Making a sporran

**Alaskan** · 21st March 04, 07:14 PM

I want to make a sporran out of bear skin, whith the bear's paw as the flap... I figure the weight of the pads and claws will hold it shut without the need to use any kind of fastener. (Unless I was doing cartwheels, which I probably won't be doing in a kilt anyway)
I was wondering if anyone knows a way that I could get ahold of a template that I could use for cutting the bearskin into a proper shape for a good sporran. If worse comes to worse I would dismantle a professionally made sporran to use as a guide, but I would prefer not to have to dismantle a perfectly good sporran.

**bubba** · 21st March 04, 07:59 PM

Alaskan, just measure one you have and draw it out on cardboard or heavy paper. Don't forget to add any seam allowances and you should be all set without any fuss.

**Alaskan** · 21st March 04, 08:42 PM

My dad makes a lot of things out of leather and animal skins, and said that he would help me, but he would prefer if we had a reliable template, as he has never made a sporran before. One of the things he has passed down to me is "measure twice cut once."

Though if I can't find a template, Bubba, your way sounds much better than dismantling a sporran.

**bubba** · 21st March 04, 10:06 PM

Yup, you can just transfer measurements from a sporran to paper without dismantling and once you cut the patterns out you can hold them in place to get an idea of what it'll look like. From that you can make changes by just cutting a different pattern piece if you need to. I used to play around some with leather and the biggest thing is make absolutely sure you leave enough allowance for stitching. Best of luck with the project. Let us know how it comes out.

**Alaskan** · 22nd March 04, 01:31 AM

Maybe I'll make a couple out of leather first, just to get the hang of it without wasting bearskin.
If it comes out nice enough to show off, I'll post some pictures when I finish. Though I won't be making it until I visit home in August.

**mkmound** · 30th November 06, 01:37 PM

Originally Posted by Alaskan

Maybe I'll make a couple out of leather first, just to get the hang of it without wasting bearskin.
If it comes out nice enough to show off, I'll post some pictures when I finish. Though I won't be making it until I visit home in August.

Hey Alaskan, good to see you back!!

You could always go to the auto store and buy a chamois skin to use as a prototype for sizing the sporran and testing your template . . . and, of course, keep in mind that it's probably a lot thinner skin than what you'll be using.

**Colin** · 22nd March 04, 10:32 AM

Sounds cool! Look forward to seeing the final product one day. Good luck with the process.

**Chris** · 22nd March 04, 11:04 AM

Originally Posted by Alaskan

I want to make a sporran out of bear skin, whith the bear's paw as the flap... I figure the weight of the pads and claws will hold it shut without the need to use any kind of fastener. (Unless I was doing cartwheels, which I probably won't be doing in a kilt anyway)
I was wondering if anyone knows a way that I could get ahold of a template that I could use for cutting the bearskin into a proper shape for a good sporran. If worse comes to worse I would dismantle a professionally made sporran to use as a guide, but I would prefer not to have to dismantle a perfectly good sporran.

I would really like to see the bear paw sporran when you make it. I wouldn't mind having a sporran like that myself!

**madpiper** · 30th November 06, 12:36 PM

Originally Posted by Alaskan

I want to make a sporran out of bear skin, whith the bear's paw as the flap... I figure the weight of the pads and claws will hold it shut without the need to use any kind of fastener. (Unless I was doing cartwheels, which I probably won't be doing in a kilt anyway)
I was wondering if anyone knows a way that I could get ahold of a template that I could use for cutting the bearskin into a proper shape for a good sporran. If worse comes to worse I would dismantle a professionally made sporran to use as a guide, but I would prefer not to have to dismantle a perfectly good sporran.

Hello Alaska, you are taking on a big project, so, remember, "proper prior planning prevents a poor product". I make sporrans in the 1700's style and if you like, I can send you a pattern for the bear sporran. I think a full mounted head would be the dogs bollocks on a sporran, might be a bit big but would sure get attention. LOL What are you planningto use for a cantle? if no cantle is to be made you will need enough material to fold over the back and be sewn on. I leave 1/4" on all edges for sewing. which can be trimmed off before inverting the bag. I might also suggest putting a small pocket inside the bag on the back. I put a 4" wide by 3" deep pocket centrally located just below the flap. This will save you a lot of digginh for change, credit cards and keys. contact me for the pattern donnieshearer@themadpiper.com .
Sla'inte