Step-by-Step: Patterning a Simple Medieval Tunic or Gown Using Your Measurements

Updated version! This is the first video in a planned series. The series is designed to introduce people who are new to medieval sewing -- or new to sewing at all! -- to a simple approach to making your own clothing in medieval style. This is followed by the "how to sew it" video:    • Step-by-Step: Sew Your Simple Medieva...  

Simple geometric shapes are combined in a style known as "rectangular construction", which is most suitable for periods from about 400-500CE until 1350CE in a variety of Eurasian cultures. After 1350CE, curved seams and complex shapes became more common (at least among the very wealthy and very fashionable!).

This clothing is great as a starting point for SCA (Society for Creative Anachronism) garb, LARP character costumes, and Renaissance Faire outfits.

This video is part of a series:
   • Sewing Medieval Clothing--for Modern ...  

The series includes:
Part 1: Step-by-Step: Patterning a Simple Medieval Tunic or Gown Using Your Measurements
Part 2: Step-by-Step: Sew Your Simple Medieval Tunic or Gown
Part 3: Fashionable Medieval Clothing: Variations on the Basic Tunic/Gown
Part 4: Fashionable Medieval Clothing: Design a Layered Style
Part 5: Fashionable Medieval Clothing: Easy-to-Sew Accessories
...and assorted shorts that demonstrate useful skills

Timeline:
0:00 Introduction to rectangular construction
2:56 Characteristics of the style
5:40 Pattern-making introduction
7:09 Body rectangles
9:08 Sleeve pieces
11:45 Godets and gussets
16:38 Contrasting neck facing
18:31 Double-check the pattern
19:19 Getting ready to sew
20:07 Fabric selection and preparation
25:45 Get to know your sewing machine