Soft Sole Plains Moccasins

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Step 1

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Step 2, 3, 4

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Step 5, 6, 7, 8

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Step 9

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Step 10

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Step 11

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Step 12

Make a type of shoe worn by native Americans and travelers on Missouri's frontier.

Materials:

Procedure

  1. Trace your stocking foot onto a piece of heavy cardboard. It is best if someone else does this. Be accurate.
  2. Round out the toe line and arch lines as shown in the illustration at right. Cut out the footprint.
  3. Take a piece of heavy paper, large enough when folded, to use as a pattern. Fold it in half, then lay the footprint down upon it as shown and trace around it.
  4. Draw the moccasin pattern as shown. Be sure the distances between your footprint and the edges of the fold, and the footprint and the other lines, are as shown. If you have a very thick foot, you may wish to add l/8 F inch (3 mm) around.
  5. Cut out the moccasin pattern, then unfold and lay out as shown.
  6. Draw a center line between the two sides of the pattern. Fold side A over to the center and crease. Do the same for side B. On side A, draw a line from C to D (half of moccasin length). On side B, measure 1 inch (2.5 cm) on either side of the crease and make two 1-inch (2.5 cm) lines-E and F. Now fold the pattern crosswise to make a horizontal crease in the middle of the pattern. A Make a 3-inch (8 cm) horizontal line-G, C, and H-as shown. Cut out around the outside line, then cut the other lines you drew so as to have a complete pattern.
  7. Cut out a tongue pattern as shown.
  8. Cut out the moccasins. Be sure that the stretch of the hide goes around your foot. Also be sure to cut a right and left, suede out.
  9. Fold your first moccasin-suede side in. Sew it around the toe and down the side to the heel.
  10. Turn the moccasins right side out and try them on. Work your toes forward until the fit is right. Pinch the heels together and mark them. Now trim and sew as shown.
  11. Sew the tongue in.
  12. Cut four sets of 3/8-inch (1 cm) slots in the cuff of each moccasin and thread the laces through. If the moccasins are a bit tight, that is fine. Remember, they will stretch with wear.