Wow-----Moose hide!

[luvzbeadz]

How on earth do you work with moose hide? Someone gave me a couple of pieces of it and I can't get the biggest glovers needle through it, can't get a leather punch to punch it, can't get an awl through it---------so what does a person do with it, anyway? Surely it's possible to do something with it. I just don't know how.

[tiBBy]

What Lil I know about hides is IF YOU CAN STICK A NEEDLE THROUGH IT fairly easily then it is tanned good....if not then maybe it wasnt tanned very good??!!

Now i dunno bout moose hides cuz there are no mooses in the Sierra Desert! lol I know regardless of the thickness...moose hide is very spongey from all the water absorbing...somethin

Maybe if you really need too...and it wouldnt hurt the appearance very much is damp'in it just a little

[WocusWoman]

Is it native tanned or commercial tanned? We use native tan smoked all the time here in Interior Alaska, no problems.

[luvzbeadz]

No, it's commercially tanned. I've never seen the like of it. I don't know what I'll do with it. I suppose if I use Barge to glue it on for moccasin soles, it will just come loose. Does anyone know about that? Or maybe I'll try soaking it.

[WocusWoman]

I know they use that kind for work gloves. If your using it for moccasin soles I would trace the foot, cut it out and place it on the inside bottom of the moccasin. If you soak commercial tanned hide and let it dry, it becomes even stiffer. This kind would work good as spacers on breastplate, just cut into long thin pieces to suit the size you need.

[andre]

I have made several items from commercial tanned moose hide, including beaded mocs. If it is as tough as you are claiming, moc soles and floor mats for your car are about the only things you can make. You may try pinching a small piece and putting a needle in the top and back out the top (like you do lazy stitch the old way). If that works, you may be able to find more uses.

[luvzbeadz]

I thought of moccasin soles, but if I put it on the inside and the outside wears through, won't it just come out since I can't sew it in?

Thanks for all the input guys. It really and truly is that tough. I've never seen anything like it before. I'd swear it's rhino hide or something.

[WocusWoman]

I was talking about when you need to repair a pair that are already starting to get worn, you just cut out a pair after tracing your foot, then use barge glue inside your moc, and press it down inside. Another thing you could do is use it under beadwork, such as on handles, barrette sticks, canes, etc.

[tiBBy]

GOOD QUESTION! lol..i assumed it was native tanned....I didnt know they tanned moose commercialy...LOL...i dont care to work with commercial hides at all, although the white elk hide is good for buckskin dresses...as for moccs and stuff....stick with native tanned..it last longer and it will save your fingers! LOL

Good luck with your hide tho...maybe you can cut some strings or something...LOL dont throw it away NEVER THROW AWAY somewhere down the road you may be able to use it

Is it native tanned or commercial tanned? We use native tan smoked all the time here in Interior Alaska, no problems.

[DeusExMachina]

how thick is it? if it's 3/16" or more i might see about taking it off your hands. stuff that tough makes good armor.

[luvzbeadz]

I don't think it's big enough for armor. It's only about a foot and a half by two and a half feet. I did find an even bigger needle than the one I had and it does go through, although it takes some doing, so I'll find something to do with it. But thanks very much for everyone's input here. I really appreciate it.

[blacktail]

hmmm...never heard of a hide you can't push a glovers needle through except dry raw hide. if worst comes to worst you could always drill holes through the hide and sew it after.