Hamata doubler

[Chuck Russell]

ok got a hamata with a doubler. i have to fix the doubler. how long is the average doubler from teh back to the end of thefront flaps? how much is stepped in?

what kind of leather do most people wrap them in?

[Peroni]

Basically Chuck, you need it to start at the base of the scapula or shoulder-blade and terminate at the base of the sternum or breast bone.

As for the stepping-in, generally 1/3 of the width of the doubling in a square. This is entirely up to the individual of course!

Back the doubling with veg-tanned calf or goat leather, and give it a good oiling.

I've made six or seven of these shirts now! :?
[url:2jddrwn9]http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b242/peronis/front-1.jpg[/url]

and the last one I made..
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b242/ ... CF2263.jpg

[Aurelianus]

A little bit out of topic but:

Is it possible that some hamta with doubler had short sleeves too? So I could use my hamata for several roman periods of time

[Marcus Mummius]

I think the doubling is more restricting in time periods than the sleeves...

[Primvs Pavlvs]

Chuck I was considering using heavy deer, or elk on the back of mine.

[Marcus Mummius]

I've used sheep, works too. Goat is a little bit more resistant to tears but I haven't had problems with the sheep yet...

[Chuck Russell]

FINALLY!! i got my doubler cut. took long enough no?

now, on to the next issue, the backing. I've got some 4 oz veggie tanned leather I plan to use. any helpful hints here? how much leather should I flap over to the front? what does that usually equal in spacing between the 2 lines of stitching? etc etc? should I add a triangle in the corners of the instep to make the leather equal out the trim?

[arklore70]

Chuck,
I can help you out with pictures, etc. I shot you a PM as well.

4oz leather will work, but I would recommend something a tiny bit lighter such as 2-3oz. I have enough left over for a second doubler if you need some.

Stitching on the doubler can a be a bit tricky. The key is prepartion IMHO.

I would wear the hamtata and drap the doubler over your shoulders the way you intend to wear it, to get the best possible measurements, if you intend to have a full leather backing.

On my doubler, I have about 2.5 cm of leather that flaps over the front of the doubler. I have the leather stiched on the outermost set of rings. If I had to do it over again, I might make the flap about 3cm and stitch it to the second most outer row of rings.

I would recommend putting a coat of oil (I used neatsfoot) on the leather portion that faces the maille prior to attachment, since it is a bit tricky to oil it once it is attached.

For stitch spacing, I used a four pronged punch and pre punched all my holes and used a saddle stich, with wax coated linen thread. I don't think there is a real rule for spacing, but I would recommend having each ring in the row you are stiching the leather too with one stitch.

Do not worry or panic if the leather fits initially on the doubler a litle bit tight and appears bunched up. Wearing it at one event or for a few hours will naturally stretch the leather and give you a glove like fit.

Fire away at those questions.

v/r
Mike

[Malleus]

Arklore70, are you advising that the leather liner be cut "square", or that the flaps be cut in a curve to fit the shoulders? How much does the leather stretch?

Steve/Malleus