Because they are selling closeout, what I have found is that they will sell wools more towards the end of winter and beginning of spring. They do not typically restock fabric and when it’s gone it’s gone. The downside is that their stock is constantly changing. This is good because they will sell quality fabric at affordable prices. Denver Fabrics is a fabric closeout website that will typically have fabrics that cost half what they would cost from other retailers. I purchased a heather green wool flannel and a caramel wool flannel. I looked at various fabrics but finally settled on 100% wool flannel purchased from. I also knew that I wanted to line my garment, this also influenced my fabric decision. Therefore, I knew I wanted a light to medium weight 100% wool fabric. Therefore, knowing what your desired application will be for the cloak will impact your decision.įor my cloak, I wanted something that would be warm but not hot and that would be water resistant. Just like you have a rain coat, a winter coat, and a pull over hoodie for different kinds of weather, you will choose a different fabric for different kinds of cloaks. However, because the cloak is relatively simple in design, you can make changes without too much effort and still have a good result.įirst, what you are looking for in a cloak fabric is going to depend on what your intended use for the cloak will be. The pattern described here is for a side cloak with self fabric button closures. The benefit of this is that the right hand is always free to function and the cloak can be thrown over the shoulder and out of the way to reduce any obstruction even further. However, another method of wear would be to think of the cloak being worn “sideways” on the body and pulled over the left shoulder and closed on the right side of the body. Many cloaks were worn with a simple neck opening cut into the edge of the cloak directly in the middle so that the cloak would be pulled over the shoulders and clasped in the front. In addition to the size and length of the cloak, another variation is in the neck opening and how the cloak lays on the body. All of these variations are seen throughout the period. Further, the length of the cloak can vary from mid-thigh, below the knee, to floor length. You can make a semi circle cloak, a three-quarter cloak, a full circle cloak, or a squared or rectangular cloak. For example, a green cloak with a yellow, brown, or red lining or a brown or grey cloak with a red or blue lining or the like.Īnother area of diversity and uniqueness is how the cloak is constructed. If you are trying to approximate a look from about 1200 onward, self buttons or metal buttons would be appropriate.Īnother way to make a cloak stand out and add a finishing touch would be to line the cloak in an eye catching color. Self fabric buttons were quite prevalent in the medieval period by 1300 and only increased in popularity from there. Further, you can make your own buttons out of the fabric you use for the cloak. You can find online retailers selling cast buttons that are appropriate for the medieval period made out of bronze, pewter, and other period appropriate metals. Particularly popular closures in this period would have been inspired by nature, featuring animals, leaves, or repeating patterns.Īnother option for a closure is to use buttons. Of course, brooches and hook closures can range from simple to extravagant. A simple cloak can be closed with a cord or string. In addition to dagging, cloaks can have closures as simple or as complex as your imagination. Oftentimes, the designs were inspired by nature, such as flowers, leaves, and ivy. The use of dagging could be minimal to provide a subtle flair of extra design but it could also be extravagant with three to five inch long tasseled designs. Dagging was becoming popular toward by 1300 and increased in popularity through the 14th and 15th centuries. One such way is through the use of dagging. So, while the garment itself is borne of practical necessity, it can be finished in such a way so as to provide superior styling. There is something particularly eye catching about a long cloak with rich colors and fine detailing. However, the finishing work that can be done on the garment will not only make your outfit stand out, it will also serve to pull together a complete medieval ensemble which will turn heads. The garment itself is less period specific than others on this site. The cloak is a relatively standard garment worn by many cultures and throughout many periods of time.
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