FULL-LEG SHOTGUN CHAPS. BUILT TO FIT, BUILT TO LAST.
Dive into building shotgun chaps, from measurements to final fit.
Learn Julie's precise, proven process for building full shotgun chaps. From drafting custom patterns to sewing, zipper installation, and all the way to professional finishing. This foundation gives you the ability to develop your own unique process, style, and elements along the way.
Taught by Julie Baugher | 44 Years Building Chinks & Chaps
WHY THIS COURSE
Shotgun chaps are more complex than chinks. Julie makes them manageable.
Full shotgun chaps require precise pattern drafting, zipper installation, yoke setting, and careful construction to achieve proper fit and function.
Julie's been building shotgun chaps for 44 years. She knows where beginners struggle and how to simplify the process without cutting corners.
This course walks you through every step: taking accurate measurements, drafting a functional pattern, cutting leather, creating reinforcement pieces, installing zippers, sewing fringe and yokes, building belts, and checking final fit.
Precise instruction.
Proven methods.
Shotgun chaps you'll be proud to wear, and sell!
From a leather hide, to measurements, to working shotgun chaps
Measuring Your Client- Accurate measurements for proper fit—the foundation of functional chaps.
Drafting the Chap Pattern
Turning measurements into a working pattern that fits correctly.Detailed Yoke Setting & Placement
Critical positioning that affects fit, comfort, and appearance.Cutting Out the Chap Body
Proper cutting technique for clean, accurate pieces.Creating Reinforcement, Yoke & Cuff Patterns
Templates for inner thigh reinforcements, yokes, and bottom cuffs.
Creating Fringe
Cutting and preparing fringe for attachment.
Adding Zippers
Professional zipper installation for smooth operation.Sewing on the Fringe
Attaching fringe securely for long-term durability.Sewing on the Yoke
Assembling the critical yoke component correctly.Creating Back Belt, Front Belt, Lace
Building all belt and closure components properly.Putting It ALL Together
Final assembly of all shotgun chap components.Checking Final Fit
Ensuring proper fit before the chaps go to work.
Simplifying what seems complicated
I've been teaching chap making for decades because I truly relish the journey of uncovering the abilities people have inside them to make beautiful, wearable, functional chaps.
My approach?
Simplifying and un-complicating the process.
Shotgun chaps seem intimidating…full leg coverage, zippers, complex patterns.
But when you break it down step by step, it's manageable.
Learnable.
Beyond doable.
I share decades of experience generously. Every setback gets met with an easy discussion about ways to move forward. Every accomplishment gets met with shared joy.
This is collaborative teaching, not just instruction.
— Julie Baugher | #useyourgifts
This course works best if you understand the basics of chapmaking.
Let's Talk Tools
Equipmentinvestment: $1,500–$4,500
Making shotgun chaps uses the same core tools as chink making, so if you've already taken Julie's Square Leg Chinks course, you have most of what you need.
Estimated investment: $1,500–$4,500
What you'll need:
Cutting tools (head knife, utility knife, or rotary cutter)
Hardware (buckles, rivets, zippers)
Punches
Maul or hammer
Leather (1 side vegtan for yokes, sides, back belt)
Leather sewing machine (hand sewing is possible, but machine work is highly encouraged)
IMPORTANT NOTE:
This course requires basic knowledge of leather sewing machine setup and operation.
This course focuses on the build process, not basic machine operation. You'll need working knowledge of how to set up and operate a leather sewing machine before starting.
While shotgun chaps CAN be hand-sewn, a machine makes the process significantly smoother and faster—especially for the long seams and zipper installation.
What's included for Doer & Dedicated students:
Complete tools and resource list with purchase guidance and supplier recommendations.
Choose The Level That Fits Your Goals
Dabbler Tier
Instructional course videos
Perfect for self-starters who want the instruction without the extras.
What's Included:
Lifetime access to all 12 course videos
Learn at your own pace, on your own timeline
What's Not Included:
Live Q&A sessions
Community access
Resource downloads
1-on-1 calls with Nevada
Doer Tier
Everything you need to succeed
For makers who want the full experience—community, resources, and live support.
What's Included:
Lifetime access to all 12 course videos
Access to BAMS Makers Facebook Group
Complete tools & supplies resource list
6 monthly live Q&A sessions
ONE 30-minute 1-on-1 call with Nevada
Pay in full: $712 (save $50)
Dedicated Tier
Personalized mentorship with Nevada
For serious makers ready to go all-in with direct feedback and guidance.
What's Included:
Everything in the Doer tier, PLUS:
SIX monthly 30-minute 1-on-1 video calls with Nevada
Priority support and personalized feedback
Option to purchase additional calls after 6 months
Pay in full: $1,382 (save $100)
Bundle & Save
Fundamentals of Silversmithing +
Business of Making
Learn the craft AND how to turn it into a business.
What's Included:
Doer-level Fundamentals of Silversmithing course
Complete Business of Making course
Both communities and all resources
Combined live Q&A access
Originally $1,462 — Save $219.30
Dabbler Tier
Instructional course videos
Perfect for self-starters who want the instruction without the extras.
What's Included:
Lifetime access to all 12 course videos
Learn at your own pace, on your own timeline
What's Not Included:
Live Q&A sessions
Community access
Pattern packs (digital or physical)
Complete resource list
1-on-1 calls with Julie
Doer Tier
Everything you need to succeed
For makers who want the full experience—community, resources, and live support.
What's Included:
Lifetime access to all 12 course videos
Access to BAMS Makers Facebook Group
Complete tools & supplies resource list
DIGITAL PATTERN PACK (includes how-to instructions for drafting shotgun chaps patterns for specific measurements)
6 monthly live Q&A sessions
ONE 30-minute 1-on-1 call with Julie
Pay in full: $712 (save $50)
Dedicated Tier
Personalized mentorship with Julie
For serious makers ready to go all-in with direct feedback and guidance.
What's Included:
Everything in the Doer tier, PLUS:
SIX monthly 30-minute 1-on-1 video calls with Julie
EXCLUSIVE MAILED PATTERN PACK & STARTER KIT (includes how-to instructions for drafting, 1 piece of 30" wide craft paper, measuring dots, loose yoke template, and measurement sheet specific to her pattern)
Priority support and personalized feedback on your work
Option to purchase additional calls after 6 months
Pay in full: $1,382 (save $100)
Bundle & Save
Building Shotgun Chaps+ Business of Making
Learn the craft AND how to turn it into a business.
What's Included:
Doer-level Building Shotgun Chaps course
Complete Business of Making course
Both communities and all resources
Combined live Q&A access
Originally $1,462 — Save $219.30
From learning to earning
Julie's students start this course wanting shotgun chaps that fit properly—full-leg protection they can't find off-the-rack or can't afford to commission.
Many finish and realize they can build shotgun chaps for others. Custom full chaps command higher prices than chinks—and there's strong demand for makers who can deliver proper fit and quality construction.
Some build for family and friends. Others take commissions and turn their efforts into side income. A few have built full chap-making businesses.
The common thread?
They all started by mastering one solid pair of shotgun chaps with Julie's guidance.
Testimonials
Ready to build shotgun chaps?
Enrollment opens April 1-14, 2026.
Join the waitlist to get notified the moment registration opens.
Questions? Email us at info@beamaker.school
Add tooled leather to your chaps
Once you've mastered building shotgun chaps, elevate your work with Western Floral Tooling from Kailey's course.
Quarterly enrollment: April 1-14, 2026
Questions or gift certificates: info@beamaker.school
