Did you know that over 70,000 wildfires occur every year? This number is rising as a result of climate change, so being in the path of a fire someday is turning into a very real possibility.
Smokey Bear had it wrong – sometimes you can’t prevent forest fires. But, while you can’t prevent every fire, you don’t need to be afraid of getting burned as long as you are properly prepared with go bags, fire extinguishers, and fire-resistant clothing. In this article, we’ll be focusing on fire-resistant clothes, one of the most practical pieces of survival gear to have on hand.
It can be expensive to buy, which is why we recommend making it yourself! Read on to learn how to do it!
Table of Contents
What Do Flame-Resistant Clothes Do?
Flame-resistant clothing, as the name implies, is not entirely fireproof. It won’t allow you to walk through fire unscathed. But it can help you resist the vast majority of fire damage.
Fire-resistant cloth will resist igniting. If it does ignite, it will extinguish itself when the ignition source is removed. This means that your clothing won’t light on fire, and you won’t be directly exposed to flame for very long (if at all).
Likewise, it retains very little heat, which will protect you from heat transfer. These properties make flame-resistant clothes standard issue in the fire service, research professions, the oil industry, and among electricians.
What Materials Do You Use?
When making your own equipment, you need to start with the right base material. Without fire-resistant material, your clothes will be ineffective at best.
It’s best to opt for materials like Kevlar or Modacryliic, which are inherently flame resistant. You can also use a natural material like cotton as long as it’s treated to be flame-resistant. However, this type of material will be less effective overall.
When you’re stitching, be sure to also use fire-resistant thread so there are no points of weakness in your design. Because fire-resistant fabrics are so dense and thick, you’ll need an extra-strong needle. Without one, your sewing machine will break or your needle will dull and you’ll have to replace it frequently.
General Guidelines
The function is everything here, so don’t worry about making your pieces look flattering. Use a simple, boxy pattern with Kevlar webbing to tie the clothes shut.
Don’t install a zipper because the metal can melt against your skin and burn you. If you’re new to sewing, try to make a prototype out of cheap canvas before moving on to the proper materials.
Fire-Resistant Clothing Made Easy
Whether you’re a tradesman who needs extra fire protection or you just want to have some on hand, fire-resistant clothing can be much easier to make than you think. All you need is a little know-how. So, pick up some Kevlar and get started!
If you enjoyed learning how to make fire-resistant clothes, we have tons more survival and DIY tips on our blog. Check it out for more!
