How to Make a Birch Bark Canoe

By eHow Weddings Editor

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One of the oldest canoes known, the birch bark canoe was originally made by Native Americans. One surviving birch bark canoe is displayed at the Old Town Canoe Company in Old Town, Maine. It is thought to be 100 years old. Make a bit of history for yourself. Make a birch bark canoe. Read on to learn more.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

Step1
Harvest birch bark from birch trees.
Step2
Soak the birch bark until pliable.
Step3
Cut out a pattern for your canoe, leaving the "woody" side of the bark intact.
Step4
Cut four slits in the bark: two on either side of the bow's center, 2 on either side of the stern's center.
Step5
Bend the bark in half lengthwise. Keep the "woody" side out.
Step6
Create a small tab by pinching one end and folding it up. Do the same with the other end.
Step7
Whip stitch the seam on either end. Stitch up first, then down. Make certain that at least one stitch secures the tab on the bow and stern. See Step 6.
Step8
Whip stitch a basket splint to reinforce the gunwale of the canoe.
Step9
Open the canoe at the center to create a boat.
Step10
Form a water-tight seal by filling in any cracks with waterproof glue or pitch.

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eHow Article:  How to Make a Birch Bark Canoe

eHow Weddings Editor

eHow Weddings Editor

Category: Weddings

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