War Shirt

[Cactus Rope]

Making my first war(scalp) shirt.
Looking for info on sewing seams. Do you sew the shirt wrong side out then turn right side out to hide the stitching or sew right side out showing the stitching. I have looked at photos and can't tell.
Any help would be appreciated.

[Camano Ridge]

Cactus Rope, I believe I have seen it done both ways. Not sure how far a way from Chicago you are, However if you get a chance go to the Field Museum in Chicago they have a display of Native American Rtifacts and clothing including war shirts. Remembering what I seen there and at the Lakota Museum and Cultural center on the Piney Ridge Reservation I seen war shirts and other clothing articles done both ways, however I think I seen more with the stitching on the outside espescially the side seams.

FYI: Crazy Crow has a Plains War shirt pattern based on museum examples.

[ChuckBurrows]

as Camano noted it depends and mostly depends on time, place/tribe, and whether the sides are self fringed (i.e. the fringe is made from the same leather as the body, rather than an added piece).

If unturned use a running stitch or a fine leather lace - if a turned shirt use a whip stitch to make them as original as possible....for sewing both types of stitches either real sinew or linen thread (3 cord) is proper

[Advertising]

[Blair]

Cactus Rope,

My question to you is what are you planning on making this "War Shirt" out of?
Cloth or Hide.
I must assume because you placed this request in the Leather section of this forum, you are looking for Hide/Leather "war shirt"?
My best,
Blair  

[Cactus Rope]

Thanks Camano Ridge, ChuckBurrows
You both have confirmed what I thought. I forgot about a Native market at Cahokia Mounds which I live close to. Talked to a native woman and she also confirmed what you have said.
Thanks again for your help.

Blair,
Hide. Most war (scalp) shirts were hide. Ghost dance shirts were mostly made from muslin, very, very few were hide.

[GunClick Rick]

Go ahead and make a large so i can test and fit fer ya gotta see pics when finished.

"You believe what he said Valaint? "

"I believe those scalps Mrs Makaskle"