| If you're going to build, will you do it with a kit | | | | fighting with what you've already done. Skip two |
| or from scratch? If from scratch, just how | | | | or three intersections between clumps of thread. |
| scratchy do you want to go? The Martha | | | | A single overhand knot is plenty for this task |
| Stewart route; grow your own fiber and concoct | | | | since the weight of the thread is going to hold |
| your dyes? Once you have decided a ghillie suit is | | | | itself in place. This also makes it easier to replace |
| for you, the next step is to decide whether to | | | | clumps and change colors later. |
| build or to buy. If you're going to build, will you do | | | | That's a lot of knots to tie, but it really goes by |
| it with a kit or from scratch? If from scratch, | | | | rather quickly and gives you a chance to catch up |
| just how scratchy do you want to go? The | | | | on your daydreaming. Somewhere in all this knot |
| Martha Stewart route; grow your own fiber and | | | | tying, you may find yourself reconsidering your |
| concoct your dyes? Not in this day and time. If | | | | decision to build your own suit. If you stick with it |
| you want a suit that will last through a couple of | | | | you will end up with a suit almost as good as a |
| seasons, then start with a jumpsuit or a set of | | | | factory made one and have a genuine sense of |
| mechanics overalls that fit you well and are | | | | accomplishment. Once in the field with your |
| comfortable. | | | | homemade suit, the spaces you skipped can be |
| Cover the exterior of your base with a one inch | | | | used to "veg out" your suit with leafy twigs to |
| mesh fabric(about 5'x9'). Sew the mesh on | | | | match the terrain you'll be working in. You also |
| securely with a sturdy fishing line. Next you will | | | | need to do something about the smell of the suit. |
| need about seven pounds of thread in varying | | | | You can drag it around in cow patties if that |
| earthtones cut into one foot lengths(1/2 that | | | | appeals to your primitive instincts, or there are |
| weight if you use the newer synthetic thread). | | | | many good products on the market that can be |
| Start tying clumps of these threads(4 to 6 per | | | | easily applied in a more civilized fashion. |
| clump)to the mesh at intersections starting about | | | | The mesh and the thread can be bought in kit |
| six inches from the bottom. I like to start at the | | | | form from many websites, mine included. That's |
| bottom because it makes it easier to tie the next | | | | all a kit consists of and you can build a one piece |
| row. If you start at the top, you'll always be | | | | suit just from these pieces. |