What to do with Muskrat pelts?

[rabjr]

I got a couple of cased tanned muskrat hides that I originally thought of using for possible bag flaps. But before I do anything with them, I wonder if they would be better used for some other project?

 

[BrownBear]

I've got a couple of dandy hats lined with rat, along with a pair of mittens lined with it. I'm on the road and can't get picks, but it's nice and warm for moderate cold.

 

[Bob Gular]

Nowhere near enough for a coat. I can't think of a better place for them than gracing your fine leatherwork.

 

[ameling]

Most case skinned small animal hides will also make pretty good belt or slit-belly pouches for tobacco, your fire kit, or just general "stuff".

Tan the hides first, of course. Then sew up that bottom cut. If you then cut a slit across the underside in line between the front paws, it makes a great pouch to slip up through your belt/sash with the head hanging down in front. The Slit-Belly pouch is real similar, just make your slit lenghtwise in the middle of the belly - just long enough so that you can get your hand in to get too the stuff inside. You use it the same way by looping it up under and over your belt/sash, but you put stuff in both ends. The "slit" opening is held shut by being looped behind your belt/sash.

Longer pelts tend to work better for the belt or slit-belly pouches.

And some people have made a hanging/strapped pouch version by making that upper opening slit between the front paws, and attaching shoulder straps to those front paws. The head then hangs down in front as the flap. Some strengthening might be necessary for the shoulder straps depending upon how much "stuff" you carry in it.

Just some humble thoughts to share.

Mikey - yee ol' grumpy German blacksmith out in the Hinterlands

 

[rabjr]

Definatly looks like they woulda been used for some sort of pouch.

I need to decide which bag pattern I want but I need to make one for a new gun and I think I want to use one of the pelts for sure on it. :hmm:

The mittens and hat sound pretty good too, not sure how to go about making them, anyone know of patterns used for fur mittens and fur hats?

 

[jimmy82]

Slippers? Get some tougher leather for the soles.

 

[rabjr]

:haha: Well slippers wouldn't do me much good I'm afraid.

I do have a terrible time with cold hands hunting in cold weather, just can't seem to find a the right pair of gloves so I am very much interested in finding out how to make mittens.

 

[jimmy82]

I'm sorry swampy, I didn't get much sleep last night :redface: Gloves are a good idea though.

 

[rabjr]

:haha: No worrys!

 

[CZMark]

Whatever you make from these pelts, do it with the understanding that muskrat hide is thin and somewhat fragile compared to many leathers.

 

[brubincam]

-----how about a nice warm fuzzy bra-----

 

[wildeagle]

Swamper, years back I made a pair of mitts for my son, with care they will last but it is thin hide and care must be used. My son swore by them in the winter, he says that sometimes his hands would sweat, it kept them so warm. Personaly I would stack muskrat up against any fur for warmth, alot nicer than rabbit actually for gloves or mitts. Just my .02 cents others milage may vary.

 

[rabjr]

If I made them, they would only be used while sitting on stand so they should last a long time I would imagine.

 

[rabjr]

Lol, fur inside or out? Seems to me two pieces cut to a pattern would be stitched together with the fur on the inside, then turned inside out? So the fur is on the outside, am I correct here?

 

[BrownBear]

Mine are mittens. Moose hide outers and muskrat liners. They're dandy warm, but not suitable for a lot of work simply because you hands most certainly will sweat. But for staying warm while lolling around, you can't beat them.

 

[Bubba45]

Swampy , I found a couple patterns and emailed them your way :thumbsup:

 

[rabjr]

Thanks Frank! :thumbsup:

 

[Bubba45]

Yer most welcome Swampy :thumbsup:

 

[jethro224]

Quick and dirty guide to muskrat mittens;

1. (optional) Turn cased muskrat hide inside out.

2. Put hand in big end.

:haha:

 

I must have little muskrats or my paws are too big. I tried your recommendation and they fit like some football players golfing glove in court. :hmm: