Diagram of tunnel stitch Sewing and Decorating Techniques Traditionally the Inuit used sinew from caribou and bone needles to sew together the parts of their kamik patterns. They acquired steel needles a few hundred years ago from trading posts. Today many women use waxed thread and dental floss, although these do not possess the desirable characteristics of natural sinew. They make seams with a tunnel stitch to avoid puncturing holes to the outside of the boot. In addition, sinew swells when wet, making the boot waterproof. "For caribou, seal, and other skins with the hair left on, I use overcast stitches. For shaved seal skin, I use a different stitch so water can’t leak through the holes made by the needle. The needle never goes all the way through both layers of skin." Annie Okalik, Pangnirtung, 1985 Continue >> Needle, thimble and sinew