PATTERNS: Indian Women's Accessories

Ladies' outfits require a number of accessories in order to make them authentic and historically accurate. Because Indian dresses were very simple and usually contained no pockets, articles such as purses, knife sheaths, strike-a-light bags, awl cases, mirror pouches and other bags were necessary in order to keep up with the various tools and materials required for everyday living in the wilderness.

Sketches and paintings from the period show that these accessories were used on the Northern and Southern Plains alike. For additional ideas on design variations, we strongly recommend that you study old paintings and drawings and visit museums and examine existing specimens. Many of the items included in this pattern can be made from small pieces of buckskin that are left over from larger projects.