Make your own moccasin slippers

Do you get cold feet? Having cold feet in the evening when trying to relax is no fun. However, wearing a pair of bespoke moccasin slippers is a whole heap of fun as you will know that you have made them fit your feet. That sense of pride in your achievements also makes the slippers feel even warmer.

This course takes you through the process of making a pair of moccasin slippers to fit your feet, from pattern to final stitch. The style of moccasin is inspired by a Paiute hard sole moccasin style which I have adapted to work in sheepskin. This is a close fitting, snug style.

Throw in a beautiful rural location with lovely home-cooked food prepared by my in-house chef, and you get to meet fellow enthusiasts?

What will we cover?

This is a one-day course to show you the techniques of drafting a moccasin pattern to fit your feet and constructing a pair of moccasins. We will look at the following areas:

• Suitable sheepskins for moccasins - types, styles, and suppliers.

• Moccasin anatomy and pattern pieces.

• How to measure your feet.

• Drafting and adapting your pattern, including adding allowances.

• How to add a rubber sole.

• Creating a mock-up to check fit. 

• Transferring the design to sheepskin and cutting out your pattern pieces.

• Hand sewing techniques. The moccasins will be hand-stitched and you will be able to sample the stitches beforehand to practice them.

• Construction techniques - how to put everything together without stretching or twisting. Once you know how to do the left slipper the right is just the same.

• You will also receive a set of course notes, these have photos and explanations of what we will cover on the course.

• We will cover all areas of construction so you know how to assemble and finish the moccasins at home. Depending on your stitching speed you may find you don’t complete everything in class.

Who is the course aimed at? 

The course is aimed at beginners. We will be drafting a pattern to fit your feet. You will leave with the knowledge of how to sew and finish your moccasins, equipped to make your own for yourself and others in the future.

Elizabeth will supply the sheepskin and equipment for the day. These are all included in the price of the course. Elizabeth will contact you after your purchase to ensure she knows what you hope to gain from the day.

You will need to have a few breaks during the day and to stand up and move about. The timing and length of the breaks can be tweaked so we can carry on stitching.

Please note the suggested menu may change slightly depending on availability, allergies and dietary preferences. Please let Elizabeth know when she contacts you after purchase.

What is included in the course fee?

All materials (leather and use of equipment) and refreshments (teas/coffees and lunch)

The timetable for the day looks a little like this:

• 9.15 am Arrival, introductions and refreshments 

• 9.30 am Class starts - First sewing session

• 11 am Coffee break tea and homemade freshly roasted coffee homemade truffles with chocolates (we have to keep your energy levels up).

• 11.15 am Second sewing session

• 1 pm Lunch - buffet choice of smoked salmon & hams/charcuterie and salads (no iceberg in sight)

• 1.30 pm Third sewing session

• 3.30 pm Afternoon tea with brownies and cookies 

• 3.45 pm Fourth and final sewing session of the day and finishing

• 5 pm Finish and farewell

All refreshments are included in the course fee.

Do you need to bring anything?

• Just bring yourself and a sense of adventure.

• A notepad and pen may be useful, but you do receive a copy of the course notes. 

• If you have a basic sewing kit if you have one. You will need a thimble that sits securely on the finger you use to push the needle, to protect your finger. Elizabeth will have leather scissors for you to use.

Classes will be following COVID guidance and track and trace. In the event that we have a full lockdown, a full refund of the course fee will be provided but we are unable to cover accommodation or travel costs. Please make sure you have read the terms and conditions prior to booking your course.

Booking confirmation:

The course takes place in the village of Kingsey, (postcode HP17 8LY) in Buckinghamshire, UK. 

Once you have paid for and completed your purchase you will see a link to download the item on the order ‘Thank you’ page. Click this to download the course confirmation. You will also receive a temporary link in the email confirming your purchase. 

After you've booked your place:

Elizabeth will be in touch shortly after to find out if there is anything, in particular, you would like to cover and confirm that you have all the course details. 

If you have any questions about the course please contact Elizabeth at [email protected]