Rectangular Construction: A Tunic Pattern – Part 8

VARIATIONS

With a few minor adjustments this pattern can be used for almost any time period. Anglo Saxon: Use the pattern as is for undertunic. For over tunic make the following adjustments:

1. Shorten length of sleeves to just past elbow length. Make the sleeves wider down the length.
2. Shorten the length of the tunic to just below knees.
3. Add a “keyhole” to the neck.
4. Add decoration and trim.

Viking Coat:

1. Shorten length of the pattern by about 6” to 12”.
2. Fabric: Coat weight
3. You may want to line this (or not).
4. Make sleeves wider down the length.
5. Change neck from a circle to a triangle with the point coming to about 3” below the collar bone.
6. Make the center front open all the way down the front.
7. Add trim and decoration.
8. Add front closure or use a brooch.

Tudor Smock (ladies):

1. Fabric colors: white, ivory, off-white.
2. Instead of a round neckhole cut a square neck to about 3” to 5” inches below collar bone (depending on how low you want it).
3. Either leave the sleeve fitted or widen it down the length and then gather into a cuff. (Court garb will want a cuffed sleeve, whereas everyday garb could go with a fitted sleeve.)
4. Add embroidery, trim, or blackwork to sleeve cuffs, neckline, and even seams. (depending)

Tudor Shirt (Gents):

1. Fabric colors: white, ivory, off-white.
2. Shorten the length of the pattern to just above the knees.
3. In addition to the round neckhole: Add a “Keyhole” slit in front about 3” long. Add a collar.
4. Widen the sleeves down the length and then gather into a cuff.
5. Add embroidery, trim, or blackwork to sleeve cuffs and/or collar. (depending)

Later Period Rus, Slavic, Greek, Turkish style Shirt:

1. Fabric colors: white, ivory, or off-white.
2. Shorten the length of the pattern to just above the knees.
3. In addition to the round neckhole: Add a “Keyhole” slit in front about 3” long slightly off center. Add a collar with one or two buttons for closure.
4. Widen the sleeves down the length and then gather into a cuff.
5. Add embroidery or trim to sleeve cuffs, off-center neck slit, and even seams.

All images created by Jane Yarbrough