Making Medieval Shoes By Hand

[@crochet_kat]

That was fascinating, especially the stitching method with two needles (not to mention the needles themselves!). Thank you!

[@MorganDonner]

I also find the bristle needle process fascinating!

[@bobbibuttons8730]

Fabulous video, I’ve started leatherworking and have made a couple of bags. I find something really special about working with the leather. I’ve been using the two needle method and I find it much easier than regular sewing, not with boar hair of course !

[@sarachoate88]

Feel like I read somewhere that Rawlings baseballs are sewn using a similar method. This would make since as both objects are made of leather and the seams need to be strong

[@ragnkja]

sara choate It’s called a saddle stitch, and is very common for leather seams, especially those that need to be strong.

[@sarachoate88]

@@ragnkja thanks for the info my sewing skill ends at hemming pants and replacing buttons. Watching Morgan Donner and Bernadette Banner give me aspirations that one day I will get good enough to sew my own clothes

[@Chibihugs]

These shoes are so neat and very cute. I love how ingenious the boar bristle sewing needles method was. I would love to try this one day. How does it feel to wear an outfit that was head to toe made by yourself?

[@MorganDonner]

So fun! I should try my hand at Victorian shoes someday 😱

[@gothicavictoria1341]

I wish the History Channel still had actual quality history shows. Morgan Donner has the kind of voice that reminds of historical programs, in a good way. I would watch a whole marathon if History Channel gave her a show.

[@Automedon2]

Why watch it on the History Channel. Everything is produced to fit between commercials and scripted. I'd rather watch a well filmed and produced video like this one right here.

[@elphbwckd212]

That's why I watch PBS. They have tons of shows like this in my area and are not so produced with ads in mind as there are no commercials. Their shows very much have the feel of this video and many topics just like this.

[@VickyDIncecco]

Boar bristles are still used today in modern bespoke shoemaking! Well, actually pretty much everything you did is exactly or almost exactly as it is done today!

[@MorganDonner]

Woooo! Coming after your Victorian shoe making skills next 😆😆😆

[@VickyDIncecco]

Morgan Donner please do!! 💪🏻😉

[@tiffinylawrie]

Vicky, I totally started watching your videos after taking the same workshop Morgan did! I'd love to attempt some Victorian or Edwardian shoes at some point!!

[@heytheredollfacex]

That's actually pretty cool.

[@VickyDIncecco]

Tiffiny Lawrie you should go for it!! 💕

[@elitabaldridge6967]

I always end up stabbing myself in the hand at least once while I'm saddle stitching leather with metal needles, so the boar bristles sound like a major improvement in the matter of preventing hand stabbing.

[@WoodlouseFairy]

yea

[@GrainneDhu]

Awesome! I love how following historical practice illustrates how practical they were. They knew how to use the materials at hand, just as we know how to use modern materials, so it feels to me like hands reaching across time to touch.

[@themaddiemads]

This is the perfect way to describe the feeling this video gives me!

[@funwithmadness]

If no one has told you yet, that cool half-round knife is called a head knife.

[@MorganDonner]

Ooo, thank you so much! *running to order one i m m e d i a t e l y*

[@funwithmadness]

@@MorganDonner Glad I could be helpful.

[@montyollie]

I used to live in Iqaluit (Canadian Arctic) and the Inuit have a similar knife called and ulu

[@montyollie]

oops typo. Called an "ulu"

[@l.baughman1445]

Morgan Donner it’s totally bad-ass and dare I quote Ms. Banner...”#extra!” No different than her shears/dagger of destiny. Besides, you can show it off at events. Just make a leather waist strap to carry it.....

[@LilLadyAy]

My great grandfather was a shoemaker, I never knew him yet was always interested in shoemaking, even before learning this, nobody in my family passes on skills and trades anymore. Seeing this video made ne so happy.

[@LadyCloverRose16]

Morgan: "...but I decided to go for a fairly simple design" me: [looks closer] "ah. mushrooms"

[@misskatiemarie1761]

😂😂😂

[@pawpatrolnews]

???

[@pinsenttailoring]

This is truly fascinating, and now I desperately want to make some shoes 😃

[@MorganDonner]

YESAS, do it!! Make some fabulous shoes (and video the process toooo 😉)

[@alibabafurball]

Those look like they would be comfortable like moccasins. They remind me a bit of Roman shoes too if they had another layer to the bottom with rivets.

[@SarahBent]

So interesting. I was fascinated by the boar bristle needles. I can't imagine ever taking this craft up. But I've said the same about hand stitching... so never say never. Thanks for sharing.

[@aeray3581]

I know, right? A pair of hand-me-down medieval shoes finally crapped out so I disassembled them. I bought a leather kit to make myself a quiver and bracer and you can imagine where this is going!

[@delanocarson7544]

The sheer nicheness of this project is so wonderful and entertaining. This feels like a craft that very few people would come in already knowing about. Thank you for sharing the process!!

[@allisonarmtrong3891]

My wife is a cobbler and I am SO sending her this video.

[@makichandes]

We are studying the middle ages and came across your video. My kids (10,6,3yr) are SO impressed with your work. Me too! It is now imperative that we binge watch the rest of your videos!

[@maleahlock]

Oh my freakin Thor. I have now dug out my mock up shoes out of my "I have no idea what I'm doing" drawer. I don't have time to do them now as I'm learning to focus on fewer projects till they're completed, but when I do have time I shall be so grateful you posted this video. Thank you awesome maker of wonderful things!

[@aimeekluiber]

I saw "beef tallow" and all I could think of was "how do dogs not chase her everywhere she goes?"...! Loved seeing this process and your finished shoes. Very cool!

[@MorganDonner]

My own dogs are surprisingly uninterested after the initial sniff. I do love the idea of having magical dog befriending shoes though!

[@tiffinylawrie]

😆😆😆

[@aimeekluiber]

@@MorganDonner lol!

[@makingitthrough190]

Aimee Kluiber May be that’s partly why dogs became mans best friend!

[@cassiablack1094]

That must be why dogs chew shoes :)

[@alaineneuburger2830]

Ladies and Gents does she ever quit? No. No she doesn't. SHE MADE SHOES

[@deacowden8749]

This video had big Mr. Roger's energy and I am here for it. I now have the sudden need to make my own leather shoes.

[@ziggybaker3446]

That "needle" is fascinating!

[@glorygloryholeallelujah]

Oh my! These look SO comfortable!!!! I absolutely adore them!❤️💖

[@roxiepoe9586]

First: the shoe is cute! Reading about shoes and their place in history and civilization has always interested me. Getting to actually see the investment of time and skill necessary to create them was golden. I'm fascinated by the boar needle in practice. I never quite grasped the process from text. This is lovely. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@elviradonaghy5422]

They look very comfortable.

[@EH23831]

I have new appreciation of my shoes and look at them in a whole new way! 😁

[@thunderusnight]

I'm a leather worker hobbyist and I was suprised by the boar bristles but it makes sense. Anyway loved the vid good job.

[@AvaLance]

Somehow I would end up sewing my shoe to my pants😂 everyone in this Community has so much patients for there garments it’s crazy I never finsh my garments

[@maryblaylock6545]

I hope that you will feel the joy of completing a project soon. You feel like you are walking in mid air!

[@raraavis7782]

ShippingAvaLance That has totally happened to me...several times...in my long and illustrious (not) sewing career. Don’t give up, it’s totally normal 😉

[@gabidoescosplaystuff]

Woah, i think this is the first time I've ever seen a video within SECONDS of posting, and it's about making SHOES! so exciting!

[@MorganDonner]

Congrats on getting to the party right on time 😉🎈 Thanks for watching!

[@TexasLadyS]

It looks very much like making pointe shoes for ballet. Interesting how some of the basic steps haven’t changed in thousands of years. I definitely admire your patience!

[@ragnkja]

Well, they still have to fit human feet, don’t they?

[@Desi-qw9fc]

The stirrup strap workholding solution is so simple and clever, nice.

[@MichelleH1791]

I love watching your stories. Yes, stories. I feel I'm being transported in your story telling of your adventures. Your calm, pleasant nature is lovely. Be blessed.

[@gozer87]

The bristle needles and the work strap=mind blown! I struggle with holding my leather projects and don't want to make a stitching horse, the strap may be the answer. Also, this video gives me hope that I might be able to tackle my own shoe-making adventure.

[@Nikki-tx6kh]

One of my uncles was a leather worker. I saw him work several times as a child. Fascinating stuff 120 songs? That's just a bit short of my Eurovision favourite bops playlist. Anyone wants to make shoes with Eleni Foureira?

[@HowardBrook]

All I can think of is "Youu like my shoes? g thanks just made them" XDDDD

[@tiffinylawrie]

I don't know about Morgan but I've been showing the pair I made to everyone around me saying "I MAde These WITh MY HANDS" ☺☺☺

[@SobrietyandSolace]

I see it, I like it, I sew it, I got it

[@manitoumimi]

For well about a year now I’ve been intently watching and reading about shoemaking, preparing to make my own, and I’ve got to say you have shown me the technique that ties all of the knowledge I’ve gathered together. Thank you so much for sharing your work.

[@denisem6754]

I tie flies for fly fishing and we use a very similar method of wrapping thread onto the hook to begin dressing the design. I found this very interesting, thanks for sharing.

[@SewardWriter]

The boar bristle needle reminds me of the traveling cobbler from Laura Ingalls Wilder's *Farmer Boy*. He used the same technique. I've always wanted to try it myself.

[@aramakifox2408]

Thanks for showing us this - It's so interesting that they used boar bristles as needles! :)

[@teaweaselstudios]

So awesome to see the whole process! I once tried taking a class at an ithra where the teacher bragged he had lasts and patterns for all size and shape feet. He spent the majority of the class proving to the class he had some for my feet. Spoiler alert: he didn't. My feet are short and very wide. It would have been faster to create a new pattern. I still haven't made myself turnshoes. :P

[@missingallmymarbles7670]

I need to take one of these classes! Shoes and I have a love/hate relationship, I love fun shoes but I inherited a mild birth defect that is just enough to require special insoles as well as my feet being a weird size 6EEEEE men’s shoe (I’m female...my pointe shoes in ballet were laughable). I’m used to special ordering work boots and sneakers but dread trying to round out my wardrobe with period footwear. At least I already have quite a few leatherworking tools including one of those round bladed knives.

[@kerryl4031]

Amazing - it's a different world to me and I'm enjoying it all. Thank you. Interesting to see the original rotary blade cutter - even if it didn't rotate! LOL!

[@themaddiemads]

Everything about this video is so incredibly fascinating!! The reality that a boar's hair is this strong is blowing my mind a bit, I've felt how wiry a pig's coat is at a farm before, but that's really intense. I also really admire you, and all the others there, for very much committing to historical accuracy. I have learned so much, my nerdy historian's heart is so happy!!

[@MadebyaBEAutifulqueenBea]

Man, you, Bernadette, Cathy and many others are soooooo AWESOME just by having the motivation and talent to make such ideas. 🥰 Great video 💙🐝💙

[@RavenAttwoode]

What a very cool process! I've been wanting to try my hand at some turn shoes but don't have all of the equipment needed yet. I'm sure I will return to this video several times between now and then. 🙂 Thank you Mistress Donner!

[@MorganDonner]

I hope it is helpful, despite not being a full step-by-step tutorial.

[@maryblaylock6545]

@@MorganDonner You make it look like it is possible to do. That is the important part.

[@RavenAttwoode]

@@MorganDonner It does! It gives a guideline that I can fill in the gaps. And you cited your sources so I can follow in your footsteps!

[@AlasdairMuckart]

You really don’t need very much in the way of equipment to start making shoes. You need a _sharp_ craft knife (not a box cutter, something with a rigid blade), pen and paper, a narrow measuring tape (I get them out of “pocket” measuring tapes) which is easier to measure the circumferences of your foot with, an awl which needs to be polished smooth and have a slight chisel point, bristles (eBay) or fishing line (Maxima Chameleon works well) and some shoemakers wax which you can make or buy from Sorrel Notions and Findings.

[@andymakesthings9587]

Darn it, I'd just convinced myself not to get into shoemaking! Curse you!!!!!! (Joking aside, these look super duper awesome! Thanks for the video!)

[@MorganDonner]

Dooo itttt! Once you get all the supplies, you can make so many shoes :D #cursedforlyfe

[@andymakesthings9587]

@@MorganDonner I have lots of leather working supplies left over from my old job as a leather worker...wouldn't be TOO hard of a switch to shoes, but first I'm going to make the leather strap for a demicient that I decided to do after you introduced me to Billy and Charlie's!

[@WolkeYume]

This makes me feel so inspired even though medieval is not really my time! The whole boar bristle thing is just amazing!!

[@debbieboring3422]

Very cool, I love watching you work with the leather and the ingenious needles. That was great that you had a mentor there to help instead of having to work things out by your self.

[@Caroline28483]

I honest to goodness gasped when you showed what to do when you run out of thread. It's so helpful and easy!

[@kattachibana7932]

I studied leather design and work for 4 years and I'd still have an aneurysm making this.Mad props.

[@ItsJustLisa]

How cool! I have a pair of short, 3-button boots that were made for me and I love them. Hubby’s are a little taller at 5 buttons. They were made by Catskill Mountain Moccasins. They’re 12 years old and hardly look it.

[@paisley293]

Morgan! Great job! Love your shoes! They are a lovely colour and look to be very comfortable. My grandfather was a shoe maker; I used to spend hours watching him craft the shoes; brings back fond memories.

[@makingitthrough190]

That was so interesting, and I love the end result. It makes me wonder who figured out a boar bristle could be a needle! It’s completely ingenious. It also solves one of life’s big mysteries about how the combination of thread and sewing needle is so hard to used on some fabrics that don’t yield.

[@lindak8664]

They look so comfortable! You did a great job on them.

[@BenjaminHare]

So I was listening to a lecture on medieval history and the professor mentioned that shoes were sewn with a cotton thread attached to a boar bristle needle. "That's impossible," I thought. I did some research and found this video. Clearly, it's very possible. Thanks for taking the time to make this excellent video.

[@emilinebelle7811]

I specifically love that it looks like you have a group doing it and that sounds like so much fun to me

[@SolsGarage]

I love these! I really want to make my own now.

[@MorganDonner]

Heck yeah! Lots of great patterns in the books I linked to in the description.

[@jcaylalove8713]

You are SO talented! You and Marika have inspired me to start sewing again. Both of your videos have me in a constant state of awe 😍 Thank you for the ongoing goodness you bring to the KZbin world! 😊 ✌️🌻♥️

[@davidchristensen6908]

I started sewing about 5 years ago I am 61 now. I sew clothing and create embroidery. This looks like a lots of fun to do. Wow. I know I would enjoy leather work but I just don’t have the time to invest in learning another skill. The shoes look very comfortable for around the house and in my sewing shop. How fun will show my grand kids this video

[@cryinward]

Watching you cut out the little hearts in the leather was strangely satisfying

[@moxielouise]

Thank you so much for this one. Felt like i was living vicariously and taking the class with you! I'm sharing it with my brother who is a medieval historian

[@justyouraverageweirdo]

THE MEDIEVAL FASHION VIDEO I'VE BEEN WAITING FOREVER FOR!!!!

[@scarletpimpernelagain9124]

My goodness, those Medieval chaps and chapesses were dammed clever, ye gads - sorry, getting carried away - I’ve always been fascinated by hand crafted shoe making so this was truly delightful to watch. I particularly loved the authentic Medieval soundtrack and very clear instructions. The finished product is lovely 💕😊 As L.P.Hartley wrote “the past is a foreign country; they do things differently there,” thank you for taking us with you, love from England ✌🏻💕❤️🌹🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇬🇧

[@megs7019]

This workshop sounds like tons of fun! Very interesting watch how shoes were made by hand doesn’t happen much nowdays

[@Rustyrc83]

Mrs. Donner, I bet your parties are to die for!

[@ateliernostalgia4088]

They look really cool, and it's so nice to see them come together. There are a lot of things I never would've thought about (the needles!), there's just so much to old crafts to explore. Thanks for taking us along!

[@skanecmt]

I can say, without sarcasm or hyperbole, that this video was riveting. The end product was beautiful.

[@Rotten_Ralph]

I am making a medieval ensemble.... I may have to make shoes now... awesome

[@E_FoxSnowspirit]

This is quite the craft!!!!!! I sincerely hope it doesn’t get lost in face of factory made shoes. People who first had the idea to do this were really very smart! I wonder- can the boar’s hair needle can be reused?

[@gmkgoat]

Really nice! Shoemaking has been one of those things I'd love to try but definitely can't justify spending all the cash on for the specific tools and material. A workshop is a great idea.

[@marialiyubman]

It took a medieval clothing recreation to show people how awesome it is to make your own shoes. 😍 it truly is my impossible dream to make my own heels.

[@ToastAndJellyfish]

"Would it get very much use there? Ah, no, no. But it is very badass, right?" Yes, yes it is. As the owner of one or two "I'll almost never use it but my god have you *seen* this thing?!" tools, I feel like you get me at a core level. This was utterly fascinating to watch, and as someone shortly embarking upon a project making medieval-inspired boots for a large doll where bulk is such a concern, I'm utterly blown away by the boar bristle needles! Your shoes turned out so beautifully. What an amazing workshop experience, and how delightful to get to work with those medieval style lasts! Thank you for sharing all that you do with us. Your work and generosity inspire those who work on such things in all scales!

[@DodiTov]

Dollies! I quite appreciate your concern as I sew for the wee folk. Did you know that you can scrape leather down? Also, the "baby" leathers are much thinner than mature animal hides. Tandy Leather has an amazing variety of leathers to experiment with in all colors and sizes. Exploration awaits!

[@RedCoyote]

It's neat to see just how old some leather working techniques are, such as the saddle stitch and the intimidating half moon knife.

[@tammyt3434]

Sometimes having a cool tool in your space is for inspiration. I don't do drafting, navigation, architecture, or very much sketching, but I have a gorgeous brass naval compass I'm very proud of. Get that half moon knife!... and maybe a shadow box to display it in.

[@mischiefmerchant]

IVE BEEN WAITING MONTHS FOR THIS VIDEO!!! Best part of my day!!!! Yay! Thank you

[@MorganDonner]

It's finally here! 🎉🎈🎂 I have been so excited to show you since late last year!

[@JuulThijssen]

This video is EVERYTHING! I am in awe of your video- and shoemaking skills, and I love how you take on such a variety of projects and techniques and share them in such an inviting way... and if you see one of the likes on this video shining extra bright: that one's mine!

[@sarahlongshore2605]

That had to be the most amazing workshop ever!!! I am so glad that its not a completely lost art!!! Thank you for sharing this. It was Most interesting.

[@countessofconfusion]

I rarely post comments but the last 16 minutes made me feel like I have to say you're amazing. Thank you Morgan!

[@pigcatapult]

my grandma used to make shoes by hand. It's really interesting to see the differences! (for one, she did a lot less stitching and used and a lot more rubber cement!)

[@emileegrant3883]

what a cool and niche interest! medieval shoemaking! i love it. this was absolutely fascinating

[@SobrietyandSolace]

I found one washed up by the river once. I could not get over how tiny they were and the pointy shape; like elf shoes!

[@saltystitchez]

Oh my gosh this was so great! I am unsure I will be able to make a pair of shoes before my wedding this summer to complete my medieval look... but this is excellent for the future! Thank you so much Morgan

[@shoepixie]

I believe in you!

[@claracruz7986]

My Life has changed with that bristle needle. I WILL have some leather shoes. This is gold! I hope to pass it on... a lot of people in my city walk barefoot (food is more important than footwear), maybe this is a good workshop to have with the kids

[@theladyamalthea]

I’ve been meaning to make some turnshoes, and am so glad you made this tutorial! It really helps to see these things in action, rather than just read about them. Thank you!

[@MildExplosion]

I know hundreds of comments have used the word "fascinating" but this IS FASCINATING! Is the narrower sole so that the tension of the width of your foot hits single-piece leather and not the seam? My shoes always fall apart at the outer edge of my foot (I'm a "hard walker" apparently!) so I wonder if this design would be more durable for that kind of wear and tear?

[@TealCheetah]

that boar needle thing was fascinating!

[@charlotta5660]

This made me miss the days when I went to regular crafting meetings. We used to meet at a friend's place and his specialty was medieval shoes.

[@mothersuperior6751]

The shot of you face on, sitting on the couch sewing. I felt like I was viewing you through a portal. The clothing, the couch, the project. So awesome. Thank you for filming this for us to see.

[@ryokomoonbeam4624]

So cool! I've never worked with leather before. It looks a bit tricky, but also fun. I love making stuff I can actually wear or use!

[@robertsherman9975]

You never cease to amaze. Your videos are always lighthearted with a touch of whimsy. Your videos are clear with processes and through instruction as much as possible. Having made three pairs of turn shoes, the process can be quite complex, and labor intense. Once completed, you feel such personal satisfaction. Thank you for sharing.😄

[@maudline]

Loved how thorough all the steps were explained and showed. Also loved seeing all those tools you wouldn’t know were a thing you needed like that round knife and the handles to tighten the thread without ruining your hands.

[@stephanieruggles7783]

That boar bristle technique is so great. And this video clearly shows why handmade shoes are still so expensive today. All that working time. A pair of shoes takes days. But they will hold a much longer time than the fabricated ones. I would definitely have a very hard time turning the shoes right side out. You have my full admiration for this Morgan. Thank you. Cannot wait to see your next video.

[@moniquem783]

Wow! The boar bristle needle is so cool! Thanks for showing that!

[@canucknancy4257]

What a cool project! It makes perfect sense as to why the boar bristles would be used. They turned out great. Thanks for sharing!

[@noneofyourbusiness7094]

Wonderful craftsmanship! Those shoes will probably last longer than many modern shoes.

[@ragnkja]

None of your business Given that I’ve read that turnshoes - if worn daily - tended to wear through the sole in about three months, that’s not exactly a favourable comparison for modern shoes.

[@jocelyn9240]

This was so cool to watch! I’ve always wondered how these were made!

[@eileenfb1948]

I love to see how things were done back then. I am especially interested in how they made their sewing needles and threads. So you can imagine my excitement at seeing this. Thank you so much.

[@rubymontano1599]

I loved this it's so cool thank you for sharing it. I especially liked the boar bristles as needles and how really simple it actually was to thread ☺

[@littleredhen3354]

Absolutely brilliant! I love the boar bristle needles! So much easier and practical👍

[@catherinegoldie3432]

Amazing you are brilliant, loved watching the process 💕

[@JEWELISA1977]

I am in awe of this makes me want to be time traveler!

[@wizardrobez]

That was so interesting, I didn't realise shoemaking needed a two needle situation. Those shoes are so cute I'd love to make some one day!

[@joaoluisesquivel2810]

Just thought of you yesterday. And here you are. Congratulations for the shoes and the editing of the video. Great job. I miss your sewing.... :)

[@MorganDonner]

My next video should be full of sewing goodness!

[@abbysmommy1205]

I'm a simple woman, I see Morgan donner, I click Morgan donner