channel is addicting! Every time I try to watch all the videos prior to subscribing, I add projects to my "to do" list and find even more "got to watch it now" KZbins.

[@barneybudgie3114]

Absolutely fabulous, and a good alternative to fleece, which I'm avoiding nowadays because it sheds microfibres into the water system. One suggestion might be to use really heavy-duty interfacing to stiffen the hood, and to line it with a stiff canvas.

[@flyndutchmn]

I don't like fleece as well, it always pills up and gets itchy.

[@peterlivingston8155]

Good job Simon! Instead of cordage you could add a supple leather placket, make small diameter holes and use bone toggles. I don't have a sewing machine but feeling ambitious anyway. Very nice job.

[@sarahthedreamcatcher8357]

WOW you are a Jack of all trades ive been looking for a top like this for ages so i am going to make one thanks for the video xxx

[@germanwoodlore256]

23 min Video, Not a single ad:) Awesome video. Good work 😁👍

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Cheers Max, I’ve only just started having ads, but didn’t want them popping up all over the place during the video, so just opted for a skippable one at the start. Hopefully a bit less annoying for the viewers! Cheers, Simon.

[@mycompasstv]

Great upload. That was inspiring, I'm going to give it a go. Thank you Simon.

[@ramblingprose6603]

I don’t think you originally said “out of place” 😆 I am very impressed, this is inspiring

[@justythrasher]

I wish I had a sewing machine rn. That is an awesome bush shirt. Brilliant.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thank you Nick. 👍

[@patricklankers4549]

Oh boy Simon... now I am inspired and must absolutely must start on this. last year I started making leather stuff for bushcraft.. sowed a tipi tent and now, thanks to you (happy grinn), I have to make my own bushcraft clothes... maybe go a bit midieval on it. Thanks for this great instructable!!

[@whocares0011]

Exactly what I wanted to do. Thanks! Nothing new under the sun!

[@jamescarryl9690]

Simon,. I have a paper pattern I found in a women's dress shop. Sadly they weren't selling wool for dresses. They were quite amused when I made the purchase. I will go to my local Surplus Army Navy supplier to purchase a wool blanket. But it's in the works. But on the back burner. Thanks for sharing. Stay safe in the woods.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Hahaha - I can imagine the look on their faces! Good luck with the project James! 👍

[@K1ttheGreat]

Simon, you put the CRAFT in Bushcraft :D. In awe as always.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Hahaha! Thank you - I like that! Cheers!

[@justoutdoors2591]

Mate your a friggin GENIUS.... not only did I copy your lavvu mods. But now I have another project to copy. Thank you so much, but I think I'll be copying this one as well. Keep up the good work and thanks again.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Hahaha - sorry about that!! It’s fairly straight forward - especially compared to the lavvu! Good luck! Atb, Simon.

[@zylviaflores5029]

Your shirt is awesome I’m so glad you had a shirt for the pattern thank you for sharing this process with us❤

[@lascarnesmalvadas]

Awesome work! Gonna start working on mine before it gets actually cold over here

[@livelywombat]

I never though I would ever be interested in watching a video on sewing. Now I want to try this myself.

[@jamesgraham828]

Easy project to do

[@denaredford6701]

You are very talented. Looks like a great Bush jacket.

[@MrChristerarnevik]

This video made me start looking for a sewing machine and a cheap blanket online. Good job!

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Cheers! The old machines are the best in my opinion, you can pick them up cheap and they are heavy and robust. Good luck with the project! Atb, Simon.

[@548ofd9]

Great job. My wife made one for me for Valentine's day out of an old GI blanket. I don't wanna wear anything else any more. You're gonna love it in the cold.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Cheers John! Yes, I think it’s going to be great for winter camps, and chilly evenings year round. It’s instantly warm when I put it on. Sounds like your wife is a keeper! I didn’t even get a valentines card!! Atb, Simon.

[@geographyinaction7814]

That would fit under my No. 8 Anorak perfectly; nice job fella!!!

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thanks buddy!

[@grazannis5782]

omg! so brilliant. you are so neat and tidy with the stitching, looks very professional! definitely doing this! thank you

[@donaldstotmeister3838]

I'd buy that hand made shirt in a heart beat. Great job Simon!

[@wolf1066]

Awesome project. I would have thought that toggles would be the way to go for the neck opening - attach loops of paracord on one side of the opening and then thread short lengths of paracord through wooden or antler toggles and stitch them to the other side. Very retro/traditional look.

[@monahawk]

Hah! Starting in the middle...sometimes a most excellent idea. When I laid the ceramic tile floor in my kitchen, which was neither level or square (house is over 100 years old)...I started in the middle and was able to 'hide' the uneven edges with furniture. ;o)

[@lurchie]

You are truly a Simon of all trades!

[@LaurylSydney]

What a clever canary you are! Quite inspirational!

[@swtsoph]

This is SO well done! The shirt AND the video! Thank you!

[@mickmoriarty7780]

We use wool garments and wool packs when hunting Sambar Deer in the high country.in Australia. this allows you to move quietly through the bush. Sambar are amazing and having evolved with tigers in India for centuries, have incredible hearing. I'm a Viking giant, I will need a Queen Bed blanket by the look of it, haha.

[@ronaldguyorsr8284]

great job. one suggestion is run your cordage separately. one for the shirt then one for the hood. then you well be able to draw your hood tight when you sleep in it .

[@sylviastreet413]

Good morning Mr. Simon, Your bush shirt is absolutely exquisite!!! I would give almost anything to be able to make such a beautiful, successful, functional garment- but I know better than to even dream about making an attempt, as I am so short of any ability in that area 😔 I would like to offer a suggestion for your neck lacing- That you do lace from the bottom and end up at the top, because even if you lace it at the top, and just tie put it through each other and pull it taught you can let your toggles hang loose at the bottom of your laces without rubbing in your face or your chin

[@lukefitt56]

Very nice. I appreciate you showing the things you wish you would have done differently and why so we can learn from those parts as well!

[@cexit4892]

Nice little work around for the hood. I've been pondering that one for a while

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thanks! The hood is always the tricky bit - not entirely happy with it - need to sort out those laces!!

[@macphadraig4154]

I see what you mean about the neck lace up, having said that...simply awesome. I wouldn’t have known where to start, great video, great end product, great channel 👍

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it - it’s fairly straight forward to do if you’ve got something you can copy - it’s just the hood that’s a pain! Atb, Simon,

[@BBQDad463]

Splendid! I have a few, old, wool blankets. This looks like a proper use of them. Thanks for this video!

[@ywgwon]

Oh.. wonderful and fun job to make lt.. thank Simon

[@lanegardinier760]

Really nice pullover, thanks for the video!

[@brianhelgeson1208]

Excellent. I would buy one in that color!

[@shadowcastre]

Cool project... the best wool shirt video so far! I never had much luck with fitted type hoods. I find the larger monk style hoods to be way more versatile. Tip for you.. For whatever reason, commercial brown dies are red heavy. The cure is to add dark green and grey to your brown for a a result of true deep brown color. Thanks for the video..

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thank you, and thanks for tip about dyes too, I’ll try that next time I’m going to dye something - it’s frustrating when you don’t achieve the colour you were hoping for! Atb, Simon.

[@jimbernard8964]

Really nice job making it AND sharing the process with us. Thanks.

[@mr99boxer30]

Terrific Wool Bush Pullover ! The color and design are true Bushcraft ! I would buy one easily from the camping store. You have many talents Simon. Good for a Bushman. Most of us have no patience to sew, don't know how to use a machine or we don't know the tailoring tricks. I like the design of your hood. Very cool ! Almost Navy Seal in design ! The only change I would make is a little longer "V" opening with more of the laces showing on your chest and just 3 or 2 laces on the bottom of the hood for closure. But I really think you will wear this pullover more with the hood open or down rather than laced up. Your videos never cease to amaze me "Captain" Simon ! Cheers !

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thank you! I’m quite pleased with it - I’ve still got to get around to tweaking the hood a bit, but is is very comfy and very warm! Cheers, Simon

[@bilbocrackers3246]

Fantastic Project. Thank you Simon!

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Cheers! Glad you liked it - fairly simple to make and warm!! Plus that nice feels no you get wearing something you’ve made. Atb, Simon.

[@petermadin8298]

Excellent , job on the Bush Shirt Simon it looked very good ......only just found your video mix im proper impresed .......

[@marianfrances4959]

A whole lot of hemming goin on! I have been thinking about making one of these. Good job!! 😉👍🇨🇦

[@FelixImmler]

Fantastic idea Simon!

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thanks Felix, Atb, Simon.

[@Helliconia54]

love it.My wife and i wear woolen hooded cloaks This is another use for old woolen blankets.You sir,are a genius

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thank you John - can’t beat wool for toastiness and durability. Comforting armour against the elements! 😁

[@TheMrWillje]

This looks fantastic. Going to find a really thick blanket. Thanks!

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

A good project for this time of year - in time for the cold weather!!

[@TheMrWillje]

@@simonablokeinthewoods definitely! I already have a Varusteleka Jämä blanket shirt which is very good, but I want to make a larger one and line it with something. Maybe even sheepskin!

[@TheManOnlyLegend]

You're quite skilled mate. Well done! Thanks for sharing.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Cheers Antonio, happy new year!

[@richardcolemam7749]

Simon, Thanks for the tutorial!

[@canofbud101]

Good video. I enjoyed that. Thanks for sharing.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thank you - glad you enjoyed it! Atb, Simon.

[@inomad1313]

New sub here. Nicely done. I’ve never been a fan of pullovers (I prefer open fronts to regulate temperature.), but this was really well done. When I built my wool sleeping/hooded cape system, I purchased the wool at a fabric shop. No finished edges to start, but that was easily overcome. In hindsight, I would have purchased another yard, but doing it is how we learn.

[@mariecandeias7355]

Great job Simon! Very impressed!

[@mabeljc4224]

Wow! 🤗 you are amazing! I've never seen such wonderful imagination go into such a project! I love it! Keep up the great work!👍

[@The1Ox]

Thank you Simon! Great video! Happy Easter!

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thank you David! Happy Easter to you sir. Atb, Simon.

[@earlelzy7243]

I think you did a great job for a first time

[@Loribyn]

Great job! By the way, if you want a dye to hold in natural fibres, use salt or vinegar depending on what you're dying -- for wool, use vinegar. You're aiming for a pH of around 4 ~ acidic enough to open the fibrils, not acidic enough to destroy them (and be gentle with wet wool, especially when you're dyeing with vinegar, ensuring you use a good wool wash afterward ~ to put some of the condition back into the fibre).

[@firstnamelastname-uq9hr]

Ohh nice idea, i do struggle to get dyes to take on wool, i'll test next time with some vinegar.

[@FlukeTog]

That’s awesome. For a brief sacrilege moment I glanced at my grandads 2 USMC blankets from after the pacific. No way. But man would I love to find that same exact quality old green wool. Those old blankets are the best. Cheers brother looks like it’ll last the rest of our days. I’d love to try this. I’d probably use buttons or Velcro for the neck yea big buttons. Neat project. You did a great job.

[@paddor]

Check out the huge heavy wool blankets made by Arcturus and Ektos. Those should be at least as good as an old military blanket. I, too, once thought military blankets are something special but they’re not really, apart from sentimental value.

[@jasoncalaz1476]

Nice video Simon thank you for showing your design. It's nice to have such an easy to follow tutorial like this. I have been looking for a video tutorial for a few months now this will be brilliant.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Cheers Jason! It’s fairly straight forward to put together, but I’d use a simpler hood design, like one on a hooded sweatshirt. Really warm shirt great for winter camps! Atb, Simon.

[@thetruckerskitchen772]

Great video. For the hood, I'd use a sweatshirt hood as the template.

[@Yorkshiremadmick]

Great edits and inspirational Shock cord for the hem (bottom) 👍🏻

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thank you Michael! Good idea - that would keep the warmth in at the bottom. I think it’s going to be one of those ‘works in progress’.Atb, Simon.

[@markcummings6856]

Nice work. Thanks for sharing.

[@kennethstensrud669]

A very nice idea. But to make it a tad more comfortable, you should see in a square of the blanket in the arm pit. This will give you just a bit more ease when wearing it. If your sewing machine does have automatic button hole setting, you could just sew round button holde instead of metal grommits. And you could put in a stiff interfacing in the front of the hood in order to keep is standing properly.

[@bencoombes2711]

That's a great use for an old blanket well you asked for ideas instred of the para cord you could make wooden toggles and webbing loops or a zip has to be metal like on a bike jacket tho this has given me a great idea for my old-world war2 blanket tho thanks Simon old gutted did not win the cook kit this week might have to ask you to make me one to buy from you ben

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Good ideas - like the wooden toggles! Cheers Ben!

[@jefflowe8803]

Simon again great vid and you indeed have inspired. Im gonna-have a go at this one.

[@joseluislazzarofierro7846]

Joder macho sos mas bueno que Maradona y Messi junto lo tuyo si qué es arte un saludo desde Tarragona España

[@sims398]

Yes.it did inspire.thank you.🙏🏽

[@axerxes3981]

Simon..... excellent "how to" video. Nicely done. One fo the best I've ever seen. Thanks for sharing. Best wishes.... Ax

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it, been meaning to make one for ages - after my first disasterous attempt! Atb, Simon.

[@knucker4931]

Nicely done! Another cracking example of what can be done at home. I've been looking for wool blankets from charity shops all over the district for years now and have yet to find one despite leaving my contact details. I'll probably end up buying one from a surplus store. A little tip with wool, don't cut the fibres with a hole punch, use a pointy stick etc to push the fibres apart to make any holes you need. Good luck with the hood. I prefer a separate medieval style Robin Hood job myself. Cheers Al

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Cheers Al, that is a very good tip, to use a sharp point to separate the fibres - no fraying! Genius! Keep on looking, I’m sure one will turn up eventually - surplus blankets are usually good value though - have you tried Military Mart? Cheers mate, Simon.

[@arliss123]

Well done! Color me impressed! I would lace the front in the reverse direction; from the bottom up...

[@Myn6211]

Really enjoyed your video. Makes me a little jealous though. Anytime I got near a sewing machine the dang thing broke.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thank you! They are temperamental things, I had real issues with my old machine - I’d spend more time fixing the thing than using it! Atb, Simon.

[@malcolmsmith9232]

Glad I'm not the only one. Mine (well, my granddaughters!) stopped within 15 seconds EVERY time! Eventually, I gave in. Maybe one day, someone will show me what I'm doing wrong!

[@biismala]

it's great!!! I really liked the modifications you made to the hat and the bag, you just need to waterproof it a little with the mixture of wax, linseed oil and turpentine.

[@ayobali0121]

I love this bush shirt 😍 they've started appearing on Amazon 🤩

[@moorshound3243]

So don't buy it, make it.

[@DannyB-cs9vx]

I am inspired to make one. On the front closure, I am thinking about sewing loops on one side and buttons or toggles like short dowels on the other side. If I used an even number of fasteners, I could put half the buttons on each side to make it look more even. This way I can just close the lower portion and leave the top open. If I make it so that the edges overlap, I may not need to put a piece behind for a wind brake. This might be nice to increase ventilation when it is not so cold and it is open. I hope that mine turns out as nice as yours did.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Great idea with the alternating toggles! Hope it comes out well - happy sewing! 👍

[@Flashahol]

Found some great wool blankets at the thrift store today.... of course I'm making a wool anorak! My view is that you should protect your neck/chin with accessories as it is really hard to make something that will work like technical gear, especially with heavy fibers. You did a great job, however!

[@wallytaggart2612]

that's pretty awesome!!!...will definitely attempt it. good news is I now have @8 months to get it done!!! :D

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Glad it inspired you to have a go. Lovely and toasty warm for winter! Atb, Simon.

[@OldNavajoTricks]

I have always been a functional sewer, bike/band patches etc, minor repairs but never this level :-) Although I do have 4m of a tartan I might sew into a kilt.

[@c5173]

great video simon. perhaps keep cord up to neck only and replace the cord on hood section with press studs or a couple of velcro stips.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Cheers, good idea - I’m going to try a few fastenings out and see what works. Thanks for the idea. Atb, Simon.

[@wintafresh2ndchannel863]

Looks like the Lester River Boreal shirt. Good job I might try this and see if I can make a wool shirt and pants to wear underneath stuff.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thank you! It’s super warm, woolen trousers would be lovely and warm for winter. Cheers, Simon

[@billygoatfilms7531]

As I’ve said before Simon ‘what a talented young man you are’. Can’t see Kath letting me put dyes into her washing machine! I’ll simply have to stick with my Berghaus or Buffalo shirt. Cheers ⛺️

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thanks Mike!! You can’t go wrong with Buffalo as I always say - great shirts! I did have to do the dying stealthily when Sarah was out - but once you’ve run an empty cleaning cycle afterwards you can’t tell - phew!! Atb, Simon.

[@mattyp80]

@@simonablokeinthewoods HA HA HA HA!!! I'd never get away with it!!!!!

[@mickbadgero5457]

Nice video. Thank-you. I hope to make a shirt like this.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Cheers Micky, it’s quite a straight forward project, the hood is the only tricky bit, but it could be simpler than I made it!! good luck with your shirt! Atb, Simon.

[@pikeoutside728]

Great job, brother! Scout Lakai mentioned this tutorial. You two have inspired me to want to do one of my own. I'll let you know if I ever get up the gumption to make it happen.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thanks for coming over! Good luck with the project. 👍

[@6brettes]

its surprising how much fabric that you do get through! i made a specialist mountain tent recently out of f10 protex cotton canvas from blacks of greenock glasgow i had to order 10m at 3m wide

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

That’s a lot of material!! It does eat it up! I’m planning on making a Baker tent at some point, I’m sure that’ll use up a bit too. How did the mountain tent come out?