How to Make Inuit Fur Parkas

Inuit parkas may need matching gloves.

The Inuits are tribes of native North Americans. They live predominantly in the northernmost parts of Canada, Alaska and Greenland and thrive despite extremely harsh winter conditions. The Inuits learned to use natural resources, such as animal meat, hides, sinews and bones, for food, recreation, building materials and warmth. Inuit parkas, which consist of two insulating layers of animal hide garment, have kept the Inuits warm through arctic winters for centuries.

Things You'll Need

• Caribou fur
• Tape measure
• Fabric chalk or marker
• Store-bought parka (optional)
• Scissors
• Sinew thread and needle
• Sewing machine (optional)
• Fabric glue (optional)
• Wolf fur

Instructions

1. Select the parka material. Traditional Inuit parkas are made with caribou fur, though other kinds of fur can be substituted if you can't find caribou skins. Gather about 5 to 6 yards of the caribou material.

2. Take measurements of the person who will be wearing the parka. Measure from the person's head to his neck, and from his neck to his waist. Also, measure the chest, hips and shoulders. Use a tape measure to take the measurements and record them so you don't forget or confuse them later.

3. Draw out the basic pattern of the parka on the caribou skins using fabric chalk. Traditionally Inuits used sharp bones to draw the patterns into the skins. If you have an older parka, use it for reference in making the new pattern. If desired, use a store-bought parka pattern to follow while cutting and sewing the parka.

4. Cut out the pattern, if using one, with scissors and lay it on top of the caribou skins. Cut the skins out along the pattern. You should cut out two parka pieces, one for the inner parka and one for the outer. The outer should be an inch bigger all the way around than the inner one.

5. Begin sewing the inner part of the parka. At their most traditional Inuits sew the pieces of the parka together with sinew thread and needle. If desired, use a sewing machine and heavy duty thread instead.

6. Follow the parka pattern. Stitch the inner, then the outer parka together and join. Stitch fur onto the lining of the parka hood or glue it on with fabric glue. Traditionally, wolf fur is used, though you can use synthetic fur if desired.

References

• Inuit Art Alive: Clothing
• Pulaarvik Kablu Friendship Centre: Traditional Sewing and Inuit Clothing