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Native American Indian Powwow & Events Calendar
Native American Indian Powwow & Events Calendar


Making Native American Indian Moccasins

C R A F T    F O C U S    -    M O C C A S I N S

Plains Hard Sole Mocs Plains Hard Sole Mocs Plains Hard Sole Mocs

Evolution of Moccasin Styles

Native American moccasin design evolved to suit the environment of each tribe's habitat. Hard-sole moccasins, usually made from two or more pieces of hide, are often associated with the western plains and deserts areas. The hard sole of shaped rawhide and fitted leather upper required more tailoring than other types of moccasins, extra work required to protect feet from harsh ground cover. Soft-soled moccasins, often made from a single piece of leather were common in the Eastern Forests. Some soft-soled moccasins from the Plains and Northwest Coast were made from one piece but they were sewed along one the side of the foot rather than the center, as were their Eastern counterparts.

Making Native American Moccasins

Regardless of the type moccasins you wish to make, we have tried to assemble all the available online links and resources to help with the task. As additional information is found or created, we will add it in order to keep this reference current. In addition to the Web resources, we also highlight related products offered by Crazy Crow to make your moccasin craft project easier and the results more assured.

Crazy Crow Trading Post

O N L I N E    R E F E R E N C ECrazy Crow Trading Post - indian moccasin, moccasin pattern, moccasin kit, leather moccasin, tall moccasin, indian footwear, native american footwear

Crazy Crow Trading Post - indian moccasin, moccasin pattern, moccasin kit, leather moccasin, tall moccasin, indian footwear, native american footwear

Overview of Native American Footwear - Moccasins

Native Tech: Discussion of history and origin of Native American footwear. Includes sketch of construction techniques of different styles and overview of materials used in construction and decoration.

Crazy Crow Trading Post - indian moccasin, moccasin pattern, moccasin kit, leather moccasin, tall moccasin, indian footwear, native american footwear

Map of North America with Native American Varieties of Moccasins

Native Tech: Map image displays type moccasins by tribal location. Link links to view photo samples of individual moccasins by tribe/location. Fun and informative graphic aid.

Crazy Crow Trading Post - indian moccasin, moccasin pattern, moccasin kit, leather moccasin, tall moccasin, indian footwear, native american footwear

How to Make Moccasins and Mukluks

How to make a pair of woodlands style moccasins with fur trim. A free pattern is available in a woman's size 7 (as a PDF file - you will need Acrobat to view).

Crazy Crow Trading Post - indian moccasin, moccasin pattern, moccasin kit, leather moccasin, tall moccasin, indian footwear, native american footwear

Instructions for One-Piece, Soft-Sole, Center-Seam Moccasins

Native Tech: Step-by-step instructions for making your own paper pattern and one-piece, soft-sole, center-seam moccasins.

Crazy Crow Trading Post - indian moccasin, moccasin pattern, moccasin kit, leather moccasin, tall moccasin, indian footwear, native american footwear

Soft Sole Plains Moccasins - Conservation Commission of Missouri

Instructions & diagrams for making 1-piece soft sole plains moccasins as would be seen in Missouri in the early 1800s. Part of a series of craft projects presented on this organization's website.

Crazy Crow Trading Post - indian moccasin, moccasin pattern, moccasin kit, leather moccasin, tall moccasin, indian footwear, native american footwear

History of Shoshone-Bannock Indian Art: Continuity & Change in the Northern Rockies

Beadwork is the best-known art form of Wind River and Fort Hall Shoshones and Bannocks. It is an enduring tradition, but one that has evolved over time. Materials, styles, colors, patterns, symbolism and other characteristics reflect the environment of the beader at the time she or he created their work. This is as true for modern beadworkers as it was in the 19th century. Today, beadwork can literally adorn almost any object, including watch bands, key fobs, baseball caps, wallets, belts, dresses, vests, sport shoes, etc. More traditional forms, of course, include powwow regalia--beaded buckskin dresses, moccasins, traditional pouches and teepee storage bags, leggings, etc.

This page of thumbnails is linked to some of the earliest examples of Shoshone-Bannock beadwork found on clothing and moccasins. Beadwork Index Page 2 provide links to geometric designs on items such as knife sheaths, bags and pouches, pipe bags, and other decorated items. One of the key features of early Shoshone-Bannock beadwork is the overwhelming preference for four basic colors: white, green, blue, and cobalt.

Crazy Crow Trading Post - indian moccasin, moccasin pattern, moccasin kit, leather moccasin, tall moccasin, indian footwear, native american footwear

Maas Collection of Native Americana - Moccasin Gallery

Online galleries of both museumquality collections and quality reproductions,including Hopewell pipes, axes& celts, points, bead work, baskets, pottery, and more. This is a private collection, offering many close-up images of beadwork, moccasins (Crow & Cree) and other crafts.

Crazy Crow Trading Post - indian moccasin, moccasin pattern, moccasin kit, leather moccasin, tall moccasin, indian footwear, native american footwear

Arapaho Moccasins

From the Museum and Research Center of the American Mountain Men: Article from Tomahawk & Long Rifle. Detailed sketches and description of moccasins, circa 1900.

Crazy Crow Trading Post - indian moccasin, moccasin pattern, moccasin kit, leather moccasin, tall moccasin, indian footwear, native american footwear

Brilliantly Beaded - Northeastern Native American Beadwork: Moccasins

The moccasins assembled in this collection represent three distinct forms - a Micmac, Maliseet, Passamaquoddy and Penobscot style in which a wide vamp (toe) is pucker stitched to the sole and the heel portion has a vertical seam up the back; an Iroquoian form in which the heel seams form an upside down “T”; and a Great Lakes type in which a center seam runs down the top of the moccasin.

Crazy Crow Trading Post - indian moccasin, moccasin pattern, moccasin kit, leather moccasin, tall moccasin, indian footwear, native american footwear

Judy Kavanagh's Moccasins Collection Gallery

Moccasins from her personal collection, mostly soft-sole, Woodlands. Other galleries are available on this website as well, including Plains moccasins and mukluks.

Crazy Crow Trading Post - indian moccasin, moccasin pattern, moccasin kit, leather moccasin, tall moccasin, indian footwear, native american footwear

Crazy Crow Trading Post

Native American Moccasins - Related Products

The following items are used in the above-article, or may provide added reference and helpful information.

Click the product link for product detail, quantity price breaks & a larger image.

Feather Preparation Products
Michael Galban - This excellent video teaches all the techniques to make both center-seam and wide vamp, pucker-toe Woodland Indian style mocs. From pattern making to stitching, moccasin making is shown and described in step-by-step details that will help you make great looking and authentic Eastern-style, soft-sole moccasins. Code: 4085-001-002   Price: 25.00
Feather Preparation Products
This great new 55 minute presentation by Frank White is the perfect companion for the Craft Manual of North American Indian Footwear, on which it was based. The complete, step-by-step method of making a pair of side-seam moccasins is demonstrated here in great, close-up detail. Also shown and discussed are necessary tools and supplies, pattern making, leather names and types, and advanced sewing techniques. By using this video, you will easily be able to make a nice pair of moccasins that actually fit! Code: 4085-001-003   Price: 25.00
Feather Preparation Products

Native American Video: How to Make Moccasins

An excellent Native American craft video for anyone interested in making an authentic pair of moccasins. Very well presented with great close-ups of important steps. You will be guided step by step through each stage of construction. Includes emphasis on various American Indian tribal moccasin styles and different techniques. 30 Min.

Code: 4085-002-033   Price: 19.95
Feather Preparation Products
This new series features recorded seminars from some of the masters of Indian crafts. Each seminar is unedited or condensed and gives you the full experience of being there learning with those who were present.

Cheyenne Moccasin Characteristics by Mike Kostelnik features a very informative discussion that distinguishes between Northern & Southern Cheyenne Moccasins and the materials needed to make them.

Code: 4085-007-003   Price: 25.00
Feather Preparation Products

This new series features recorded seminars from some of the masters of Indian crafts. Each seminar is unedited or condensed and gives you the full experience of being there learning with those who were present.

Moccasin Construction Techniques by Mike Kostelnik features a very informative discussion on the step-by-step process of the actual making of moccasins.

Code: 4085-007-004   Price: 25.00
Feather Preparation Products

How to Make American Indian Moccasins

White - Many types of Native American moccasins are shown here. Moccasin making techniques from Navajo and Sioux to Northwest Coast and Southeastern Woodlands are demonstrated. Includes detailed pattern layouts and instructions for making many styles. Contains footwear from over 15 different Native American Indian tribes. 71 pp: over 100 illustrations and sketches. SC Code: 4105-003-042   Price: 8.00
Feather Preparation Products
Jingle Dress Construction & History, Southern Plains Men's Moccasin Construction, Flat Fan Construction and Copper Bracelets. 46 pages, with 53 color & b/w photos & 60 illustrations.

About Whispering Wind Craft Annuals... An excellent series focusing on American Indian crafts, first published in Whispering Wind Magazine, and reproduced here in original form. Each contains numerous articles by well-known authors, with excellent photographs, step-by-step instructions on making the items listed and all are fully illustrated. Soft Cover. Code: 4105-045-119   Price: 7.00

Feather Preparation Products

The only authentic Native American moccasin pattern on the market. Illustrated instructions include helpful hints on moccasin assembly and show correct decoration for several Native American tribal styles. Sizes: Mens 7 - 12 and Womens 5 - 10.

Code: 4799-500-010   Price: 8.95
Feather Preparation Products

This Native American Plains Hi-Top Moccasin pattern takes all the guesswork out of moccasin making! Using our simple, illustrated moccasin instructions, even a beginner can create a fine looking pair of authentic hi-top leather moccasins. Moccasin pattern includes correct decoration information for several Native American tribal styles. Sizes: Mens 7-12 and Womens 5-10.

Code: 4799-500-011   Price: 8.95
Feather Preparation Products
Gary Scholl draws on his extensive experience in researching and making Cheyenne moccasins, which he learned directly from his highly-skilled Cheyenne friends. Beginning with a comprehensive overview of the unique characteristics of Cheyenne moccasins, the author showcases many examples from his personal collection, sharing interesting anecdotes about each pair. Complete with visual instructions, along with practical tips and tricks, will teach you how to construct a fine pair of hard-sole moccasins. Materials for uppers and soles, tools, pattern making, cutting, sewing techniques, turning and beading are all covered in great detail and shown in excellent close-ups. These traditional techniques are easily grasped so that you can make a great pair of traditional moccasins. Code: 4085-007-013   Price: 25.00
Feather Preparation Products
Moccasins of the Cherokee and others of the 5 Civilized Tribes were remarkably similar, changing little from first European contact to the 1900s. This pattern set with highly illustrated instructions is loaded with information so you can make 1 piece soft sole moccasins of the different tribes. They're really easy and surprisingly quick to make. Sizes: Men's 4-12 and Women's 5-10. Code: 4799-500-021   Price: 8.95
Feather Preparation Products
Many of you have asked for moccasin patterns in kids sizes, so here they are! Includes sizes from newborn to around 8 years of age, in both hard and soft sole. Complete with highly detailed, authentic instructions. Code: 4799-500-206   Price: 8.95
Feather Preparation Products
First quality materials for authentic plains moccasins of the 1800s to today.

Note that the price displayed is for the base kit. Larger sizes, or buckskin in place of cowhide adds to the price (as shown in the "Style" drop-down list.

Base Kit includes:

  • 2 thick white latigo soles
  • 2 soft pieces of moccasin cowhide (or choose gold buckskin - or smoked German Tanned buckskin) for uppers, tongues & laces
  • 1 yard simulated sinew
  • illustrated instructions
Code: 4826-01   Price: 35.00
Feather Preparation Products
First quality materials for authentic plains moccasins of the 1800s to today.

Kit includes:

  • 2 thick white latigo soles
  • 2 soft pieces of moccasin cowhide for uppers, tongues & laces
  • 1 yard simulated sinew
  • illustrated instructions
Code: 4826-011-301   Price: 35.00
Feather Preparation Products

This one-piece style moccasin was popular on the Plains in the pre-1850s.

Note that the price displayed is for the base kit. Larger sizes, buckskin or elk in place of cowhide adds to the price (as shown in the "Style" drop-down list.

Base Kit includes:

  • 2 soft pieces of thick moccasin cowhide(or choose gold buckskin or gold elk)
  • cowhide for laces & tongues (or choose gold buckskin, smoked German Tanned Buckskin or gold elk)
  • needle
  • illustrated instructions
  • Code: 4826-02   Price: 29.50
Feather Preparation Products

Cherokee Moccasins, and others of the so-called 5 Civilized Tribes, were remarkably similar, changing little from first European contact to the 1900s. This Cherokee/Southeastern Moccasin Kit includes buckskin and highly illustrated instructions, loaded with information for making the 1-piece soft sole moccasins of the different tribes. They are quite easy and suprisingly fast to make. Sizes: Men's 4 thru 12; Women's: 5 thru 10.

Code: 4826-032-001   Price: 49.00
Feather Preparation Products

"Baby Moccasins" can be readily made for infants and toddlers using our new kit. Using the 2-piece construction of a Plains moccasin, we provide soft buckskin for soles and uppers, simulated sinew and complete instructions. This Native American moccasin kit fits little feet up to 5" long.

Code: 4826-053-301   Price: 15.95
Feather Preparation Products

A typical style of soft Indian moccasin often adopted by Eastern frontiersmen.

Note that the price displayed is for the base kit. Larger sizes, or buckskin in place of cowhide adds to the price (as shown in the "Style" drop-down list).

Base Kit includes:

  • thick moccasin cowhide (or choose gold buckskin or Smoked German Tanned buckskin)
  • needle
  • simulated sinew
  • illustrated instructions
Code: 4827-10   Price: 27.00
Feather Preparation Products

Made from genuine smoke colored buckskin, these leggings were worn by men and women alike.

Note that the price displayed is for the base kit. Larger sizes, or white buckskin in place of gold buckskin adds to the price (as shown in the "Style" drop-down list.

Base Kit includes:

  • 2 thick white latigo soles
  • gold buckskin (or select white buckskin or Smoked German Tan buckskin) for uppers tongues & laces
  • 6 yards simulated sinew
  • glovers needles
  • illustrated instructions
Code: 4827-99   Price: 65.00
Feather Preparation Products

Priced per pair

These beaded moccasin tops will save you hours of time, giving you a pair of nicely beaded moccasins, sneakers, or aqua shoes with very little effort! These imported tops feature authentic designs, this lazy stitch beadwork on heavy canvas panels can be easily sewn to your finished footwear. Fits mens sizes 6 to 9 but can be made larger by adding your own row of lazy stitch after they are attached to the moccasin.

See related products below for other beaded moccasin top styles.

Code: 8543-600-001   Price: 69.00
Feather Preparation Products
Good substitute for more expensive buckskin. Shades vary but this is generally a buckskin color. Hides are heavy. Code: 1610-002-026   Price: 32.00
Feather Preparation Products
Orchard - First published in 1929, this is the classic reference on American Indian beadwork, beginning with primitive beadmaking techniques, tools and materials (shell, bone, stone, metal, etc.). Features numerous photos of clothing articles and tools, plus a multitude of techniques and variations employed by Native Americans, such as loom, heddle, lazy stitch, side-stitch, edging, overlay, & net or gourd-stitch, shown. 168 pages, 41 photos (16 in color), 136 illustrations. SC. Code: 4103-006-086   Price: 16.95
Feather Preparation Products

Our new high-top moccasins are based on actual examples worn by trading company employees and civilians, documented from the early 1800s. The early ones were "solier de bouf" or ox hide shoes, while ours are made from more comfortable, soft-tanned moose hide. The thick leather, sewn sueded side out, resembles hand-tanned hide, while the high-tops afford rugged protection. And - the best part! - these have double soles, in between which is a thick inner sole cushion! Expect long wear from the double-stitched soles with tall heel flap, just like the originals. At last, you can have both authentic-looking footwear AND comfort.

Code: 4511-201   Price: 115.00
Feather Preparation Products

These exceptionally high-quality moccasins are the most authentic old-style southwest Indian footwear available. They're perfect for the Taos Trapper, as well as everyday use. Completely hand-sewn and constructed with thick, rugged leather soles and cowhide uppers. When broken in, these mocs will mold so comfortably to your feet, they'll feel like socks. You'll get years of wear, whether working in the woods or around the house. Ideal for men or women and available in sizes 5 through 12.

Code: 4511-102   Price: 125.00
Crazy Crow Trading Post

M A T E R I A L S   &    S U P P L I E S      Crazy Crow Trading Post - indian moccasin, moccasin pattern, moccasin kit, leather moccasin, tall moccasin, indian footwear, native american footwear
Crazy Crow Trading Post - indian moccasin, moccasin pattern, moccasin kit, leather moccasin, tall moccasin, indian footwear, native american footwear

  Click any link below to view detailed product and ordering information.

Crazy Crow Trading Post

Leather for Moccasin Uppers
  • Buckskin - Commercial Tan - white, gold, willow; sizes from 4-6 sf - 14-16 sf
  • Smoked German-Tan Buckskin - best quality for moccasins & clothes
  • Elk Hides - white, gold; sizes from 10-13 sf - 16-19 sf
  • Cowhide - various types & grades; good substitute for more expensive deer & elk
Clothing Material - leather, furs, cloth, feathers

Leather for Moccasin Soles
  • Moccasin Soles: White Latigo - heavy leather, approx 1/4" thick; tough & long wearing
  • White Latigo Sides - avg size 20-22 sf; great idea if doing lots of mocs
Clothing Material - leather, furs, cloth, feathers

Needles • Thread • Lacing
  • Glovers Needles - heavy needles with sharp triangular edges for sewing hides
  • Sharps Needles - short, stiff needles best suited for lazy stich or applique beading
  • Genuine Sinew - clean & ready for use in craft projects - the 'original' thread!
  • Simulated Sinew - excellent substitute for the real thing, extremely strong
Clothing Material - leather, furs, cloth, feathers

Seed Beads
  • Czech Seed Beads - 10/0 - 14/0 sizes

'Tin' Cones
  • Genuine Tin Cones - sizes: ¾", 1", 1-1/8", 1¼"
  • Aluminum Cones - sizes: ¾", 1", 1-1/8", 1¼"
  • Brass Cones - sizes: ¾", 1", 1-1/8", 1¼"
Clothing Material - leather, furs, cloth, feathers

Tools
  • Scratch Awls - hardwood handle, life-saver when you need needle holes to make sewing easier
  • Scissors - assorted styles, high carbon stainless scissors make cutting leather
  • Bead Graph Paper - developed by Crazy Crow for lazy stitch used on moccasins
Clothing Material - leather, furs, cloth, feathers

Other Items for Moccasins
  • Buckskin Cleaner - white clay balls used to clean white buckskin
Clothing Material - leather, furs, cloth, feathers


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