Rabbit Fur

[Burly Brute]

I have noted people mentioned rabbit fur as a viable source for DIY work, it has always been my understanding the rabbit skin is too thin and doesnt work. How does one use rabbit fur in the process of making something?

Thanks guys


p.s. I am running on about 2 hours of sleep and realize I may not be making total sense, if that is the case please let me know if I need to clarify.

-BB

[azwildcat96]

Zach, I hunt a lot, and often bring home rabbits. Several years ago I contacted a fur tanner to get information on how I could turn these skins into something. I was told very simply that rabbit skin is too thin, prone to tearing, and that fur loss was a strong risk as well. I abandoned the idea at that time.
I do see your interest, in that there are many fur sporrans on the market that are made with rabbit (real and synthetic) fur.
Anyway, I guess this is not too helpful. Good luck with whatever you are thinking about trying.

[HeathBar]

Not an expert, but I'm guessing its glued to another piece of leather to give added strength.

[Burly Brute]

Zach, I hunt a lot, and often bring home rabbits. Several years ago I contacted a fur tanner to get information on how I could turn these skins into something. I was told very simply that rabbit skin is too thin, prone to tearing, and that fur loss was a strong risk as well. I abandoned the idea at that time.
I do see your interest, in that there are many fur sporrans on the market that are made with rabbit (real and synthetic) fur.
Anyway, I guess this is not too helpful. Good luck with whatever you are thinking about trying.

No, this is helpful! This was the impression I was under, I too have rabbit hunted since a lad and aside from the tough jack rabbits out here, I can't see how it is feesible, hopefully someone can shed some light on the subject. It's too bad, cus those things are everywhere out here.

[azwildcat96]

...tough jack rabbits out here...

Yep, tough and stringy...I quit shooting them years ago and now only pull the trigger on the smaller, more tender and juicy cottontails. They are delicious! For the past 5 or 6 years, it's been a family tradition to roast them on Easter Sunday, along with a more traditional Easter meal. I know, it's wrong on so many levels...but so tasty!

[Thomas H]

I have found that Rabbit Fur is avilable at alot of arts and craft stores.
And it is low cost for a piece big enough to make a sporroan. If any one makes one I would like to see it as I was thinking of making one too.

[Pleater]

Rabbit fur is widely used today in fashion items such as hoods, boots and jackets, and it was used to line cloaks, hats, coats and waistcoats in previous centuries.

The 'mods' - as in mods and rockers - used to wear parkas with rabbit fur trimmings.

The best pelts are obtained in Winter - something to do with the different parts of the fur being closer in length at that time. The animal should be fully grown - perhaps the 'too thin' label is because commercially grown meat rabbits are killed at quite a young age.

I took off the skin of a white lab rat I dissected for my A level GCE studies, and preserved it using chromium salts - Potassium Aluminium Chromate I think - it was over 40 years ago - and the skin of that was so thin it was translucent. The fur stayed on, no problem, and I made it into a purse which I had for years and was still good when I lost it. I lined it well, with two layers of cotton, and it held considerable weights of coins at times.

I think if skins from well grown rabbits were preserved at home rather than by a commercial enterprise where speed rather than care would be the aim, then it would make something usable.

I regularly hear of an entire year's crop of specialist fleeces being ruined, or even totally lost by commercial spinners, so I do have a slightly jaundiced view of enterprises which take on jobs requiring 'craft' skills without the expertise to achieve satisfactory results.

Anne the Pleater :ootd:

[flyrod6057]

Not an expert, but I'm guessing its glued to another piece of leather to give added strength.

Uh...I was gonna say that...

[Burly Brute]

Yep, tough and stringy...I quit shooting them years ago and now only pull the trigger on the smaller, more tender and juicy cottontails. They are delicious! For the past 5 or 6 years, it's been a family tradition to roast them on Easter Sunday, along with a more traditional Easter meal. I know, it's wrong on so many levels...but so tasty!

Aye, we keep up the same tradition. Cottontails are especially delicious, especially the younger ones. Jack rabbit aint to bad if you boil it before you fry it.

[Chas]

Not an expert, but I'm guessing its glued to another piece of leather to give added strength.

Uh...I was gonna say that...

And not just leather. I have seen, what I believe to be good quality linen used to good effect.

Regards

Chas