How to Make a Moccasin: a Tutorial - Pioneer Lifestyle Circa 1700's
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- Опубліковано 3 жов 2024
- Peter works on a canoe paddle made from curly maple, using a crooked knife as a wood scraper. He then discusses the design and function of the shaving horse he is using to secure the paddle while he works.
Peter gives a detailed tutorial on how to make a moccasin using his neck knife, a triangular awl, a needle and waxed Irish linen. He punctuates the lesson with stories and wee bits of history.
If you are enjoying our videos, please continue to like each week's episode and subscribe to our channel and hit the notification bell- this helps us bring you unique content and a wee bit of history every week.
Featuring - Peter Kelly
Cinematography - Catherine Wolfe
Producer & Editor - Catherine Wolfe
SOCIAL MEDIA
UA-cam - / @thewoodlandescape
Facebook - / the.woodland.escape
MUSIC
The amazing music in this episode is graciously provided by our friends, Richard Fortier and Al MacDonald.
#howtomakeamoccasin#18thcenturypioneerlife #selfreliance #northamericanhistory #pioneerlife #homesteading #frontierlife #selfsufficiency
I had a great-grandfather who made shoes here in NC in the 19th century. He was commissioned to make 25 pairs/month for the Confederate army. I have his original shoe molds in my possession that were passed down through the family. A treasure indeed! And supposedly my last name, Shook, originally came from the word for "shoe maker" in Germany. So, there's your wee bit of history for the day! 😁
And a grand bit of history indeed, Andrew. Thanks so much for sharing.
That is tremendously cool 😎
Another excellent video, my wife asked me "Are you inspired to make some slippers"? Yes, your videos inspire. Blessings from a warm sunny South Africa
And to you from cold and snowy Canada.
Peter! We'd love to see your winter moccasin tutorial! Great content :)
I will be needing to make a pair soon!
Love your content! Just wanted to drop a comment to say that a quick bath in RIT dye remover will pull that yellow dye right out of that commercial hide, leaving it looking just like brain tan!
That is a great tip, I’ll be trying that out soon, thank you.
Speaking of walnuts for dying I have used walnut shells for years in dying traps for everything from coyotes to beaver
Mr. Kelly, I think I have watched just about all your videos, love'em.
This one is the best. Before arthritis set in, I did some 1770 reenacting. My first moccassins were center seam and very easy to make. My problem is I am one big "tenderfoot". I'm going to try this shoe pack. Have some elk for the soles and deer for the uppers.
I truely envy you your life style sir. Many blessings to you and yours.....
Thanks David. If I may make a suggestion, I’ve found elk to wear out very quickly and would suggest that you get some very heavy weight cow leather. I pretty much live in my moccasins and can get over a years wear out of them.
One of the best tutorials I’ve been able to find! I’m glad you made boots or “high top” styled Mocs rather than the eastern slipper styled ones. Good work! 😁👍🏼
Thank you. I’ve made pretty much ever kind of historical moccasins but, the one I made in this tutorial is by far my favorite.
This is where I would fail as a reenactor. I would have to portray a wealthy townsman, or a tenderfoot right off the boat, still wearing my bespoke London boots.
Too funny. Actually, i wear moccasins almost exclusively and when required to wear hard soled shoes, find them very uncomfortable.
More of these longer videos please , first class content once again.
Peter in past talk that purely shines love always Freddie
Greetings Peter, very much appreciate the moccasin tutorial. I have made and worn out a many eastern woodland moccasins…but never understood winter style or lined type. Got a project to do now! Hey, may I recommend Centralia Fur and Hide in Washington State USA as a leather source ( when the moose be scarce 😉) hides and leather of good quality…I use Elk hide a lot. Crazy Crow Trading post in Texas USA has an awesome selection and good sales on our type of leathers…awesome to “visit” again see you next time!
All good sources I’ve heard but, we can’t ship furs or hides across the border, go figure.
PETER...SEI MOLTO BRAVO.....MANI D'ORO....
I've been wanting to do this for a while. I'll be watching this a lot! Thanks so much! You're such an inspiration!
Good luck, you’ll find it pretty straight forward to make.
good stuff. you have such patience and a nice, calm presentation style.
I appreciate that, John and your interest in our endeavour as well.
Peter, THANK YOU SO MUCH!! My mother is 92 and suffers from adema and her feet are terribly misshaped. She has not been able to find shoes for years now. But thank to you and your awesome video I managed to make her a fantastic pair of fur lined moccasins. Once again thank you so much. 🙏🙏🙏
You are very welcome, that sure warms the cockles of the heart!
Thank you for your videos, from St. Louis, Missouri.
Thanks Michael
thanks for the awesome video! its probably the only good in depth tutorial on youtube for the puckered toes. Ive made 2 moccasins within the last year (Waxed thread and chemically tanned leather i found on ebay) and they all fell completely apart, one of them being on a camping trip at Mud Pond NY and had to do the rest of the camping trip either barefoot or crudely wraping the twine i had around the leather to my foot.
Thank you.
Very nice job on your new Marcussen‘s, I enjoyed watching the process. And I must thank you both for the fine landscape and wildlife footage, as well as the song. Thank you.
Thank you for your kind words.
Can't wait to have a go at making a pair of these, Awesome video!
Thank you.
Good Nz morning Peter. Thank you for the tutorial. Thank you for sharing your knowledge. Much appreciated. Take care and atb from down under.
Thanks Bryan.
So interesting! Thoroughly enjoyed this video.
Thanks Paul.
i enjoy watching whatever you do...such a great personality.stay blessed.
Thanks, Amir.
The frontiersman had little to gather around him, in the way of possessions, and all that touched his hands was a reflection upon himself.
Thanks for sharing such a profound thought, I might just have to reuse that one!
Beautifully said
I agree. Well said!
I believe the what you shared is absolutely true. This is one of the spectacular reasons I appreciate custom leather artisans. They are so much more inclined to share their ideals and skills. Rather than approaching the art with a competitive and secretive mentality, we celebrate and value the creative diversity of one another. We know each piece is one of a kind, made by our hands. It is a great community to be a part of. Happy 'Mocking'!
The many many uses of a hoof knife!
Peter, outstanding tutorial! Great set of moccasins. I'm the horseman that commented on your videos last week. I've made my own saddle bags, scabbard, leggings and chaps for years. Never thought to make moccasins. I've now got a winter project! You might think about making some leggings.. They're great in any season. Easy to make. They'll keep your pant legs dry and clean, plus offer protection from the brush. Thanks for these great videos. I'm a big fan. I'm going to use Buffalo hide to make my moccasins. That's what I've got in hand.
You’ll enjoy the project I’m sure. I always wear brain tanned leggings that come just above the knee which were very common in the 1700’s
Those look very comfortable! No wonder you wear them all the time :)
They are indeed and pretty much all I wear these days.
@@TheWoodlandEscape How are they on wet ground or mossy conditions? Any slipping with the leather soles?
An Indian friend of mine from up north told me that the soles were made of the Buffaloes forehead because of the thickness. Makes sense I guess. Good luck finding one though. Hahaha
Thanks for the video.
That’s interesting. Actually I have a green Buffalo hide coming in about a week from a friend.
Very nice. Can't wait to see what you do with it. I'm new to your channel and I'm loving it. Thank you for helping keep history alive.
Appreciate your interest and support, Alan.
You're a national treasure..... we need more men like you sir.
That’s a wee bit scary … more than one of me but, thank you, very flattering.
Herzliche Grüße aus Österreich!
Greetings from Austria!
👍 Danke fürs Hochladen!
👍 Thanks for uploading!
👍 Very good and beautiful, thank you!
👍 Sehr gut und schön, danke!
Mr. Pete....yessssssssssss thank you thank you for the moc tutorial!!! Love the look of your hunting shirt!! Maybe a tutorial on making one of those could be done as well??? Stay well!!! Robin
Thanks Robin and we might just do a clothing one, thanks for the idea.
Thanks for the tutorial and a bit of history, i wouldn't mind trying to make a set of moccasins one of these days.
I encourage you to give it a good, Jeff. Not all that difficult to build.
my aunt made them with caribou hide the soles were from the hocks of the legs the hair faces each way to prevent slippage good idea i thought learned from her elders
That method sounds like it would make an amazing pair of moccasins.
Where would one go to buy a pair of these or the materials? I enjoy these videos. I think if people were busier making their own things they wouldn't find the time to always be so angry.
Try Tandy leather for both the cow leather soles as well as hide. They also sell Irish linen and proper leather sewing needles etc.
Or causing trouble for others .
Well, I get to put on my hunting frock and take my Kentucky rifle to an offhand NMLRA shoot tomorrow. First event I have been to in 10 months. Love the old ways and days.
Pretty much live in my old gear. Good luck on your shoot. Remember, James, “Aim small, miss small”.
@@TheWoodlandEscape And we are with you Canada. I wish I was standing along you brave men and women. God speed Canadians!
Peter i bough all the leather looking forward to building the mocc's and my first one my ight foot sole was a wee bit too long ..sloppy heel
the sides were too tall also i dont have dimensions by looking at yours so I am guessing at them but i think its ok Its somewhat what you built but your looks a lot tighter! WOW harder than IT looks and I sew LEATHER!!
Often I’ve wondered how Moccasins were made! Not your tourist trap Mocs for sure look to be durable and comfortable. Accounts I’ve read say they were great for walking quietly while stalking game. Very educational, your one of a kind Peter you should consider putting your videos into album form.
ThanksRoger, glad you’re enjoying.
Does the sole soften up or stiff and is there a medium between the tough beaver and the soft deer?
If your making a tradition soft soled moccasin I find the best is moose hide. They also wear extremely well. For the shoe pack I use quite light cowhide and they stay pretty soft. You could use really heavy leather like an actual shoe if you’re inclined.
Although they might not own a fork… to mark the holes, or mark the distance, a compass was common, and would mark out, I still use a awl mostly for every hole as leather is quick to shrink back the hole size… I almost always punch and sew each hole right away. Just so it sews easier.
That is a great method and you’re spot on, one gets a much tighter stitch.
Hoping for a winter moccasin tutorial this season!!!
It is our plan to do just that. Thanks for your interest.
@@TheWoodlandEscape wonderful! I'm hoping to make myself a pair for this winter, so I'm excited to learn your method.
Around where I live the would use rawhide as the outer sole. Also they had lace up tall boots for winter. Very few survived colonization.
Very few plains hardsole moccasins have survived? Are you smoking crack?
That's literally the most popular moccasin amongst collectors.
Great tutorial. I made a pair of shoe packs mid-calf height from 5 oz. chrome tan. I did not use the wrap around method. Just a mid -calf boot double shoe leather soles. Because of the thick leather I used a whip stitch. This was 6 yrs. ago. The boot is still very functional no need for repairs yet.
Sounds like you made them right, well done!
Great video!! Do you have a video of you adding fur to your moccasins?
I never wear fur on the outside but, do make inner moccasins from fur. I should actually show that some time,thank you.
@@TheWoodlandEscape yes!! That is exactly what I was asking for!! Loved the video!! Thank you for responding!!
My pleasure.
I wonder why L&C’s moccs wore out so quickly, I wonder if it was across a particular part of their journey. I know they wear out quickly but 3 or 4 days seems excessive.
Also lots of great info, thank you!
My guess is, and it is simply a guess, is that they had to make the hides first into a usable/sewable condition and were not properly tanned.
Those Rumfords tend to be smokey. I had to do the same thing, put a metal hood on mine. Obviously most modern masons dont know how to build them.
You don't use VInegarroon dye? Anything iron or steel and vinegar? Let soak a couple of weeks. Rusty nails work good. It's very black on veg tanned leather. More applications, the darker it gets.
Brain tanned; I am not so sure. It's a very deep dye that is a chemical reaction. Military gear was dyed that way.
I have used walnuts soaked in water. Boiled it, then boiled it down, and used that. It is a good dye. I used it on wood.
I enjoy your channel. One of my wife's US ancestors at first built a lean-to. Not sure if he ever had a log cabin. I think they had dugouts too. ultimately, they built small timber frame houses. He never stayed anywhere long .He was a lumberman mostly.
Thanks Ken for the feedback. I might just give the vinegaronnon dye a try. I rarely use any dye on brain tanned, to me it is like buying a nice board with beautiful grain and then painting it.
A very good training video. Good job too Peter. I could do that. That's a bit similar to the shoes Highlanders that were too poor for boots, made in Scotland in 1300's through the 1800's in the colonies. Be well my friend.
You most certainly can build a pair of these, David.
Thank you
My Moccasin's wore out in a year, so I took them apart and used them for a pattern, I used Elk hide to make a new pair of Moc's.. Elk is harder to sew, but last 4 times longer than Deer hide, especially the sole.
Elk is certainly better than deer. Brain tanned is always stronger than commercial and moose is the king of material for Mocs.
Excellent job, I use boars hide for the sole & Elk or Moose for the upper! Thank you for the video....ATB
I’ll bet that makes for a long lasting moc.
Love the video. One little tip, a method I use as far as the knots go. For the starting and finishing knots on the stitching, you may want to try a slightly different method. Instead of starting on the top you can start your first stitch but going through the layers and out the top instead of going through the bottom. If I do the one needle technique I will just leave a couple inches at the beginning with no knot. When I get all the way around I will run the last stitch out through the layers in the side and then tie the two loose ends. You only have one knot which is hidden between the layers and does not show.
Sometimes this will create a bump and if it ends up inside the shoe given different circumstances, I generally use waxed thread which you can flatten using a mallet after tying the knot and it will stay pretty flat making it less noticeable visually and to the touch!!
Great advice, Joshua, I be giving that a try soon. Thanks for sharing.
Also a suggestion for a new old chanty: "Sally Brown is a bright mulatta. She drinks wine and chews tobacca. Spend my money on my Sally Brown."
Those cracks in the hands tells stories kinda like rings on a tree…hard days work work
They have seen a wee bit … kinda like 80 grit sandpaper, lol!
Peter - another superb video. I had a day off work today and Ive spent 5 hours watching you. They weren't fools in the past, were they. They managed to live in conditions I think most of us would find really difficult today.
Indeed, Al, if not impossible…we’ve become a wee bit soft in the last 300 years.
I'm born and raised in Lancaster County! That is an amazing story, I always love your storys or little nuggets of wisdom. Awesome video as well, really interesting process!
Thanks Derick. You have some pretty country down there in Pennsylvania. We appreciate your interest in our humble endevour.
Me too Derek near Denver Pa
My Grampa John taught me double stitching to save time & frustration. Essentially the same stitching patern that you use, but both stitches are completed with 1 pass of the awl.
A stitch in time saves nine comes to mind. I think you refer to the awl that you pass through and when you pull it out it is saddle stitched. Sadly they didn’t have that device in 1750.
@@TheWoodlandEscape we used an ordinary awl, punched the hole, pulled the wax thread half way through, opened a hole in the thread to pull the main thread back through enough to pull both ends evenly through each side at the same time.
Well done thank you for all your knowledge my wife and me enjoy watching your videos my wife said she is going to make herself some my father showed me when I was little he used walnuts for dying his traps works great for diet as well on clothing just don't get it on your hands it won't come off for a long time thanks so much again God bless
Thanks for your interest in our channel and your right about keeping walnut dye off your skin. My hands have been partially dyed for weeks , lol.
Hello! I just made a pair of moccasins from a deer hide I tanned (with mayo, not brains-I didn't have them) using your instructions here! They turned out well and it was a very satisfying project. Thank you so much for sharing! It took me about 40 hours total, 20 for tanning and 20 for making the moccasins. I did use some thick leather I already had around for the soles.
Wonderful, glad it worked out.
@@TheWoodlandEscape Thanks very much!
Hello from Detroit Michigan USA brother great video thank you for sharing your knowledge and expertise I have size 16 feet this knowledge will come I handy
Size 16, I think I want you on my side!
@@TheWoodlandEscape
That’s funny! LOL!! I always enjoy your videos. Many thanks!🇺🇸
Thanks for all of your great videos. You have become one of my favorite channels and I really appreciate all of your hard work recording and getting the info to us. This information is valuable in so many ways. Thanks!
That is both flattering and encouraging feedback and we certainly thank you for your interest.
I know you know this but....... if you drill a few more holes at intervals in that dumbhead upright and use a 3/8 inch metal pin to pass though the upright you can adjust the dumbhead up and down for larger working stock. Just pull out the pin and raise or lower the dumbhead upright and put the pin back in.
I do indeed but, as you raise it I find it not as ergonomic for the treadle. Check out the German style, it uses an adjustable horizontal table rather than the French influenced French style. The German design I believe is still a 1700’s design.
anyway to get us a idea of patterns for the sides and Tops of those moccs??
I don’t use one. I draw a pattern on the leather for the sole and simply sew the two rectangular pieces of the sides to the bottom. Put you foot in the sole and pull and pin the two sides for the Corte seam. Remove foot a stitch. Finally put foot back in and mark the heal, cut off excess and sew.the top is simply another rectangle long enough to overlap.
Excellent tutorial! Your passion for teaching and preserving the ways of old are second to none.
Thanks Marc.
Where do acquire bear fat? Enjoying your channel very much. I made a pair of handmade boots following the pattern in a book called, Shoes for Free People. Fun old book I picked up at a used bookstore. Have you ever tanned fish skin?
Thanks for what you do.
As far as I know it is not commercially available. I hut deer and moose but a good friend is an avid bear hunter and keeps me supplied with rendered bear fat.
@@TheWoodlandEscape Sounds like a Julia Child Recipe "First catch your Bear"
You sir are living my dream life. Salute to you. I'm working my ass off to get there.
Thanks,Andi, I’m very lucky indeed and as they say, hard work always pays off!
Thank you for the video! Does the lower part go over your ankle joint, or does it stay under the protruding bone?
Just below.
@@TheWoodlandEscape Thank you!
You most likely answered this toward the end of the video, but I will have forgotten the question. Anyway, great video, but what do you use to dye the commercial leather with? Not he Walnut hulls, but what leather dye did you use and how did you use it? Thanks again
The product I use is made by a company called Fiebing’s … the colour is Dark Brown/Antique Finish. It is a paste that I literally rub into the leather. I get mine from Tandy Leather. Hope this helps and thank you, Doug for your interest.
GREAT VIDEO;
THANK YOU ...
Thanks Geno.
The Greenlanders national dress, make them out of seal skin. I remember from my time there that a certain type of seal had a thick hide but I cannot recall what type of seal that was.
That would no doubt keep them warm … I could use one, lol.
Spent a winter in NWT working for a trapper 32 years ago, his mother-in-law made me a pair or winter jee-kay (don't know how to write it) I'm back here in England watching you so I can make a summer pair as I've been 'barefoot' for a year now.
Great videos taking me there and wishing I was back in the northland ( without the authoritarian bit!)
What material is the thread that you use? Thanks great videos
I use waxed Irish linen. Most leather suppliers sell it and it is historically accurate.
Thanks Peter. Very informative and quite enjoyable. I will probably try your style for my next winter moccasins. I too made mine out of commercial moosehide as moose are somewhat scarce here in NW Oklahoma, but mine are soft sole side seam and I made wool blanket liners to go inside.
Y'all keep the great videos coming; they are a highlight of my weekend.
TC
I appreciate your kind words.
Beautiful work! These are my next 2 projects...a paddle and some mocs. We'll, maybe after some honey-do projects, 3 knives and an axe handle. On the list!
Well sir, you are getting yourself quite a long row to hoe … good luck with your projects.
Look at those hands that’s how you know this man is trustworthy!! True craftsman ❤😊 love your channel keep it coming
I appreciate the kind words, sir.
Really enjoyed the video. If you ever get rid of and old pair of your moccasins, I would love to speak with you. Thanks again.
Appreciate your kind words. To be honest, by the time I’m ready to get rid of a pair, there is not much to give away,lol.
When I was a kid in the early 70's they sold these just above the ankle hightop mocs that I thought were super cool they were double soled and I remember older people that could afford them had them for years, they would just have them resoled. Years later I searched and searched and found some being sold at The Kittery Maine Trading Post for big bucks and they advertised as chromepack leather. I always wanted a pair.
Don’t we all have those childhood meow things that w3 wanted, but knew we’d never have. I have a number that come to mind.
I've seen some fancy shave horses that have a carved horse's head for a clamp block.
There’s an idea for my next one. Thanks for watching.
Can’t wait to watch this tonight ! Or .. maybe tomorrow over a cup of coffee ☕️ by the woodstove ! Be well ! Thanks
Appreciate your interest.
Excellent videos. I’m putting together my leather to basically build a pair of moccasins exactly as your video. I want something very rugged and functional. I have latigo for the soles. I already have some 7-8 ounce grain on Buffalo for the uppers but before I actually totally commit I was curious what thickness or weight you would recommend for uppers.. And do you feel latigo is a good choice? Thanks again for all your videos.
Will Y in Tennessee
Sounds great! The Buffalo weight is perfect, all be it a bit tougher to sew. They should wear very well.
Sitting by the woodstove watching this on a windy, cold January evening. PERFECT! Thank you Sir
You are most welcome, sir.
I wore my Itasca moccasins out side in the winter ONCE, proceeded to do my best Michelle Quan impersonation. How do you keep the soles from being slicker than pig fat on a griddle?? I almost killed my self that day.
We live in northern Minnesota so we get almost as much snow as you do up there.
Too funny, thanks for my morning smile. The had forged ice creepers that are painful as hell to wear on moccasins. There are first person accounts from the 1700’s of tying cordage around the moccasins . I use hemp cordage, about 4 or 5 wraps just behind the toe.
What a great answer! I’m impressed!
Very good presentation and a good design. How much leather should I buy to make a pair? Where do you get your leather?
Thank you!
I buy my sole leather from Tandy Leather and most of the hides I tan myself. For moose hides will buy it from Iroquois Crafts on the6 Nation Reserve in Ontario. Buying a whole hide is the cheapest and will make 8 to 12 pair. I use 10 ounce leather for the soles by the 1/2 hide and it will easily make as many pair. Hope this helps.
Time well spent on what is guaranteed to be the most often used piece of gear other than the special purpose opening on a pair of trousers, P.S. All of your videos truly shine and mean a great deal, thank you for them.
We are flattered and thank you for you interest and support.
Pete, don't neutralize the nitric once you apply & heat it on the paddle. The acidity will last a long time and therefore fight rot. (At least that's the thinking.)
Thank you.
I just stumbled upon your channel and am loving it! I would love to see you make a video on how to build a dugout shelter.
A couple of questions …
Why do you run the laces all the way around the ankle through lacing holes? Would it work to just secure them through two holes in front of the ankle instead? Also, what alternatives for waterproofing would work for those of us who are fresh out of bear fat? Does animal fat grow rancid over time? Would a beeswax/oil mixture work?
On your shave horse, you might try drilling more pivot points along the shaft that runs between the dumbhead and the foot piece and securing it with a removable pin. That way you could just pull the pin and move the drumhead up and down to accommodate the thickness of your stock. That’s how I built mine, and it works well. I would attach a picture, but I don’t think this platform allows that.
Anyway, very well done, Sir! Thanks so much for sharing your wealth of knowledge!
Right on the shaving horse adjustment but, it becomes uneconomic for ones position on the horse. Looking into trying a German design from the time period versus the French design I use. Much more adjustable and ergonomic.
I’ve experimented with so many lacing systems and this one really works. The rendered down bear fat that I use stays well forever, if stored in a sealed container. Bees wax and oil should work just fine. Neatsfoot would be a good choice. Also commercial dressings like mink oil work well. Hope this helps.
@@TheWoodlandEscape Just three more holes an inch apart would only raise the pedal three inches (and give you three more inches of room for your stock). That shouldn’t affect the ergonomics much at all. But that said, it’s always fun to try new designs!
Running the lacing from the back through the holes uses the strength of the lacing, doesn't pull on any one spot of the uppers, and keeps the overlap of the upper closed up and water tight. It they were attached at the front of the ankle, it would create a gap in the overlap.
Wow! My family came here around 1712 and settled in Intercourse PA! Wonder if they knew and Reesers! We were Mennonites too! Thanks for your stories!
They may very well have known the Reeser’s . Good to see someone that knows a bit about their family history. Good for you, Howard.
I picked up a pair of manufactured men's-moccasins with rubber soles on clearance at a Walmart once just because they remind me of my grandfather (English heritage by locality of Poughkeepsie) who wore modern moccasin slippers all the time.... I started wearing this pair a little every now and then, and more and more grew to appreciate how ABSURDLY comfortable and durable they are---I even started wearing them on hikes, faced with fresh wonderment at the tribes and pioneers who wore moccasins as a lifestyle. I've personally never been a fan at all of close-toed shoes, even though many look cool; I just have really long toes, and hate redirecting balance to my ankles and knees. Soft-soled moccasins seemed to be the perfect, liberating middle-ground for foot health.... But I gradually stopped wearing them so much because I still haven't the foggiest idea how to clean and sanitize sweaty soft leather. Thank you for this crafting demonstration; one never runs out of something one knows how to make oneself.
I pretty much live in moccasins. The way I see it, we evolved with feet unaccustomed to arch supports. The only real issue is waterproofing… almost impossible although one can get them water resistant.
@@TheWoodlandEscape
I think the epidemic of foot problems are probably caused by the so-called support..
I've got some heavyweight cow leather saved from a beat up foot rest that could do with serving feet once again. Thank you for your gold mine of a channel
I just recently took up leatherworking and tooling…I am completely fascinated by it, and I love, love, love moccasins. I basically live in my Minnetonkas, but they’re only ankle high, and I want some good bush Moc’s to expand my capabilities. So your video comes at a perfect time for me. Thanks for doing this! Can’t wait to see more!
It is all in the timing they say, Corbin. You will not be disappointed with a good pair of shoe packs.
Check out moccasinscanada.com
The German "schnitzelbank" was around earlier than the book he stated.
Thank you for sharing that.
Your very addicting to watch, I really respect your talents in building and craftsmanship in life’s necessities. You are an inspiration. God bless you and thanks for sharing. (Old guy from Arkansas)🇺🇸
Thanks for your very kind words.
why do you use two bottom soles instead of one thicker peice??
A couple of reason. It was all the material I had on hand, lol. I like to watch the sole for wear and when it first breaks through the first layer I simply sew on a new piece.
Excellent tutorial Peter ! I have been doing leatherwork for many years but haven't made any footgear. Just a few repairs. Now perhaps a trial at moccasin work ? Thank you, Sir !😀
With your experience,you will find the project pretty easy and if I may add, very satisfying
I've made some holsters and of course stabbed myself more than once. Slow learner and all. When I first saw the pieces I was more confused how it would work but it all came together wonderfully. Love to see the your set up with your snowshoes as far as your bindings. Thanks again.
I’ve been sewing leather for decades and I still frequently give myself blood tests. We will try and fit in a snowshoe harness pointer … thanks for your feedback.
What a cozy place. Sitting in front of the fire and we can still see your breath. My 1765 house had the floorboards worn thin in front of the fireplace. That Cape cod still had ceilings that were over eight feet high. Aping the rich was common even in the 1760/s on the Maine frontier. I dislike moccasins because they are not even as tight on your feet as loafers. They must have had laces at that time. I don't get sandals either. Both seem inferior types of footwear. Of course, at the time.....
Like a saddle stitch?
Peter also my heels seem to long I think i need to shorten the soles a bit . I traced my foot tight but i drew 1/4 inch around that line to the outside so i added a 1/4 inch to the original line drawing of my foot...IS that correct way or doe i reduce it a 1/4" ?
I like to make mine tight, Tim. I would just go with the original line assuming you draw it with the marker straight up and down. I literally get the fit on my foot, pin it, remove it and sew it. Sewing the heel last ensures a nice snug fit. You might also try wetting the leather when your stretching it out to fin your sewing line on the centre seam.
Been watching a lot of your videos since the cabin.. serious question. Starting from 100% usage how much money have you removed from your lifestyle living like this?
That is a great question that honestly I can’t definitely answer. A whole lot, between gardening, hunting and fishing the grocery bill is pretty low.
I love your stories- telling. Thank you for this interesting tutorial. You rock!! By the way, good voice.
I’m flattered, Emsol.
Not sure if I missed this, what are you using to stitch?
Peter uses waxed Irish linen.
Beautiful pair of moccasins! What kind of thread do you use, and is that a special needle? You would have to have very strong hands and fingers to make that kind of shoe! Nice job Peter.
I use Irish waxed linen threat, a common trade item in the 1700’s. The needle is called a groover needle. It is basically a really sharp, tiny needle.
I loved watching the making of the moccasins. Thy look very comfortable.
Nice demonstration. Have you ever used the commercial braintan? Crazy Crow sells some that isn't bad. Might be a better substitute than chrome tan. Just a thought.
I have not sir but, might give it a try. Normally I use our own brain tanned. I have a bunch of finished deer hides but, sadly no moose.
@@TheWoodlandEscape absolutely can't beat real brain tan. Crazy Crow calls it German tanned. I made a pair of leggings out of it a few years back and it looks good, feels almost like real brain tan and took walnut hull dye quite well.
Well done, Peter. My shoepacs need replaced. Maybe this video will give me the incentive to get that job done.
One does need to protect ones feet … good luck with your project.
That was excellent instruction. Thank you.
Glad it was helpful!