Rabbit Skin

[Grizzly Kelt]

Can anyone give me some info on how to deal with Rabbit skins to make them workable?
I know nothing on tanning, curing etc...
Also, I know it's a bit cheeky, but does anyone know where I can get hold of a pattern for making a rabbit fur hat?
Thanks....

 

[Bernie Garland]

Can anyone give me some info on how to deal with Rabbit skins to make them workable?
I know nothing on tanning, curing etc...
Also, I know it's a bit cheeky, but does anyone know where I can get hold of a pattern for making a rabbit fur hat?
Thanks....

the easiest way i find is when skinned,really stretch on a board with small nails to hold it, then rub salt in it, normal salt i use,put somewhere dry and not damp, as it will never cure if damp as it will keep holding moisture scrape all the fat and meat of it. and when fully dried and cured keep working neetsfoot oil into it, that will make it soft and supple,you can purchase cures from the state as i have in the past,but the way I've explained will do the trick,
as for a pattern can't help you there
hope it helps
bernie

 

[Grizzly Kelt]

thanks mate, BIG help

 

[redneck]

The salt idea from Bernie really does work, I've tried it too, however I never used neetsfoot oil and my skins ended up like parchment but i still used them for sheath coverings..wise words...

 

[jojo]

They have some patterns here: http://www.braintan.com/

The models look a bit naff, well a lot but the hats should be ok!

 

[Bernie Garland]

They have some patterns here: http://www.braintan.com/

The models look a bit naff, well a lot but the hats should be ok!

good link jojo,will be ordering some bits myselt thanks

bernie