How to Make Mens Moccasin Boots
Moccasins have been an appealing form of footwear for centuries. These shoes began as a necessity for comfort and protection in Native American cultures (Nativetech.com) and are now a fashionable comfort for men and women across many different cultures. Moccasin shoes are a popular house slipper for men, but moccasin boots are better for every day, outdoor use. Making moccasin boots, or shoes of varying heights is possible if you have a little time and patience. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Leather (Deer, Elk or Moose hide of medium thickness is recommended)
- Artificial sinew (heavy duty, waxed embroidery thread)
- Leather needle (also called "glover's needle")
- Scissors
- Lining (fur or fleece is recommended)
- Basting spray
- Sole material (rubber or strong material like Stroud or Melton)
- Laces
- Leather punch
- Paper
- Pen
- Feathers, beads, or colored thread
- Moccasin boot pattern
Instructions
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Moccasin Boots
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1
Purchase enough square footage of leather to cover the bottoms, top and sides of your moccasin boot pattern for your foot size. Trace the moccasin pattern for your foot size onto the leather and cut the leather pattern pieces-try to use the most stretchy portion of leather for the part of your moccasin boot that will cover the top of your foot. Cut one layer of thickness at a time.
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2
Purchase enough lining of fur or fleece to cover the interior of your moccasin boot pattern. Trace the lining moccasin pattern for your foot size onto the fur or fleece and cut the pattern pieces. You can cut two layers of this material at a time.
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3
Follow the pattern to sew the leather by hand with your leather needle and artificial sinew or embroidery thread using a whip or overcast stitch. You can also use a running stitch. Sew the pattern pieces together, inside out with stitches about 1/8" apart and knot the beginning and end of the seams. Turn the material right side out when all pieces are attached.
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4
Place the soft lining around your foot and slide your foot into your sewn moccasin boot. Cut away any extra lining you don't want that protrudes from the top of the boot and baste the fur or fleece to the inside of the moccasin boot with your basting spray.
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5
Sew your Rubber, Stroud or Melton sole to the bottom of the moccasin boot and use your leather punch to punch holes for your laces to be thread through.
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Tips & Warnings
If you want to customize your moccasin boots, use colored lining, soles, or contrast stitching for a unique color and texture. You can also adorn your boots with feathers or beads to add some extra flare.
You should use a moccasin boot pattern to help you in creating your footwear. Use Stroud or Melton for soft-soled boots only, two layers of hide for hard-soled boots. If you will be using your boots outdoors, use rubber for the soles.
References
- Photo Credit Hemera Technologies/PhotoObjects.net/Getty Images
