Studded Leather Doublet

[LadyStitch]

In the current show I'm doing the bad guy's costume is based off the look of Aries from "Hercules: The Legend continues".  We can't do the intricate work his doublets have but we wanted it to at least have the studs.  What would I need to put studs on this doublet?  And where would I get them?

FYI the pleather I am using is thinner than vinyl, but thicker than the normal shiny pleather stuff. (Vinyl approx 4 mm thick, shiny pleather 2mm thick, mine approx 3 mm thick)

[Captain Teague]

I think you mean Hercules, The Legendary Journeys. 
(Ares outfit is one of my all time favorites )




The studs appear to be the old school simple round ones. Those can be gotten from local craft stores like Hobby Lobby or Michaels, last I knew. Likely get them online for cheaper though. Like these for example:

http://cgi.ebay.com/200-round-studs-Diameter-10mm-DIY-stuffs-leather-craft-/120721272590?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1c1b8c6f0e

As for the other decoration, you can probably find braiding on a roll at a fabric store and stitch (recommend pre-piercing some holes with an ice pick ) or industrial glue it down first to get closer to the full effect of the doublet. Looks very similar to the braiding on a band leaders coat.
(I have lusted after this doublet for a very long time now.  )
Studs are very simple. They have sharp points that push through and then bend them inward with pliers, preferably needle nose. Very easy for pleather material, not so much with thicker stuff. Lay the doublet out, mark where you want them to go and start pressing them into it. Putting some sort of braid roll down first will give you a perfect pattern for the studs as well. Lay the studs on their top on a soft piece of cloth or padding and bend the studs inward.

[LadyStitch]

That is EXACTLY what they want!    This is something I would really like to try to make.  I'm being kind to the guy and lining it with black cotton.  I was just curious how difficult it would be to do the studs.  I think it will look great on the stage.  They guy wearing it is a sweetheart in RL, but on stage he can be quite scary.

[Captain Teague]

I wouldn't think it that hard. I am far from any sort of seamstress, but its a basic vest pattern with sleeve extensions.

If you google "hercules the legendary journeys ares" and go to the images, some angles look more like it's made of heavy cloth or canvas. Which would be easier to work with than leather or pleather.

[LadyStitch]

I'm a professional seamstress by trade, and made it up in pleather with cotton lining in less than 2 hours.  making the base doublet was not problem, it was figuring out how to do the studds with out having a professional stud installer.

I found a place online where I could get them in bulk if nessasary, and I already have most of the jewlrey tools on hand anyway.  I just needed to figure out how to actually install them.  We are going to swing by Hobby Lobby and see what they have in stock.  I just want a nice "villan" look for the guy.

[Auryn]

professional stud installer

hehe
sorry, couldn't help myself.

I've never installed studs but I would think it would go about the same way as rivets and snap fasteners.
Id love to see how you put them in.

[crazyrennie]

Hey there,
there are a couple different types of the studs/conchos that are available-
Some have the back where you have to bend/peen them over.
Others require a tool to set them-
sorry its the leather worker in me talking-
Crazy
let me know if I can help-not trying to be snarky

[DragonWing]

Here is another place for studs. I like the pyramid stud myself, because they look more menacing. 

http://www.studsandspikes.com/buy/studs-c-57.html

[Captain Teague]

Can't wait to see the finished project. 
(Gonna be takin orders?   )

[LadyStitch]

Yes, I wondered if some one would take up the bait on the "stud installer"  note.  

Actually it is the leather worker people I wanted help from.  I never turn down learning new things, and any advice is welcomed. 

Dragon Wing- That is actually the same site I found to get the studs from. I will most likely end up ordering from them.

Lord Dragon:  Depending on how this this project turns out, I might put it on my 'orderable' list for commisions.

[Captain Teague]

I wouldn't call myself a leather WORKER, but over the years I have fashioned all sorts of leather/pleather geegaws for my personal use.

Me at Tenn Ren Fest several years ago. Sorry it's not a better pic, but the only one I have.



That's actually made from Upholstery leather and had embossed stripes and a nice ren type pattern on it. Got tons of comments and pics taken by the danes.

Studs are very easy to use. Mark the spot, press it into place, flip it over and bend the points down. Once you do a couple ( and stick your finger with the points a couple times.   ) it will go quickly.

One of those stud setters works for SOME applications, but I found that it has a short reach and the new ones are nearly all plastic and will break if used just a little too roughly.

[DragonWing]

Dragon Wing- That is actually the same site I found to get the studs from. I will most likely end up ordering from them.


Very good LadyStitch. Good minds think alike 

[Auryn]

I am assuming then that you should put the studs in before you line it.
Otherwise those points that you bend back could get really scratchy if hes not wearing anything underneath

[LadyStitch]

I had already assembled most of it before they decided to do the studs. I have a fitting with my actor tomorrow.  I left the bottom edge open so I could get access should I need to alter it, which I doubt I will, but better safe than sorry.  I will just add the studs to the leather part, and when completed stitch the bottom closed.  Then again knowing my luck they will want a 'skirted' section onto the doublet, instead of keeping it plain.

Last night the PP saw it on the dress dummy and commented I may have to make him a doublet like that.  I didn't say it out loud but , would it need to be in black, or  in his traditional pink? 

[Lady Rebecca]

Would a bedazzler work? I know they have the force to put the studs through denim, but I don't know about leather.