I'd Like To Make Some Moccasins But I Need Help And Advice.

[xTheCanadian]

Hi, I'd like to make my self a pair of moccasins. For christmas I was given one of those put it together yerself moccasin kits which was pretty cool but after assembling them they look nice but some of the pre punched holes are too big in my opinion, the shoelace sent with the package doesn't properly fill them.

I would like to take these moccasins apart and use the pieces as a template and make my own moccasins but unfortunately I don't know what type of leather to use or what kind of leather lace to use as I do not want to use a shoe lace.

The ones I assembled from the kit fit me size wise but I just don't like the finish personally.

http://i68.tinypic.com/2h4kp4n.jpg <- Kit moccasins, assembled by me.

So yeah, types of leather and which leather lace would be best for making some sweet comfy moccasins? Also how would I do the sole? These kit ones seem to have a sort of sponge or something glued to the inside.

[TZBrown]

Leather type is really up to you, and what may be available. Buffalo, Moose, very durable harder to work with in thicker sizes.

Deer, wears faster but double sole on any is a good idea.

The sponge inside is just that, you can use none or even make them large enough to accept a boot/shoe insole

Lacing is usually the same leather as used for the body

http://lureofthenorth.com/product/clothing/footwear/winter-moc-kits/

Thttp://lureofthenorth.com/instructional-booklets/

Edited December 30, 2015 by TZBrown

[xTheCanadian]

Thanks for the advice so when I figure out what type of leather I'm using (most likely cow of some sort) I can just cut a thin strip from that to use? Perfect, it'll save me money! Is there a specific uh tanning process I should look for or avoid? I'm new to Leather craft and have only played with veg tanned really stiff stuff. Not what I'd want to wear on my feet... Though maybe as a sole layer.

When I look at Tandy's website the options for types and thickness are overwhelming for me. As a beginner I don't know where to start. I like the kind used in the kit I assembled but I don't even know what that leather is called.

[TZBrown]

Google, lace cutter, Tandy has them, as well as many DIY patterns on the web.

As far as what tanning method I am at a loss, Some of the materials I have acquired are from many random sources, brain tan and smoked, for period re-enacting.

I normally select by feel. for mocs 3.5-7 oz

Oil tan would be more water repellent for outdoor wear, other garment tan methods would be softer.

Don't overthink it to much, just jump in

Much info on Google

Edited December 30, 2015 by TZBrown

[xTheCanadian]

Thanks man, I just didn't know the benefits and drawbacks of the different types but I may check out oil tanned because I'd like to make myself a pair to throw in my camping bag for when I don't want to wear my boots.

[Dwight]

I make insoles for my feet, . . . using veggie tanned, . . . cut out the basic shape, . . . get the leather wet, . . . step on the leather, . . . then pull it up around my feet to mold to my foot's contour. I then cut hard foam pieces to fill in the arch, etc, . . . so I can walk without my feet hollering at me.

You could do the same with a piece of veggie tan that was cut say 1 inch bigger all around than your foot, . . . pull it up, . . . mold it to your foot, . . . let it dry, . . . you then would have a "somewhat" pattern for your foot to go by.

May God bless,

Dwgiht

[xTheCanadian]

Thanks for the insole advice, I was going to just buy some cheap insoles from like the dollar store or something then cut them to shape and glue/sew them in place. I like your idea better though.

Actually, making myself custom insoles is better as I only have four toes on each foot and have narrow feet. Buying anything to do with my feet is a pain in the a** because nothing ever fits me properly. The only luck I've had was a pair of boots I bought on the Native Reservation near my house. They fit great, look great and are extremely warms and comfortable. My Boots