Step-by-Step Nasqurrun Making Guide

Aug 14

Written By Sew Yup'ik

Prepping for Nasqurrun Making

Wolf fur (cut into ½" strips) – One wolf can make approximately 15-20 nasqurruns
Beaver fur (cut into ¾" or ½" strips) – One beaver can make approximately 10-15 nasqurruns
Canvas (cut to 21" wide, 10.5" height)
Razor (for cutting skin)
Decorative trim (for karaliqs - embellishments)
Elastic or moosehide (for ties)
Beads (Size 6mm or 8mm for general beading, 10mm for finishing)
Beading needles (Glovers size 10 recommended)
D-Nymo thread (Black and white)
Sewing machine & Thread

Wolf: Split the skin, wet it, fold it skin-to-skin, and let the water soak into the fibers before stretching.
Beaver: Block-stretch by wetting the skin, folding it skin-to-skin, letting the water soak in, then stapling it to a plywood board.

Once stretched and dried, carefully cut the fur into the designated strip sizes.

Hem the edges: Fold ¼" down and sew to create a clean edge.
Cut and iron:
- Cut canvas into 21" x 10.5" pieces.
- Fold in half and iron to create a crease.
Decorate:
- Start decorating one side only (the side with the crease).
- Begin with karaliqs and work your way toward the end.
Sew fur pieces:
- First, attach karaliqs.
- Next, sew beaver fur using a sewing machine.
- Finally, layer and sew wolf fur on top.

💡 Need a visual guide? Check out my Sew Yup'ik YouTube channel!

Mark Placement:
- Try on the nasqurrun and mark the end of your eyebrows—this is where the beading will start.
Bead as Desired:
- The amount of beadwork is your choice!

Sew one side with elastic or moosehide ties.
Adjust and sew the other side accordingly.
Final stitching: Sew the top canvas edges together, avoiding sewing into the wolf fur.

💫 Tuai! Your nasqurrun is complete. Wiinga aqa taqua!