Things You'll Need
Moccasins
Beads
Sinew or heavy beading thread
Sharp needle
Scissors
Pattern or design
Optional
Beeswax or thread conditioner
Quilting thimble
Pencil
Awl
When you master beading moccasins, you can -- literally -- walk away with a one-of-a-kind pair of shoes. Traditionally a lazy, or lane, stitch is used on leather -- meaning beads are stitched on in lines, or lanes. While this sounds simple enough, working on leather is a skill that takes some practice. The thread is worked inside the leather, which helps prevent the thread from wearing out.
Painting With Beads
Step 1
Mark the pattern lightly in the moccasins with pencil, if desired, to help keep lines straight. Do not press hard enough to dent the leather, as this will become permanent and will show once the moccasins are done.
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Step 2
Thread the needle. Tie a knot in the end of the thread and draw the thread from the back of the moccasins to the front at the edge of the design until the knot catches on the leather.
Step 3
Load the beads onto the needle in the correct order for the design and move them down the thread to the leather. Usually lane stitch uses seven or eight beads to a row, but smaller rows to fit the pattern or the size of the moccasins are fine.
Step 4
Press the needle halfway into the leather at the end of the row. Do not go all the way through the leather. Turn the needle and press it into the leather a bead width apart in the pattern. This is where the needle will emerge from the leather. The thread will be inside the leather.
Step 5
Pull the thread tight. Load the beads for the next row onto the needle and repeat. The beads may form an arch when the thread is tightened.
Step 6
Push the needle all the way through the leather and knot when changing thread or when the pattern is completed.
Tip
Working with leather is different from working with fabric -- practice on a spare piece of leather before starting.
If the leather is stiff, use an awl to pierce the leather to make it easier to stitch.
Rather than using a knot, the thread can be stitched in a small circle through the leather several times to secure the thread. This stay stitch can also be done at the end of rows; if the thread breaks on a row later, the stay stitch will keep the bead loss to a minimum.
Most moccasins are beaded with size 11 glass beads, but smaller or larger beads can be used as well.
Glass beads vary slightly in size. Sometimes these variations cause gaps or uneven spacing. Laying the beads in place before stitching them down will help you spot uneven places. Adjust by adding or removing beads if needed to maintain the design.
Using a quilter’s thimble can make it easier to press the needle through the leather.
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