Me again . . .
Im thinking about making a sten bandolier as i dont fancy paying £50 odd quid for one . . . So does anybody know if its possible to buy a fabric similar to that used in '37 pattern webbing ? It would be a very basic affair probably with open topped pouches to save having to design the lids. The idea would be that the magazines would be a snug fit so wouldnt fall out.
I know its a world away from reenacting spec but it will be designed for practicality more than anything. Its a bit of a mare trying to get mags inout of the normal pouches. If i can get fabric that matches the rest of my webbing then that would be great. I'll use some authentic brass buckles for the shoulder straps . . . Just need a few trips to my folks to teach me how to use a sewing machine as i do everything by hand 
You could probably get a '37 large pack for around £10-15 or so, and as long as it included the utility straps to wear it, you'd probably have enough fabric and strapping to make something.
Also, as it's a large pack, it's not rare at all so you wouldn't be destroying anything worthwhile!
That, sir is a bloody good idea !
It is possible to pick up sten bandoliers for £35. That's how much mine cost me.
But you'll need to hunt through the militaria dealers with a fine tooth comb.
If you are going to convert an existing item; I recommend getting an Indian/commonwealth made item, as they're cheaper/worth less, and the fabric is a bit softer and easier to machine sew
A Proud Member Of 'Team Spleen!' who play mainly at Gunman Airsoft, Tuddenham, Suffolk.
No!
Don't destroy Indian stuff... some of us collect it!
Also, a lot of the time it's more expensive.
I'd also think twice about trying to make anything from a canvas as heavy as that - you'll have sewing machine needles pinging off the walls all evening. If it's really only for function rather than accuracy, why not use an appropriate colored cotton material - like the 'nam era M16 bandoliers? Surely that would be much easier to work.
I reckon you'll spend at least a tenner on material and thread and a week making them before deciding that they're crap and then shelling out for some proper ones. 
No!
Don't destroy Indian stuff... some of us collect it!
Also, a lot of the time it's more expensive.
You want a near mint condition large pack? 
A Proud Member Of 'Team Spleen!' who play mainly at Gunman Airsoft, Tuddenham, Suffolk.
nope... I think I have two already.