The Moccasin Making Workshop is a full-day, hands-on craft experience held from 09:00 to 17:00 at our World of Bushcraft Centre in the Peak District National Park. With a maximum group size of eight, the workshop offers a relaxed and supportive learning environment, allowing plenty of individual guidance from experienced instructors.
This workshop is open to participants aged 16 and over, with under-18s welcome when accompanied by a responsible adult.
Over the course of the day, participants will be guided through the process of creating a pair of traditional grain leather moccasins, developing practical leatherworking skills while producing a piece of footwear that is both functional and deeply connected to woodland tradition.
Craft, Comfort, and Connection
The moccasin is one of the most enduring forms of footwear, valued for its simplicity, comfort, and intimate connection to the ground beneath the feet. Lightweight, flexible, and often described as offering a “barefoot” feel, moccasins allow the wearer to move quietly and naturally through the landscape.
During the workshop, time is taken to explore the history, folklore, and practical use of moccasins, alongside their continued relevance for woodland travel, camp wear, and everyday comfort.
Learning the Process
Participants are guided step by step through the moccasin-making process, gaining confidence in both design and construction. Instruction includes:
- Understanding grain leather and its properties
- Measuring and using templates to design moccasins tailored to individual foot size
- Cutting leather accurately and efficiently
- Learning and applying traditional hand-stitching techniques
- Shaping, pulling, and assembling the moccasin for comfort and durability
The emphasis is on developing transferable skills rather than rushing the process, ensuring participants leave with a clear understanding of how to continue leatherwork independently.
A Realistic and Supportive Outcome
While the intention is for participants to complete a full pair of moccasins during the day, individual pace and experience naturally vary. All participants are guaranteed to complete at least one moccasin, and will leave with the knowledge, materials (excluding hardware such as needle, scissors, awl etc), and confidence required to finish the second at home if needed.
All tools and materials are provided, and free tea and coffee are available throughout the day to maintain a relaxed and sociable atmosphere.
Only paid participants will have materials allocated for hands-on work. Under-18s must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
In Summary
The Moccasin Making Workshop offers a rewarding introduction to traditional leatherworking, blending practical skill, cultural context, and craftsmanship. Participants leave with handmade footwear, a deeper appreciation of traditional design, and skills that can be applied to future leather projects.
This workshop is ideal for those interested in traditional crafts, bushcraft clothing, leatherwork, and creating practical items by hand.
The Moccasin Making Workshop is a full-day, hands-on craft experience held from 09:00 to 17:00 at our World of Bushcraft Centre in the Peak District National Park. With a maximum group size of eight, the workshop offers a relaxed and supportive learning environment, allowing plenty of individual guidance from experienced instructors.
This workshop is open to participants aged 16 and over, with under-18s welcome when accompanied by a responsible adult.
Over the course of the day, participants will be guided through the process of creating a pair of traditional grain leather moccasins, developing practical leatherworking skills while producing a piece of footwear that is both functional and deeply connected to woodland tradition.
Craft, Comfort, and Connection
The moccasin is one of the most enduring forms of footwear, valued for its simplicity, comfort, and intimate connection to the ground beneath the feet. Lightweight, flexible, and often described as offering a “barefoot” feel, moccasins allow the wearer to move quietly and naturally through the landscape.
During the workshop, time is taken to explore the history, folklore, and practical use of moccasins, alongside their continued relevance for woodland travel, camp wear, and everyday comfort.
Learning the Process
Participants are guided step by step through the moccasin-making process, gaining confidence in both design and construction. Instruction includes:
- Understanding grain leather and its properties
- Measuring and using templates to design moccasins tailored to individual foot size
- Cutting leather accurately and efficiently
- Learning and applying traditional hand-stitching techniques
- Shaping, pulling, and assembling the moccasin for comfort and durability
The emphasis is on developing transferable skills rather than rushing the process, ensuring participants leave with a clear understanding of how to continue leatherwork independently.
A Realistic and Supportive Outcome
While the intention is for participants to complete a full pair of moccasins during the day, individual pace and experience naturally vary. All participants are guaranteed to complete at least one moccasin, and will leave with the knowledge, materials (excluding hardware such as needle, scissors, awl etc), and confidence required to finish the second at home if needed.
All tools and materials are provided, and free tea and coffee are available throughout the day to maintain a relaxed and sociable atmosphere.
Only paid participants will have materials allocated for hands-on work. Under-18s must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
In Summary
The Moccasin Making Workshop offers a rewarding introduction to traditional leatherworking, blending practical skill, cultural context, and craftsmanship. Participants leave with handmade footwear, a deeper appreciation of traditional design, and skills that can be applied to future leather projects.
This workshop is ideal for those interested in traditional crafts, bushcraft clothing, leatherwork, and creating practical items by hand.