Secrets of Eskimo Skin Sewing

Bought this book to get more familiar and comfortable with sewing furs. After reading it I was able to sew my first article. There are some very helpful patterns and how-to’s included. Definitely a great starting point. The pictures of authentic Alaskan clothing articles and other items are amazing. It was written in 1976 I believe, so it’s kind of a timeless treasure. I consider it a great investment. I do wish it was more detailed in the actually stitching/sewing process though, as the author assumes the reader already knows how to sew. That being said, I suggest learning the basics of hand sewing before approaching this book and get good and comfortable with it. Especially helpful stitches to know for soft leather, skin, and fur sewing are the whip stitch, blanket stitch, and for inseams as mentioned in the book, you’ll find it helpful to know the overcast stitch. There are of course a few others, but those will get you through. The internet is full of helpful resources for hand sewing, YouTube in particular, but this book will not help you in that department. Or the other option is to just invest in a sewing machine specifically for sewing furs if you have that kind of money lying around haha. Other than that this book is on point. It’s a great addition to any library. I especially love that it isn’t just offered in kindle format. I love that it’s a real book, could have been a bit bigger, but it’s still a book!!!

I had seen this book used in a Native skin sewing class and wanted a copy for myself. It is what I'd call a complete guide to sewing, with descriptions, directions, patterns, and lots of colored pictures. My friends who do skin sewing were pleased to find complete directions and diagrams for making mittens, moccasins, trapper hats, and even directions for parkas! After reading through the book a couple of times, I feel prepared to start my first projects.

Anytime you try to show how to BUILD something with just some rough pictures...it won't work out well. After you mess up once, you get what they are trying to say, so I wouldn't use the "good fur" on your first run. Made some nice slippers for my baby girl, and they worked out well. I've made quite a few ruffs, and the pattern here is a bit hard to follow, but again, once you've done it and made a few adjustments it'll all make sense.All in all, a great starter book. Once you get the basics you'll modify all patterns to how you want to make them and to what you are making. But definately a great starter book for the basics.

I'm an Alaska Native (Yup'ik and Aleut) and grew up in rural Alaska, surrounded by skin sewing artists and teachers. I was taught skin sewing from an early age. My husband recently developed an interest in skin sewing, but my current workload doesn't allow time for me to teach him all he needs to know. So I looked for a practical instruction volume that I approved of based on what I learned as a kid to add to my instruction for him. Secrets of Eskimo Skin Sewing fits the bill!

Great book, just as indicated. Lots of info, just what I needed. The book came very quickly, very happy with the book.

Thank you

Copied a pattern and it worked well.

I was already familiar with this book, having borrowed a copy from a fellow fur/leather craftsman. I knew I had to have my own copy!

A great book to read if your interested in Eskimos and they use animal skins for clothing plus how they sew there it all together.

Fascinating lost art.

excellent gift for a friend with very particular taste.

Reviews indicated that there was a pattern in the book for a traditional Eskimo/ arctic parka. What it actually is, one small diagram on a page in the paperback. There is actually no pattern that has been folded inside the book, to use to make an arctic parka, there's instructions on how to take measurements for the sleeves, back and front, but that is about it. The diagram was not made to scale so it could be blown up using a photocopier that prints large pages, and there's no permission on the diagram allowing readers/purchasers to use this page to make a pattern. It would be impossible to use the diagram in any way to make a pattern out of it. Very disappointed. I was misled unfortunately.

The book is well written with some color illustrations. The explanation of the use of various parts of the animal is very interesting. The many types of seams used in the construction of waterproof mukluks, etc. is also helpful. The emphasis is on traditional Innuit techniques, not modern construction. I enjoyed reading it, even though I sew natural fur in modern styles and with modern methods, including a fur sewing machine.