ghillie guide: (may need revisions)

[Foreigner]

Ghillie Guide
This guide is in no way perfect. Most things here are from personal
experience with trying things out and research. One thing this guide
will not discuss is what color scheme you need to match your
environment.
Starting Information:
I ordered a custom ghillie kit from ghilliesuits.com. Basically, it
is the build your own kit where you choose the colors of jute. Since
this was my first ghillie I chose about 6 colors. If you go the route
of ordering a kit, you must closely follow the color scheme of the
environment you choose to play in. I mostly play in woodland so I
chose the basic green, black, and brown. With a bit of tan, grey, and
light green. Personally, I needed more brown in my suit.
You may decide to dye your own jute/burlap, which is fine. I suggest
practicing dyeing something other than what you will use first. It can
be tricky getting the colors the way you want them. This guide is for
a sniper style suit with only back and sides of body covered.

http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd248/sightpicture/ghillie022.jpg
http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd248/sightpicture/ghillie012.jpg
Materials:
-Shoe goo (at least 3 tubes, the 3.7 oz.)

-Dental floss (waxed non-scented)

-Sewing needle (needs "eye" big enough for the floss)

-Base Layer (bdu's, etc. This is something you pick out as well. I
used a set of woodland bdu hand-me-downs I got from my dad. However,
you can pick what you want. I recommend using bdu's that match what
color scheme you decide because they are versatile. I'm using some
fake "woodland digi-cam," as I call it, for my next ghillie.

-Netting (I had netting come with my ghillie kit. However, you may use
anything from volleyball netting to parachute cord(which you basically
tie into a net design). I recommend netting with about a 1 inch square
nit. Meaning, each "box" that makes up your netting is a 1 inch
square. Check any local sewing shops or craft stores. Also do not use
netting with large fibers. The net needs to be strong but not having
"fat strands" which can add unnecessary weight.

-Scissors

-Jute/Burlap (whatever colors you need to match your environment best)

Optional:

-Rit dye (This is not mandatory but can help take sheen or shine from
the net you use, choose a color to fit the scheme of your ghillie)

-Elastic (Use for thumb loops, which help sleeves from riding up
forearms when crawling)

-Velcro (1.5-2 inch wide strips. Long enough to close from of jacket
where buttons were. By replacing buttons on base layer, you allow for
much less irritation when crawling. This can be done for zippers and
pockets with buttons as well.)

-Sewing machine (Not necessarily needed but can help in some areas of
the ghillie process)

-Mesh (This is for ventilation on suit. I went back to my already done
suit and cut holes in top of back and armpits for vents. The mesh was
from an old pair of gym shorts. Be creative and find something that
will be strong yet allow air to pass through easier then your base
layer.)

-Spray Paint (I use the Krylon camouflage flat spray paint all the
time. This stuff is great for covering anything with sheen/shine. More
specifically for spraying the dried shoo-goo that is uncovered.)
http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/links/link.jsp;jsessionid=NXXBJHC4QU1IFLAQBBLCCOFMCAEFAIWE?id=0040424018636a&type=product&cmCat=froogle&cm_ven=data_feed&cm_cat=froogle&cm_pla=0251002&cm_ite=0040424018636a&_requestid=58997
-Cordura/Burlap (For covering front of jacket and/or pants. I
recommend dying this to fit color scheme as well.)
http://www.ahh.biz/fabric_catagories/heavy_fabrics.htm?gclid=CLGl0eL_gJACFQMpgAodkBgi6w
The Beginning:

1.)
To make a ghillie is not as difficult as one may think. Yes it will
take long hours and attention to detail, yet it is not overly complex.
Read all directions first before starting.
To start lay your base layer out on an area large enough to work on.
Take your netting and lay over your base layer. Cut off any excess
netting. You basically want to cover the entire back of base layer.
However, you do want to leave about 2-3 inches of netting over the
sides of base layer. This is to allow for your sides being covered
because you will fill in the base layers when wearing them.
http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd248/sightpicture/ghillie013.jpg
Now begin sewing each knot in the netting to your base layer. I
suggest starting in the middle of the base layer's sections and work
your way to the side. This will help take out the extra slack in your
netting. However, make sure you do not end up with a fold in your base
layer due to the net when you are sewing. I hand sewed each knot in
the back of my jacket. However, if you netting has a smaller knit
(like mine with 1inch squares) you can choose to sew parts and glue
parts of the netting. For example, sew a column of the netting every
other 2, or just sew the outside edges once you have glued the inside
knots.
http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd248/sightpicture/ghillie017.jpg
Apply the shoo goo with your finger (it will come off, but make sure
you are in a well ventilated area, if you feel dizzy or light headed
leave what you are doing and get some fresh air) generously to each
knot. I would say about a nickle size glob for each knot. Press your
gluey finger over the knot against the base layer making sure to get
glue on both parts when pressed together. Only glue a few rows or
columns at a time to allow the shoo goo to dry a bit so it won't come
out of place. This stuff will dry in about 15-20 minutes and then you
can resume glueing another part.

2.)
Once you have the parts of your base layer's covered with the netting
you can begin the next step. This is where I suggest installing
ventilation if you want. Although not necessary for the function of
the suit it will help keep you cool while wearing it. I went back
after I had completed my suit and did this but doing it at this stage
of the process would have been better. Cut holes in the armpits as
well as any other spot on the base layer you wish. I only did my
armpits but you can vent any part of the suit you wish. Cut out the
mesh in an outline of the hole you cut with about an inch extra all
around. Now shoo goo the mesh onto the base layer, make sure you put
the mesh on the inside of the base layer. Let dry, then cut off excess
mesh. Depending on the color of mesh use you will want to spray paint
it to mach your color scheme. I used a old pair of blue gym shorts and
painted the mesh vents OD green.
http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd248/sightpicture/ghillie025.jpg
Before attached your jute/burlap spray paint the dried shoo goo.
Although the glue may be covered when the jute/burlap is on don't take
the chance of it giving you away later. Use a color that matches your
color scheme as well. Now you can begin attaching your jute or
burlap. Jute is simply individual strands of burlap. While burlap
tends to be in strips. If using jute tie with a simple knot 4-5
strands at a time. If using burlap or something similar use 1-2 pieces
at a time. This is to reduce weight, and the fibers when worn in from
being used will fray and "puff" out a bit. When attaching your various
colored fibers make sure and get an even spread of colors. The idea is
to break up your image. I suggest following a sort of pattern that can
be found on different bdu's.
http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd248/sightpicture/ghillie018.jpg

3.)
Once the suit is covered it will be functional. However, you may
choose to add/change things now or later depending on your needs. For
example a hood can be added with any extra netting. Some people choose
to use hats covered in jute/burlap or a head wrap of some sort. I
prefer a hood attached to my jacket. It allows for better airflow than
most head coverings and can be easily pulled on or off. Remember be
creative and find something that works for you.
I used the directions that came with the ghillie kit. It called for
a piece of netting rectangle in shape. You want this to be twice the
height of your head in length (approx. from adams apple to highest
point on top of head), and about 1.5 times the width of your head
(approx. from farthest point on back of skull to farthest point on
face). Fold this rectangle piece of netting in half and tie together
one side of the square that is formed.. Use some extra jute/burlap to
tie together. This side cannot be the side opposite the fold. Now sew
this to the collar of your base layer jacket. You want the fold (from
the rectangle piece) to be at the top. Meaning this is the part of the
hood that will be in top of your head. The side you tied together will
be at the back of your head. Once this is firmly attached to the
jacket cover with more jute/burlap, and be sure to follow the pattern
of the rest of your suit.

4.)
Thumb straps can be added using string or elastic. I prefer elastic
because it holds well while stretching when you extend your elbows.
Simply sew a piece of elastic on each arm of your jacket. 1/4inch or
smaller is much more comfortable as well. You want the elastic to be
slightly stretching when arm is relaxed hanging from side to prevent
straps from coming loose when wearing.
http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd248/sightpicture/ghillie008.jpg

5.)
Cordura or extra burlap can be added to front of the jacket and pants
to help when in the prone position. If you haven't already remove any
pockets on the exterior of the jacket. Especially buttons which can be
uncomfortable when prone very long. Simply cut cordura or burlap to
shape and glue down with shoo goo or sew down. Any strong glue that
will not dry hard will work if you are out of shoo goo.
http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd248/sightpicture/ghillie010.jpg

Wearing In
Essentially you are finished with the construction of the suit. I
suggest wearing it in as well. I've used mud, dirt and anything that
will give the suit a more earthly look. Remember blend in with the
environment.
http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd248/sightpicture/ghillie007.jpg