How to Make Easy Moccasins

Make your own decorative moccasins at home.

According to NativeLanguages.org, traditional Native American clothing is a diverse art. Each tribe has something unique to showcase in pattern and design when it comes to clothing and accessories. Native Americans pieced together colorful and decorative shoes that were worn for special ceremonies or for daily wear. The moccasin in particular is generally crafted from leather, then embellished with special patterns and beading. Moccasins can be made at home easily using patterns, decoration and leather material.

Things You'll Need

• Moccasin pattern
• 4 to 6 ounces of leather
• Measuring tape
• Sharp shears
• Beading and embellishments
• Craft glue
• Needle
• 10-inch roll of nylon thread

Instructions

1. Purchase a moccasin pattern from a fabric or local craft store. A pattern comes with a variety of styles to choose from and is premeasured for your particular shoe size.

2. Refer to the pattern's instructions to determine how much material you will need for your size moccasin. Measure each foot with a tape measure to get the most accurate measurement. Make sure the paper pattern that you chose fits around the instep and at heel.

3. Cut the pattern out from its cut-line seams, then place the paper pattern over your leather piece (available at crafts stores). Cut the leather with sharp shears along the seams of both right- and left-foot patterns.

4. Add embellishments and colorful beading to the left and right leather fabric now, if desired. Use craft glue to secure.

5. Turn each moccasin over so that the embellishments are on the underside.

6. Thread a long, thin needle with nylon thread. Tie a knot, leaving out a 1-inch tail of thread. Thread the heel first; to make the heel, fold the leather vertically, making sure the top edges are aligned. Start sewing both edges together, starting from the center first, then work your way down to the end of the heel. Leave 1 ½ inches of fabric free at the bottom of the heel.

7. Fold the free 1 ½ inches horizontally and sew in a linear fashion to the back of the moccasin.

8. Turn the moccasins right side out so that the embellishments and beading are exposed.

References

• Native Tech: Making Moccasins
• Native Languages Organization: American Indian Moccasins