How to Make a BioThane Bridle

Modern horse tack is often made of BioThane, a polyester material coated with polyurethane. BioThane is strong yet lightweight, flexible, easily cleaned and disinfected. Its comfortable feel, durability and variety of colors make it a favorite among equestrian outfitters. Making a bridle is a straightforward application for BioThane webbing. Use traditional bridle design with current materials and colors to create a custom look for your favorite horse. The Bio Plastics Company, which owns the BioThane trademark and manufactures the product, offers sewing tips on its website.

Things You'll Need

  • Bridle diagram
  • Tape measure
  • BioThane webbing
  • Masking tape
  • Marker
  • Soldering iron with a cutting blade
  • Buckles
  • Bridle hardware
  • Bit
  • Heavy nylon thread
  • Heavy-duty sewing machine
  • Heavy-duty sewing machine needles
  • Leather punch
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Instructions

    • 1

      Use a tape measure to take accurate measurements of the horse's head. The typical components of a bridle are the headpiece, throatlash, browband, cheek piece, noseband, reins and bit.

    • 2

      Measure the head from one corner of the horse's mouth and across the top of the head to the other corner of the mouth for the headpiece. Measure behind the ears and jaw for a throatlash, and across the forehead below the ears for a browband. Determine the length of the reins.

    • 3

      Measure around the horse's nose, if you plan to use a noseband and cheek piece. The cheek piece runs from one side of the noseband over the top of the head and down to the other side of the noseband.

    • 4

      Mark all measurements on the bridle diagram. Mark the placement of buckles and hardware on the diagram. Cut the bridle parts from the BioThane webbing. Use a soldering iron with a cutting blade to heat-seal the edges as you cut. Leave additional material for seams, hardware and strap adjustments. Mark the buckle and hardware placement for each piece.

    • 5

      Attach buckles and hardware using a heavy-duty sewing machine. The machine should be strong enough to sew leather. A machine with a walking-foot makes it easier to avoid having the material slip during stitching. Reinforce stress points by sewing a square with an "x" inside. Use a leather punch to make holes for buckle tongues. Try the bridle on the horse and adjust straps.