For Newcomers and Veterans Alike: A compilation of simplistic patterns found throughout the web.
Posted by: kadriendra
on Jun 19, 2011
So after some careful digging for a friend getting back into the society after an incredibly long hiatus(as well as her significant other, who is new), I have come across some patterns that may come in handy to everyone here.
http://www.silverdor.org/viking/underdress.html
Here we have a pattern for a viking underdress that, while it negates the use of certain useful things like gores under the armpit, it makes them largely unnecessary by means of how the garment is constructed. The item is patterned on its fabric to provide the most ample use of the existing material, while leaving the most contiguous piece of scrap possible to allow for future use, and can produce a full underdress in about 4 yards in 45 inch fabric. I discovered this while perusing the web for patterns for a friend, and will be putting it to use for both myself and my lady, as the pattern also can be used to great success in order to construct Very comfortable(and easy) T-tunics, again minimizing waste.
http://www.silverdor.org/viking/vikingad.html
Here is a pattern for a Norse Apron dress, which is in itself actually very period right up through the 1300s and beyond(Hey, fabric was expensive, you made your clothing last). The wonder of this pattern, once you've wrapped your head around its construction and parts(a handy diagram of construction is provided), is that it produces literally Zero waste fabric. The pattern doesn't include the straps, you'll have to come about those on your own(shouldn't be hard, get an extra 5 inches of fabric or what have you). I suggest stitching the strap at the back(underneath the apron dress, of course), but leaving it unstitched at the front, to allow for adjustability with brooch pins.
http://members.iinet.net.au/~bill/handbook/tunic.html
Listed here is a pattern for a T-Tunic. Ignore it. It may look simple, but the ample use of curved seams and waste of fabric brings it firmly outside of what is A: period, and B: wise. More hassle than ease, don't bother with it. However, the pants pattern below it, while not perfect to period, is A: close enough, and B: relatively comfortable if you've measured it right.
http://costumeholic.blogspot.com/2010/04/making-and-wearing-medieval-veil.html
And here we have a women's medieval veil. Period to most timeframes, simplistic, and easy to make interesting should you desire to do so(Yes, you can use a trim stitch around the edge, if you want to), this covers the finer points of simple pin-attachment. I suggest pinstitching(A small, single-stitch line) the hood to the strapping at each temple in order to prevent accidental blowaways in more inclement events.