Detailed Instructions for a Ghillie Suit

Camouflage is an important part of a sniper team's concealment and is paramount for mission success. The ghillie suit, with its natural looking camouflage, is often the choice for these covert operations. Originally developed by Scottish game hunters, recreational hunters and paintball fans often don ghillie suits in an effort to remain undetected. Generally, store bought ghillie suits can be expensive, but you can build a cost-effective ghillie suit from common household materials.

Things You'll Need

  • Black mesh netting
  • Large gauge sewing needle
  • Fishing line
  • Jute rope
  • Black dye
  • Adhesive gel
  • Cutting tool
  • Black or dark brown coveralls
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Instructions

    • 1

      Lay the coveralls out on the floor or a table large enough to accommodate the size of the coveralls, then use your hands to smooth out all wrinkles in the garment. Lay a large sheet of black mesh over the coveralls and cut an outline in the mesh that conforms to the size of the coveralls. Cut the mesh sheet pattern in half to form a top ("jacket") and bottom ("pants").

    • 2

      Sew a corner of the mesh onto the top of the coveralls, skipping about three to four squares, then sew another corner, thus making "pockets" (remember not to sew over the coveralls' zipper). Continue this method until the entirety of the mesh is sewn on.

    • 3

      Repeat the sewing method to sew on the remaining mesh pattern on the bottom section of the coveralls. Dab small blotches of adhesive gel to each sewed-on corner to add extra strength to the mesh. Allow to dry.

    • 4

      Prepare the black dye according to the directions on the package. Cut the jute into several sections, as you'll need one length of jute per one square of mesh.Cut lengths ranging from 18 inches to 24 inches. Dye all the jute pieces and allow them to dry.

    • 5

      Thread one length of dyed jute through one mesh square; fold the end of the jute piece over and tie a basic knot, thus firmly attaching the jute piece at it's middle to the mesh square. Repeat using all jute pieces until all squares on the coveralls have one jute piece hanging from it. Fill each "pocket" in the mesh with leaves and twigs, in between the jute pieces, until each pocket is full.