PrintableDraft v0.1 — pending review

Falcon hood sewing pattern — reference layouts

Two classic cuts on one sheet: the Anglo-Indian two-piece and the Dutch three-panel. Dimensions are driven by your bird's head measurement — fill the table row first, then scale the layouts.

Draft status: these layouts are a learning reference, not a cutting-checked pattern. Verify every dimension on paper or scrap leather — and against an experienced hood maker — before cutting kangaroo. Hood fit is bird-specific: always test-fit on the bird, never on the tape.

Step 1 — Measure the head

C: circumference over the widest part of the head, straight over the cere.
L: beak-tip (closed) to the back of the skull.
Pick your row; when between rows, take the larger for Dutch, the exact number for Anglo-Indian.

Size	C — circumference	L — beak tip → skull	H — crown height
XS	under 8″ (to 20.5 cm)	≈ 3.5″ (9 cm)	≈ 2.2″ (5.5 cm)
S	8–9½″ (20.5–24 cm)	≈ 3.8″ (9.7 cm)	≈ 2.4″ (6 cm)
M	9½–11″ (24–28 cm)	≈ 4.2″ (10.7 cm)	≈ 2.6″ (6.6 cm)
L	11–12½″ (28–32 cm)	≈ 4.6″ (11.7 cm)	≈ 2.8″ (7 cm)
XL	12½″ and up (32 cm +)	≈ 5.0″ (12.7 cm)	≈ 3.0″ (7.6 cm)

Step 2 — Pattern A: Anglo-Indian (two-piece)

Seam-close cut: two side panels joined by a center seam over the crown, plus two braces. Lightest and neatest; the least adjustable — cut to your exact row.

Pieces: side panel ×2, brace ×2. Seam allowance 3 mm (⅛″) on every edge; stitch 3.0–3.5 mm.

Step 3 — Pattern B: Dutch (three-panel)

Boxed crown cut: two side panels plus a center crown strip that gives the hood its box, plus two braces. The most forgiving cut between sizes.

Pieces: side panel ×2, crown strip ×1, brace ×2. Same 3 mm allowance; brace tension, not seam snugness, holds the fit.

Step 4 — Construction notes

Leather: vegetable-tanned kangaroo 1.0–1.2 mm (calf 1.2 mm acceptable for a first build).
Cut with a fresh blade on a board; punch stitch holes with a 4-in-1 awl for even rows.
Beak opening: bind the opening edge with a thin skived strip so it stays open on its own.
Braces: waxed braided cord or ⅜″ leather, seated through stitched channels — never glued.
Finish: interior flesh-side slicked or lined; optional tip button at the crown seam.
Block the finished hood overnight (hood block or a wrapped form) before the first fit.

General guidance only — always follow your sponsor's advice and your local falconry regulations. A poorly fitted hood can rub the cere or sit over the eyes — check the fit on the bird with your sponsor present, and stop at any sign of bracing.

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