A mile in your Moccasins?

S

stitchawl

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Jul 26, 2008
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Anyone ever make their own Moccasins?
I had some time today, and found some nice leather in my scrap pile, and decided to make a new pair of moccasins. I haven't made any in years and thought this would be a nice weekend project, taking my time and doing it right. I'll post some pics when I'm finished.
Why is it that cold weather always makes me think of making new moccasins?!?

Stitchawl
 
How cool! I wish I had skills like that. Looking forward to seeing the finished product.
 
Man I always wanted to do that. I was beginning to think I was the only one. Please show your pics. Thanks
 
I don't think it is too hard to make a very simple pair. I did a moccasin kit with my dad when I was pretty young. It was so long ago that I don't remember too much about it. I would be interested in seeing pictures of yours.
 
I made a pair of Ute pattern years ago. Planning on making a modified mukluk pattern that I've come up with this winter. Just need to get some elk or buffalo hide for the wraps then I'll start cutting and stitching. I really should get a digital camera to tke pics one of these days.
 
I can pass on a bit of a cheat I figured out a while back. Mocs on wet grass can be slick. Use some shoe-glue and make some tread bars and they'll save you a fall or two. Will make the soles last longer also.
 
bikermikearchery said:
I can pass on a bit of a cheat I figured out a while back. Mocs on wet grass can be slick. Use some shoe-glue and make some tread bars and they'll save you a fall or two. Will make the soles last longer also.
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Good idea! I like to make mine in a non-traditional way anyhow, adding an midsole of Ensolite foam for both comfort and warmth, so having some traction won't bother my conscience any. ;)

As these will be winter mocs, I will have a blanket liner as well, but using wool liners actually was quite traditional for the cold weather, especially wool felt. (I should just use a piece of lamb sheerling! It would be a lot warmer and easier. Unfortunately there was none in my leather bin when I decided to make them. ) I'll use them as house slippers rather than take them out into the woods.

Moccasins are usually easy to make, especially if you make a single piece moc. No more than an evening's sewing and you can find the patterns all over the Internet. It will take longer because of my foam midsole, so I can't use the simple fold-over stitching. Might take me all of 2-3 evenings to cut and assemble. Another day for the Sho-goo to dry on the soles!

Stitchawl
 
pretty cool... i have been meaning to try and make a pair for awhile..:) looking forward to seeing some pics....
 
We produced moccasins in the leather shop for many, many years. I used only braintanned moosehides then (the very best leather for moccasins) but the hides became too expensive and we stopped making them for the historical re-enactors. I still make my own for bowhunting, and re-enacting, of course.

I highly recommend a nice little book for producing some authentic and highly functional moccasins. The book is: Craft Manual of North American Indian Footwear, by George M. White. Good illustrations and instruction even for the advanced moccasin maker.

As these will be winter mocs, I will have a blanket liner as well, but using wool liners actually was quite traditional for the cold weather, especially wool felt. (I should just use a piece of lamb sheerling! It would be a lot warmer and easier. Unfortunately there was none in my leather bin when I decided to make them. ) I'll use them as house slippers rather than take them out into the woods.
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Lots of options one can use for warm winter moc's. For my own, I like to line them with quality blanket material, install thick felt bottoms over 1/4" moosehide soles. Sometimes I will even wear another pair of snug moccasins (no sock) inside of these for more warmth. Yes, lamb sheerling works real well, too.

I think 'everybody' involved with the more advanced survival skills should know how to make a basic and durable pair of moccasins. In our past primitive survival skills classes (advanced), we teach folks how to prepare hides and dress themselves from head to foot. Lots of fun and it has always given the students a sense of real independence. :)
 
Snow said:
Sounds like fun. Anybody know of a good kit online for a beginner?
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Personally, I discourage the use of kits. Kits are fine for the children or scout projects, but they lack quality materials and the potential to have a good fitting and durable pair of moccasins. Nothing worse than a floppy, poor fitting pair of moccasins made from inferior leather.

Moccasins are easy to make with just a couple of rudimentary skills. Most everybody can whip-stitch and hold a pair of scissors vertical while cutting. I have even cut the leather out with a sharp knife and sewed them together with sinew. In the beginning, you can use heavy cloth or some cheap suede leather to practice with until it all makes sense. Get a good book (such as the one I suggested above), follow the pattern (s) and instructions closely, and you will have a decent pair of moccasins. Putting moccasins together is MUCH easier than putting a kids swing set together. Believe me. :)
 
Would a fabric store like JoAnn have a good selection of cheapo leather to start with? How about quality leather, where can I get it?
 
Another sole material is "Sole in a Jar" Sodhoppers Moccasins in Oregon sales it, it can be reapplied whenever wear spots on the moccs show. It's pretty good stuff. I have found leather at most of the equine supply stores. In the west its pretty easy to come by.
 
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