Download ArticleDownload ArticleHow.com.vn is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, 18 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time.
This article has been viewed 80,905 times.
Learn more...
This is a brief tutorial on how to make a simple, moccasin-style boot out of suede with rawhide laces. This footwear is appropriate for costumes representing the Middle Ages, and useful for walking silently. The nice thing about these boots is that they're not rigidly sized. If your feet swell, or if someone with a half-size larger or smaller wants to borrow them, they're easily loosened/tightened to fit. You can buy professionally-made boots online, but if you're in a hurry or just want that added level of authenticity, give this easy pattern a try.
Steps
Download Article
Take measurements. First, you'll need to take measurements of your naked or socked foot (if you plan to wear socks with the boots on). Measure in the unit that's most familiar to you; inches are used in these examples and explanations. You need to decide at this point how tall the boot will be.*toe to heel*widest width (ball of foot)*narrowest width (heel of foot)*toe to widest point*toe to top of boot (following the contour of your leg)*heel to top of boot*circumference of your calf at widest point (varies with height of boot)
Make a template using your measurements. Trace it onto an old t-shirt or inexpensive fabric.- Use this blank template to get an idea for the shape.
- Fill in the measurements and adjust the template as shown in this example for boots set to be about 9.5" tall.
Advertisement
Try it on and make adjustments. Cut out the template and try it on, holding it together using safety pins, to see how the fit will be. Trim it for a more contoured fit if necessary.
Cut the final material. Lay the adjusted template over the final material (e.g. suede) and cut carefully.
Make the lace holes. Given that lace holes are an inch apart, multiply the number of lace holes on ONE SIDE of your boot times 10 to determine how much lacing you will need. If you make 10 lace holes each an inch apart, you need 90 to 100 inches (228.6 to 254.0 cm) of lacing to tie your boots. And that's just for the front of one boot! The back should take a bit less, since there's no slope, so let's say 8 holes x 9 = 72". For two boots, you'll need about 344" (~29 ft.) of rawhide laces to make these work! Fortunately, rawhide is cheap and comes commonly in 10 meter (~33 ft) spools.- You can cut down on the rawhide consumption by using a straight-up lace and knot (instead of the criss-cross) for the back of the boot, or making your lace holes farther apart.
- You may also need more or less depending on how much gap you leave between the side flaps, the height of the boot, etc.
- Beware of compromising here though -- laces set further apart mean less stability, looser seams, and gaps in material (through which bugs/dirt may enter) etc.
Community Q&A
- QuestionHow do I make rain boots?
Community AnswerFollow this process, but rather than leather or other material, use a waterproof material like rubber or plastic.
Tips
- Use one of your own insoles / shoes to set in the middle of the pattern as a demonstration of how well you measured BEFORE you cut anything.Thanks
- Buy a pair of shoe inserts/insoles to serve as padding inside your boot. Glue into place if desired.Thanks
- You can add a flare to the top just by leaving room for the fabric/leather/suede to fold down and not lacing the boots as high.Thanks
Warnings
- When poking holes for laces, be sure you poke through same side of the material on both sides -- preferably from what will be the outside of the boot to the inside.Thanks
- BE CAREFUL with the sharp tools you'll be using. This should go without saying, but you'll be using sharp instruments to poke holes in thick, sturdy material. Take care you don't poke holes in your hands as well.Thanks
Things You'll Need
- Sufficient suede (varies with boot size)
- Sufficient rawhide for laces (also varies with size)
- A good pair of scissors
- Chalk or other non-permanent marking utensil
- An awl or other pointed tool for making lace holes
- Flexible measuring tape
- Hard rubber / thick leather or other sole material (Epoxy or resin may also be used, but is less authentic.)
- Glue / rivets for attaching sole
References
- This is an original design, drawings and concept by the author, Ian S. ([email protected]), created and submitted 8/10/2008.
About This Article
Did this article help you?
⚠️ Disclaimer:
Content from Wiki How English language website. Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike License; additional terms may apply.
Wiki How does not encourage the violation of any laws, and cannot be responsible for any violations of such laws, should you link to this domain, or use, reproduce, or republish the information contained herein.
- - A few of these subjects are frequently censored by educational, governmental, corporate, parental and other filtering schemes.
- - Some articles may contain names, images, artworks or descriptions of events that some cultures restrict access to
- - Please note: Wiki How does not give you opinion about the law, or advice about medical. If you need specific advice (for example, medical, legal, financial or risk management), please seek a professional who is licensed or knowledgeable in that area.
- - Readers should not judge the importance of topics based on their coverage on Wiki How, nor think a topic is important just because it is the subject of a Wiki article.
