Designing and Pattern Making
Medieval times costumes diy – Creating authentic-looking medieval garments hinges on understanding basic pattern drafting. While intricate designs require advanced skills, surprisingly simple patterns can yield impressive results. This section Artikels fundamental techniques and provides examples for beginners eager to embark on their costuming journey.
Accurate pattern making is crucial for a well-fitting garment. Even slight inaccuracies can result in a poorly-shaped final product. Take your time, and don’t be afraid to make adjustments as you go.
Basic Pattern Drafting Techniques
These techniques provide a foundation for creating various medieval garments. Remember to always add seam allowances (typically ½ inch or 1.25 cm) to your measurements.
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- Tunic Pattern: Begin with a rectangle. The width is twice your desired sleeve width plus the desired chest width. The length is your desired tunic length. Cut armholes by creating a curved line from the top corner to approximately one-third down from the top on the side edge. This creates a simple, basic tunic shape.
- Robe Pattern: Start with a rectangle for the body, similar to the tunic. For the sleeves, cut two rectangles, with the length equal to your desired sleeve length and width determined by your arm circumference. Attach these to the body rectangle at the armholes. A simple robe can be created by adding a V-neckline or a round neckline.
- Cloak Pattern: A basic cloak can be a large semi-circle or rectangle. The diameter or width depends on the desired size of the cloak. The length is determined by how long you want your cloak to be. A simple hood can be added by creating a smaller semi-circle or rectangle, and attaching it to the neckline.
Simple Patterns for Beginners, Medieval times costumes diy
These examples offer easy-to-follow patterns for those new to garment construction.
- The Peasant Tunic: This uses a simple rectangular pattern with straight armholes. The key feature is its simplicity; it requires minimal sewing skills and fabric. Imagine a loose-fitting, knee-length rectangle of linen or cotton, with simple armholes cut into the sides. This is perfect for beginners as it focuses on basic construction techniques.
- The Hooded Cloak: This pattern utilizes a large semi-circle of heavy wool or a similar material. The key feature is the addition of a hood, which is also a smaller semi-circle attached to the neckline. This design is characterized by its ease of construction and its classic medieval aesthetic. It’s a great introduction to working with heavier fabrics.
Adapting Existing Clothing Patterns
Existing patterns can be repurposed to create medieval-inspired garments. Simple modifications can transform modern styles.
- Modifying a Modern Dress Pattern: A simple A-line dress pattern can be adapted into a medieval tunic by adding longer sleeves and a lower neckline. The key adjustment is lengthening the sleeves and adding a more generous amount of fabric in the bodice for a looser, less fitted silhouette. Consider adding decorative elements such as lacing or embroidery to further enhance the medieval feel.
- Transforming a Shirt Pattern: A simple long-sleeved shirt pattern can be transformed into a medieval chemise by adjusting the neckline and adding a longer length. The key modification is extending the length and altering the neckline to a more modest style, potentially adding a gathered or pleated neckline detail. This creates a foundational garment easily layered under other medieval-style clothing.
Armor and Weaponry (Optional)
Elevating your medieval costume to the next level often involves incorporating armor and weaponry. While we’re focusing on costume pieces rather than functional protection, crafting these elements can significantly enhance the visual impact of your attire. This section details methods for creating safe and visually appealing costume armor and weaponry using readily available materials.
Creating Costume Armor Pieces
Several materials offer themselves readily to the creation of costume armor. Cardboard, for its rigidity and ease of manipulation, provides a good foundation for larger pieces, particularly if reinforced with additional layers or adhesive. Craft foam, available in various thicknesses and colors, offers a more flexible and potentially more comfortable option, especially for pieces that will be worn close to the body.
Consider using contact cement or hot glue to bond layers for increased strength and durability. For more advanced projects, worbla, a thermoplastic material, can be molded and shaped to create more intricate designs. However, it requires more specialized tools and techniques. Painting your armor pieces with metallic acrylic paints adds realism and enhances the visual effect.
Consider adding details such as rivets or straps crafted from leather or faux leather to further enhance the look.
Crafting Safe Toy Weapons
Safety is paramount when creating toy weapons for costumes. Wooden dowels or craft sticks provide a safe and readily available base for swords and other weapons. For shields, consider using sturdy cardboard or craft foam, reinforced with additional layers. All sharp edges and points should be meticulously sanded smooth to prevent injuries. Avoid using materials that could splinter or break easily.
For a more realistic appearance, paint the weapons with acrylic paints and consider adding details such as leather or fabric wraps to the handles. Remember to supervise children when they are using these costume weapons, and always stress the importance of safe play.
Comparing Costume Armor Creation Methods
Cardboard offers a cost-effective and easily accessible method for creating large, rigid armor pieces. However, it lacks flexibility and can be cumbersome to wear. Craft foam, while more comfortable and flexible, may require more layers to achieve sufficient rigidity. It’s also susceptible to damage from moisture. Worbla, while allowing for more intricate designs, requires more specialized tools and expertise and is more expensive.
The choice of material depends largely on the complexity of the desired design, the wearer’s comfort requirements, and the budget available. Each material presents a trade-off between cost, ease of use, durability, and flexibility.
Character Inspiration and Customization: Medieval Times Costumes Diy
Creating a truly captivating medieval costume involves more than just stitching together fabric; it’s about embodying a character and a specific moment in history. Understanding the nuances of different periods and drawing inspiration from iconic figures will elevate your DIY project from a simple costume to a believable portrayal. This section explores various historical periods and their distinct clothing styles, providing examples from literature, film, and games to guide your creative process.
Medieval Period Clothing Styles
The Medieval period, spanning roughly from the 5th to the 15th century, witnessed significant changes in clothing styles. Early Medieval clothing (5th-11th centuries) was often characterized by simple, functional garments like tunics and cloaks, typically made from wool or linen. These garments were often less structured than those of later periods. The High Medieval period (12th-14th centuries) saw the introduction of more elaborate designs, with the use of richer fabrics like silk and velvet becoming more common among the wealthy.
This era is known for its fitted garments, pointed shoes, and the development of distinct styles for different social classes. The Late Medieval period (14th-15th centuries) featured a shift towards more opulent and flamboyant styles, with elaborate headdresses, long, flowing robes, and the introduction of new techniques like embroidery and the use of intricate patterns. The use of contrasting colors and textures became increasingly prominent.
Examples of Medieval Characters and Their Costumes
The following table showcases several examples of medieval characters, highlighting key costume features that can inspire your own DIY project.
| Character Name | Source | Key Costume Features | Inspirational Elements for DIY Costume |
|---|---|---|---|
| Robin Hood | English Folklore | Green tunic, hose, leather jerkin, feathered hat, possibly a bow and quiver | Simple tunic pattern, use of natural fabrics, leather accents, crafting a simple bow and arrow. |
| Princess Leia (A New Hope) | Star Wars | Off-white gown with flowing sleeves and a high neckline, braided hair | High-necked, long-sleeved gown design; simple braiding techniques. |
| King Arthur | Arthurian Legend | Chainmail, surcoat (often with a heraldic emblem), possibly a crown | Metal chainmail effect through careful use of fabric and metallic paint; simple surcoat pattern; crown design. |
| Geralt of Rivia | The Witcher | Leather jerkin, pants, boots, long hair and beard, often with a sword | Leather-look fabrics; simple jerkin and pants pattern; detailed attention to hair and beard styling. |
Personalizing Your Medieval Costume
Personalizing a DIY medieval costume is key to creating a unique and memorable piece. To reflect a specific character or time period, consider the following:* Fabric Selection: The choice of fabric significantly impacts the overall look and feel. Linen and wool evoke a more rustic, early medieval aesthetic, while velvet and silk lend themselves to more opulent, later medieval styles.
Color Palette
Research the typical color schemes of the chosen period or character. For example, deep blues and reds were popular in the later Middle Ages, while earth tones were more common in earlier periods.
Embellishments
Details like embroidery, beading, or even simple stitching can add a level of sophistication and authenticity. Consider using historical patterns or motifs relevant to your chosen character or period.
Accessories
Accessories play a vital role in completing the look. This could include belts, pouches, jewelry, hats, and even weapons, depending on the character. Remember to research historically accurate options.
Questions and Answers
What type of needle should I use for medieval fabrics?
Use a sharp needle appropriate for the fabric’s weight. For heavier fabrics like wool, a larger needle is recommended. For finer fabrics like linen, use a smaller needle.
How do I clean my finished costume?
Check the care instructions for your chosen fabrics. Hand washing is often recommended for delicate fabrics, while some sturdier materials might be machine washable on a gentle cycle.
Where can I find inspiration for medieval character designs?
Explore museums, historical texts, artwork, movies, and video games featuring medieval settings for inspiration. Pinterest and other online image boards are also excellent resources.
What’s the best way to age my fabric for a more authentic look?
Several techniques can age fabric, including tea dyeing, using bleach strategically, and distressing with sandpaper or pumice stone. Experiment to achieve the desired effect.
