Steps for Constructing a Pair of Snowshoes:
- Select a long green sapling that is very flexible. Traditionally, birch is used for the frame, but commercial snowshoes are usually made from ash or hickory. Willow branches can also be used. Bend the sapling over your knee and flex it gradually along its length until it is pliable.
- Using a knife, carefully scrap away the inside of the curve to make the wood bend more easily.
- Cut one side of both ends until they will rest flush against each other.
- Fit the ends of the finished hoop neatly together and bind the ends with string. If no string is available, plants can be used to produce natural cordage.
- Bind two short sticks together at the centers with string. Repeat with two more pairs of sticks.
- Lash the three pairs of sticks across the hoop. These will support the foot.
- Weave string over and under the pairs of sticks and tie the ends on the frame of the snowshoe. Then weave string horizontally across the shoe, weaving in and out of the vertical strings and the sticks, lashing the materials together at each intersection. See Figure for additional help.
- Tie the finished snowshoes to your walking boots with string.
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