Breastplate Materials

[hegs528]

Ok so I am in the process of planing out and drawing up a breastplate. I pretty much know what I will need to make it, but my biggest question is what would I use to string it all together so that it is the strongest it can be. I am a larger person so its going to be a total of about 13 or 14 inches across 5 different sections. If someone could please help that would be great and I will do my best to help you with any questions that you may have.

Thank You Very Much
Chris Hegs

[Tibiki Kinew]

"Spider Wire" fishing line is the strongest thing out in the market, when you buy a spool of 50 pound test it will never come apart on you. This fishing line is a Kevlar based thread and as we all know kevlar is used to make bullet proof vests. If you stretch it out in between both hands and try to break it, you will end up slicing yourself and the thread remains intact!
So saying this I double the thread through the whole project!!! I use it for chokers too when I know that it is for a certain dancer that is fast and furious on his feet... again no bad reports with it!!!

Spiderwire - Spiderwire EZ Braid)

[ndnsooner]

I just use sinew and have very few issues with it....

[Eagle Plumes]

sinew for me as well, never a problem with it.

[hegs528]

ok but what about if i wanted the fringe to go down the sides as well what would you guys suggest...also thank u for the feedback

[Itibap 188]

I definitely like the 50lb test idea - but be sure to knot it well.

[Tibiki Kinew]

Since I use an upholstery needle I can even make the thread double for the whole length by making a fat knot on the end!
For the fringe take one piece of leather the length of the breastplate, and the lenght you want for the fringes, lay it down on a SOLID surface and cut the fringes, then apply with the same needle to the outside of the breastplate,,, AFTER all the beadwork is complete, otherwise the fringes will interfere with beading progress and get in the way of the threading!!!
You can also add a bit of ribbon work to the fringes as a colour divider example braid the 4 colors then add to the edges of the support leathers on all 4 uprights.

[WhoMe]

ok but what about if i wanted the fringe to go down the sides as well what would you guys suggest...also thank u for the feedback

hegs,

I'm with ndn and Eagle on the sinew.

I cut out my buckskin fringe to the length I want it. (usually 16-17 inches)Then I thread it into the sinew on the outer perimeter of the breastplate, in between each row. I then tie a knot to secure it to the sinew which produces two 8 inch pieces of fringe since the original fringe is doubled. It ends up looking nice and full.

Nobody even notices it is just for decoration. Even at ceremonial events!

[thunderhorse129]

Kevlar is a good alternative but it will soften in sunlight after a period of time where sinew has a stronger hold over time

[OLChemist]

Yeap, para-aramids are not UV stable without a lot of help. I'd be really cautious about selecting a Kevlar cord for a use where it will see a lot of sun.

[legalstraight]

Just to clarify, when we're saying sinew we are talkin' about the stuff that comes of a critter, not the stuff that comes off the roll right?

[prettydark]

Just to clarify, when we're saying sinew we are talkin' about the stuff that comes of a critter, not the stuff that comes off the roll right?

I think so, because the imitation sinew I had was perfect for breastplates, it didn't stretch, but I was using plastic at the time which is a lot lighter, I don't know how it would work with bone, glass, and brass.