Thread by @beadedchickadee

Here it is - the promised moccasin thread. This isn't intended to teach you how to make mocs. This is to demonstrate the steps and the amount of work in a pair of low moccasins - the countless hours, the skill involved, the callouses, the blood, and the presence of our ancestors.

If you think these pics will give you everything you need to make your own mocs, or some knock-off you think you can sell, all I can say is good luck. For former students or those who have the teachings, please refer to this thread for reminders of the many steps.

I am using the mocs I made for @Cree8Dawn as my demo. if you know her, please make her happy and ask to see them. 😉
The first real step is getting your vamps finished. This pic has already been posted but here it is again for this thread. #beading #métis

After the vamp is prepared, the bottom of the shoe is prepared. This includes cutting & sewing a separate sole and a liner. Recently I've begun to double stitch the front part of the sole. This moc is lined with good quality fleece. #moccasins #métis

Next step is cutting anchor strips & getting the tools ready. Glover's needle, appropriate thread, round nose pliers, thimbles, & a hammer. #moccasins #métis

Lining everything up & being lined up properly is vital to quick & easy moc construction. I will also mark the underside of the vamp so that the stitching as even as possible. Notice the fashionable thimbles! #moccasins #métis

Now for tucking. This is the folding and stitching technique that makes that pucker-toe style of moc. This will make or break a moccasin maker. #tucktrauma #moccasins #métis

Once everything is stitched up, you need to hammer the seams. Makes turning things right side out easier & softens the seam. Being aware of how close your beadwork is to the seam is important so you don't break beads. #moccasins #métis

You can tell when the seam has been hammered enough. The colour changes, the seam is softer, and looks well "combined." This seam has only begun to be hammered, but you can already see the difference between unhammered & hammered areas. #moccasins #métis

And now for the most stressful part of the moccasin making process - turning your work right side out. So many things can go wrong. Broken threads, broken beads 😖, or loose stiches/missed layers. Even I have to retuck every so often. #moccasins #métis

Once you are satisfied with the stitching, the anchor strip gets trimmed. After a successful tuck, this is a very pleasurable step. #moccasins #métis

The next step is closing up the heel. Another anchor strip for seam stability, but this stitching is quick & easy. Now you have something that resembles a shoe. BTW if you haven't tucked sufficiently, shoes will either fit too large or too small. #moccasins #métis

Super floofy fox fur..... #moccasins #métis #reclaimedfur

Sewing the fur on is meant to be reasonably easy to take apart. The fur is usually the part that wears out/tears. Fur trim can easily be replaced when necessary. I use a different needle though -a sharp 12 beading needle. When you flip it out - pure magic! #moccasins #métis

Edging the tongue of the shoe is the last real step. Here I used a blanket stitch and used a bead type that is in the work but looks good on the edge. It also works well with the colour of the fur. #moccasins #métis #beading

The bead trim is finished. I prefer this look for my mocs, although I've made plenty that have fur all around the cuff of the moc. Now it's time to clean up the wool on the vamp - masking tape does the trick. #moccasins #métis #beading

Here is the finished product. Custom moccasins designed for the wearer's foot. All floofy, warm, & pretty to wear. @Cree8Dawn #moccasins #beading #métis #beadworkrevolution

And look! They fit!! Also adorable socks on @Cree8Dawn 😊 #moccasins #métis #beading #beadworkrevolution