How To Make A Bush Shirt From A Wool Blanket.
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- Опубліковано 10 лют 2025
- In this video I will be making a woollen bush shirt from an old wool blanket, cosy and warm and ideal for bushcraft and sitting around the campfire. I start by dying the blanket, before cutting out the component parts and stitching them together into an over-the-head smock style hooded top. I hope you enjoy the video and it inspires you to have a go yourself. Thanks for watching!
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!
Hahaha! I shan’t be going in to production that’s for sure!! Cheers Maggie! Take care, Simon
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.
A seamstress and I believe you did a sterling job. Well done. Don't be too OCD lol
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.
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.
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.
same here and I'm into my seventies
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 .
You have a rare combination of talent, skill and ambition. As usual, I'm impressed.
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.
I agree Simon you multi talented very clever great video thanks I love your videos I'm really enjoying them 🙂
Excellent. My late father taught me how to sew. He would’ve loved this vid.
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.
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. 👍
To keep the hood shape i would use a thick long cable tie
Great work as usual Simon
Is there anything you can't do? Amazing! Well done, you!
23 min Video, Not a single ad:)
Awesome video. Good work 😁👍
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.
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.
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.
Wow what a amazing jacket! Great work very skilled! Looks comfortable and warm!
After all the years of washing, that wool will be devoid of lanolin. Lanolizing the shirt is cheap and very well worth it to restore the wool's ability to shed water and also to make it way less itchy on the skin. Plenty of videos on youtube on how to do this
beautifully done! I love how you solved any problem on the go, very creative!
Such a good job, it deserves leather lace to replace the paracord. Looks great, colour is fine.
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.
@@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
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.
I don't like fleece as well, it always pills up and gets itchy.
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.
Thx Mano. I like the detailed account. I’m About to step off into making one of these and this was super useful.
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.
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.
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.
Nice one bloke in the woods. I love the big pocket.
Hey Canadian truck driver here i work in extreme temps i love this hoodie good job
Cheers James! 👍
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
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!
I wish I had a sewing machine rn. That is an awesome bush shirt. Brilliant.
Thank you Nick. 👍
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.
Hahaha - sorry about that!! It’s fairly straight forward - especially compared to the lavvu! Good luck! Atb, Simon.
That looks mighty toasty, perfect for a chilly evening.
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 .
They are super cozy and comfy!
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
Great upload. That was inspiring, I'm going to give it a go. Thank you Simon.
Nice. Did inspire.....
good job sir i want one will have to get my sister to sew it for me cause i cant even stich let alone sew i think it looks great ty for the vid
This video made me start looking for a sewing machine and a cheap blanket online. Good job!
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.
omg! so brilliant. you are so neat and tidy with the stitching, looks very professional! definitely doing this! thank you
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.
Hahaha - I can imagine the look on their faces! Good luck with the project James! 👍
Excellent. I would buy one in that color!
I never though I would ever be interested in watching a video on sewing. Now I want to try this myself.
Easy project to do
Joder macho sos mas bueno que Maradona y Messi junto lo tuyo si qué es arte un saludo desde Tarragona España
Good video. I enjoyed that. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you - glad you enjoyed it! Atb, Simon.
Exactly what I wanted to do. Thanks! Nothing new under the sun!
Awesome video, going to make mine but with a longer back so a belt can be worn
Nice work. Thanks for sharing.
You see like a pro! Jolly Good!
Thanks James (it’s all in the editing! 😂)
Nice video. Thank-you. I hope to make a shirt like this.
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.
I think you did a great job for a first time
Simon, a bloke in the woods sounds exactly like I would expect him too. Great video! 👍🏼👍🏼
You are truly a Simon of all trades!
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..
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.
I don’t think you originally said “out of place” 😆
I am very impressed, this is inspiring
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" UA-cams.
What a great idea
Well done!👍🏻
Excellent , job on the Bush Shirt Simon it looked very good ......only just found your video mix im proper impresed .......
Great video and great looking shirt
Thanks Chris!
That would fit under my No. 8 Anorak perfectly; nice job fella!!!
Thanks buddy!
You are very talented. Looks like a great Bush jacket.
Brilliant idea, also good for fishing
Cheers Chris - be perfect for fishing! Atb, Simon.
Must try something like this. Great project.
Super warm and hardwearing. 👍
Awesome video. Thanks!
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.
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.
A man of many talents: metalsmith, chef, voyager, carpenter, dog trainer, explorer, botanist, seamstress, videographer, is there no end to your talents? Nice shirt, but a little mod called for, you have laces "up in your face." Consider extending the hood cinch down, and replace the lower laces with antler button or toggles. Overall I'd give you a B+ on that project. Always fun to watch.
👍 I’ll take the B, it’s a huge improvement on my school day grades!! 😂
@@simonablokeinthewoods Is it my imagination, or old eyes, but that bush shirt seems to be more purple as time goes by? Or perhaps it just seemed darker in the earlier video.
Simon, you put the CRAFT in Bushcraft :D.
In awe as always.
Hahaha! Thank you - I like that! Cheers!
Your shirt is awesome I’m so glad you had a shirt for the pattern thank you for sharing this process with us❤
love it.My wife and i wear woolen hooded cloaks This is another use for old woolen blankets.You sir,are a genius
Thank you John - can’t beat wool for toastiness and durability. Comforting armour against the elements! 😁
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!!
Be proud of yourself you did good job
Nice work!
Brilliant job simon
Simon..... excellent "how to" video. Nicely done. One fo the best I've ever seen. Thanks for sharing. Best wishes.... Ax
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it, been meaning to make one for ages - after my first disasterous attempt! Atb, Simon.
This is SO well done! The shirt AND the video! Thank you!
that's pretty awesome!!!...will definitely attempt it. good news is I now have @8 months to get it done!!! :D
Glad it inspired you to have a go. Lovely and toasty warm for winter! Atb, Simon.
Great video. For the hood, I'd use a sweatshirt hood as the template.
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.
Nice little work around for the hood. I've been pondering that one for a while
Thanks! The hood is always the tricky bit - not entirely happy with it - need to sort out those laces!!
Nicely done.
I love this bush shirt 😍 they've started appearing on Amazon 🤩
So don't buy it, make it.
I'd buy that hand made shirt in a heart beat. Great job Simon!
Awesome work! Gonna start working on mine before it gets actually cold over here
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 !
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
Great job !!!
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)
Great tutorial you make it look so easy...👍
Thanks Martin! Except for the hood, it’s quite straight forward if you’ve got a top to copy - I need to play about with the hood design a bit, but otherwise, I’m really happy. Atb,Simon.
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.
Fantastic Project. Thank you Simon!
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.
nice job simon
Obrigado my friend. Atb, Simon.
A whole lot of hemming goin on! I have been thinking about making one of these. Good job!! 😉👍🇨🇦
great job impressed
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
Good ideas - like the wooden toggles! Cheers Ben!
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 👍
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,
Fantastic idea Simon!
Thanks Felix, Atb, Simon.
Great work
You're quite skilled mate. Well done! Thanks for sharing.
Cheers Antonio, happy new year!
This looks fantastic. Going to find a really thick blanket. Thanks!
A good project for this time of year - in time for the cold weather!!
@@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!
Really nice pullover, thanks for the video!
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.
Thank you! It’s super warm, woolen trousers would be lovely and warm for winter. Cheers, Simon
What a clever canary you are! Quite inspirational!
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!
Brilliant job Simon looks ace :)
Thank you Georgina!
Simon, Thanks for the tutorial!
Cool jacket. Cool chanell.
Thank you John! Atb, Simon.