Introduction: Bioshock Infinite - Booker Dewitt Holster

This was my first ever cosplay project, and I'd never worked with leather before, so it was pretty much a steep learning curve all the way.

The finished item feels more like a real holster than a cosplay prop, so I am happy with the end result.

Step 1: First Step... Find All the References!

This was probably the hardest part for me. So many pictures on the internet, and so many different holsters!

I really didn't like the holster shown on the gamebox cover. For me, strange style and very light tan colour.

I wanted one that looked more "aged", in keeping with the time period and the abuse it would have gone through in the hands of the hero.

I grabbed images from the game trailer, and also the concept art.

As we can see, it's a cross-backpiece arrangement, with a closed flap gun pouch, and a twin ammo pouch, in a medium dark leather with stitching.

Step 2: Next... Source the Materials

eBay is your friend...!

Raw materials required:

Pieces of 1.5mm (approx) offcut leather (4qty of 30x30cm)
Lengths of 1" wide 3mm thick leather strips (100" approx depending on your body size)
Thin PP sheeting (I used those A4 ringbinder document folders)
Leather hole punches (Either a set or just a 4-hole and a 2-hole would be enough)
Leather end shape cutter (1" size)
Antique Brass effect popper fasteners kit (c/w fixing punches)
Antique Brass effect rivet fasteners kit (c/w fixing punches)
Leather stitching cotton
Antique Brass effect belt buckle (4)
Contact adhesive (general type, suitable for leather and plastics)

Step 3: Starting the Work... Ammo Pouches

So where are the patterns, you ask?

Well, there aren't any really. You can see the shapes you need from the photos, and you are better to scale it according to your own body size, so it looks right. Also the gun pouch depends on your own chosen weapon, I made this for the Mauser C96, but it is simple to adapt for any handgun you prefer.

I would say the trickiest items to make were the ammo pouches, because you need to hold it all in place while the glue sets properly. I used a combination of rubber bands wrapped around it all.

Cut out the shape of the ammo box, then draw around the shape onto the reverse wide of the leather. Apply contact glue to one side of the plastic, and also the leather, leave it to go almost dry, then press the sticky faces together for contact adhesion. Leave to "set" as long as possible (a few hours)

When set, cut off excess material, and gently fold into shape, not rushing. Ease the leather slowly, work it gently. The beauty of this thin leather is that it will crack and age really nice, the more you work it. Don't be afraid, but treat with respect.

Step 4: The Back Cross-piece

Again, no real pattern for it, this part doesn't need to be big, maybe 10x10cm

The important bit here is make sure the popper fasteners are very secure. Everything is held by this part.

Same procedure as the ammo pouches... cut plastic to shape, draw on reverse side of leather, apply glue to the faces, etc.

But when you have done one side, you need to repeat the process for the other side.

Then use the hole punches to add the popper fasteners, and also punch the stitch holes, and sew the stitching.

Step 5: Main Straps and Buckles

Again, you will need to determine the lengths accoring to your own body size.

Cut to length, add buckles, punch stitching holes and stitch, punch popper fastener holes and add poppers to attach to the back crosspiece.

Step 6: Shoulder Pads

Simple too look at, but can be tricky.

Same method as before, cut plastic, add leather to both sides, stitch, etc.

Step 7: Gun Pouch

This can be tricky, mainly because you will create one piece and fold it over onto itself and then stitch it together.

Usual method, cut plastic, glue leather, punch holes, stitch, etc.

Step 8: Bringing It All Together

Pretty straightforward, feed straps through shoulderpads, add straps to ammo pouch, etc.

Step 9: The Finished Item...

This holster should last for years...!

A final tip, make sure the stitching ends are tied off properly and secured with small amount of glue from a hot-glue gun or some other similar method, so that it stays in place.

And be sure to make the poppers secure, especially for the backpiece, if you want to carry a replica gun

To finish with, here is my Mauser C96, which I painted and "aged" using steel wool, so that it looks old and used.

Thanks for reading my very first "Instructable", I will remember to take more photos for the next one!