Homemade Moccasins

Make a paper pattern for moccasins first.

(use the same pattern for left and right moccasins)

1. Place feet (or tracings) on either side of center line of paper with 1" between heels and edge of paper. Each heel should be 1/2" away from the center line, and the balls of the feet below the big toes should be 1/4" away from the center-line of the paper.

2. Even with the heels, mark points E and E1 (1/2" from the center-line and 1" from the edge of the paper) Also mark points D and D1 (1/2" from the center-line at the edge of the paper).

3. Mark point A by following a line from the base of the big toe to the center-line.

5. To find points B and B1, measure the circumference around the (widest part) ball of the foot and place half the distance on either side of the center-line where the ball of the foot is, mark this point. Now measure 1/2 " straight down and 1/2" straight out.

6. Finish drawing the curve around the top of the foot to point B and to point B1.

7. Drop an imaginary line straight down from each of the marked points for the circumference of the foot, this marks the bottom of the moccasin cuff at the heel. Another imaginary line connecting this point with point B shows where the cuff will be folded down at the ankle.

8. To draw the front corners of the cuff, draw a 2" line from point B, perpendicular to the imaginary fold-over line for the cuff.

9. Maintain a 2" cuff width to find point C at the rear corner of the cuff. Connect point C with point D at the heel by drawing a slight curve that intrudes no more than 1/4" from the edge of the paper.

Cut thong from a scrap of leather by cutting from the perimeter of the scrap, in a spiral, towards the center. Use the thong to keep the moccasin snug. stitch the thong to two places at the back of the moccasin, or punch holes below the cuff, and wrap the thong around to the front and tie it in the back.