Denim Patching

[PeteDavis]

Is denim a popular patch material?

I just took my Fiskars scissors and excluding the worn material at the front of an old pair of jeans, made a tremenduous amount of patching from a single pair. I go through a lot of jeans.

PD

 

[BrownBear]

I think lots of guys around here use it, long as it's the 100% cotton variety. I used to use it (actually brown Carharts) until I caught a Walmart closing out their fabric department. Picked up a whole bolt of ticking for $1 a yard, so I've been working off of that. But I have one rifle that seems to prefer the slightly tighter Carharts, so it's still being fed brown.

 

[Maven]

Don't know why, but denim isn't mentioned as often as pillow ticking and pocket drill. Fabric stores carry different weights of 100% cotton denim, so bring a micrometer with you if you intend to purchase some. Btw, I've used both old jeans and denim I bought (different thicknesses/weights) and have been happy with the results.

 

[necchi]

Is denim a popular patch material?

Absolutely Yes, I've been using it for years.
As Maven mentioned fabric stores have several weights available, it's gotta be about the most diverse option out there for thicknesses.
Problem with old jeans or clothing items is the fabric wears out,, you won't have a consistent thickness,, knees/butt wear thinner then the cuff or side leg.
If your after accuracy that thickness inconsistency will mess ya up.

 

[bpd303]

I use denim in some of my smooth-bore's, just use the worn portions of the jeans for cleaning patches with a worm. I also use the pockets for thinner patches.

 

[Spikebuck]

I have certain rifles, mostly with deep round bottom grooves, that like a thicker patch and I fill that need with denim patching. I cut it in strips, lube, and then cut at the muzzle.

But like Necchi said, using jeans can possibly lead to patches of different thicknesses. Once I found what worked, I bought several yards of it. The ladies at Walmart wondered what the heck a guy was doing in the sewing department with a calipers! :grin:

 

[Vaino]

A few yrs back, I went to a fabric store w/ a mike and when the 3 sals ladies saw me measuring the mat'l, they huddled in the corner evidently to decide which of them would ask me what I was doing.

A nice lady asked if I needed any help and then bluntly asked me just what I was doing. I told her that I worked for the State Consumer Agency and was checking to see if the fabric was up to standards. She returned to the other 2 and had a conversation.

Shortly I told them what I was really doing....which they didn't understand either and I didn't try to further explain.

Bought 2 yds, said good day ladies and left......Fred

 

[Billnpatti]

Is denim a popular patch material?

I just took my Fiskars scissors and excluding the worn material at the front of an old pair of jeans, made a tremenduous amount of patching from a single pair. I go through a lot of jeans.

PD

The only problem with using any fabric from worn clothing is that the thickness of the fabric will vary pretty widely. For best accuracy, you need consistent thicknesses (down to the thousandths of an inch) in your patching. For that reason, it is best to avoid worn clothing and just buy the fabric of the correct thickness at a fabric store, wash it to remove the sizing and it is ready to be lubed and used.

If you don't have a copy of Dutch Schoultz' muzzleloading accuracy system, you owe it to yourself to get a copy. It is only $20 and it is one heck of a bargain. The information on muzzleloading accuracy that Dutch has compiled is invaluable. www.blackpowderrifleaccuracy.com

 

[Billnpatti]

I would imagine a lot of us who take calipers to a fabric shop to buy patching material have experienced the puzzled looks of the sales staff and other customers. It can be humorous at times. I just tell them right off, if they ask, exactly what I am doing. I had one sales lady take a real interest in what I was doing and why I was so particular in selecting the thickness of the fabric and she asked many questions. I almost had the feeling that she was about ready to buy a muzzleloading rifle herself.

I think there are two important things to do when selecting the fabrics and using a micrometer. Make sure that your micrometer is absolutely clean and has no oil or dirt on it that would get on the fabric and be right up front with the sales ladies and any customers who express an interest in what you are doing. I'll be the first to admit that it is fun to joke with them but just be careful not to make them feel foolish or embarrass them. I always think of the kind of answer I would like if I were to seriously ask them about quilting or knitting.

 

[necchi]

A few yrs back, I went to a fabric store w/ a mike and when the 3 sals ladies saw me measuring the mat'l, they huddled in the corner evidently to decide which of them would ask me what I was doing.

A nice lady asked if I needed any help and then bluntly asked me just what I was doing. I told her that I worked for the State Consumer Agency and was checking to see if the fabric was up to standards.

:haha:

I would imagine a lot of us who take calipers to a fabric shop to buy patching material have experienced the puzzled looks of the sales staff and other customers. It can be humorous at times.

It can turn around too;
I was selecting fabric one time and finally made it the check out and the lady asked,
"What are you shooting?"
I must have had a surprised look because she laughed and said she shoots a 54 flintlock. Found out we attend some of the same vous. Funny how you don't recognize buckskinners when you see them in street clothes

 

[B.Habermehl]

Here in central Pa. We have enough black powder shooters that the fabric store ladies can pick us out by times. More than once one of the ladies has said, "Are you looking for patch material? To me. BJH

 

[bender20]

My experience as well here in central pa. She had to explain to the younger girls what I was doing. The one lady at Joanne's had an index card with the thickness of the common materials we bought so you just had to hunt her down. She's not there anymore so back to walking around with calipers.

 

[bob308]

I went into a Joanne's with my mics. while looking at the pillow ticking one of the ladies asked what I was doing. told her looking for patching. she said for what. so I brought my rifle in and showed her and the others. she said how much do you need ? and does it have to be in one piece. so she sold me about 3 yards of remnants for less then one full yard.