Do you need a cheap, quick and easy to make costume for a Renaissance fair? A tunic in the shape of a T is a simple garment that can be made with a few materials and for which you will not need great skill and will still look good. With it, you can go to the fair without spending a fortune. In addition, it is easy to modify and adjust for more elaborate costumes.
Steps
Step 1. Get fabric
You will need a few meters depending on your size. An old sheet or blanket may work in place of new fabric. During the Middle Ages, different colors were used, so don't be afraid to buy brightly colored fabric, like yellow, red, or any other color you like.
Step 2. Fold the width of the fabric in half
Many fabrics are already folded in half when you buy them. Fold it in half again, this time lengthwise. Now the fabric should be folded in four parts. Make sure the fabric is smooth and flat and the edges match each other.
Step 3. Prepare to outline the shape
Use a loose t-shirt to create your design. Do not wear a tight shirt, otherwise you will not be able to put the tunic on. Fold the shirt in half lengthwise and place it toward the corner of the fabric, so that the fold of the polo shirt is just above the fold of the fabric. The top of the polo shirt should be on the side of the fabric that is doubled.
Step 4. Change the design
You probably don't want your tunic to be in the shape of a t-shirt. Using the shirt as a guide, create the design you want your tunic to have. You can make the neck bigger, the sleeves longer, the sides looser, etc. Most T-shaped tunics go up to the knee, but you can make yours shorter or even go all the way down to your feet. It is normal to wear the sleeves and the lower part of the tunic a little loose. Your design cannot be smaller than that of the polo shirt, otherwise it will be difficult or impossible to put on the tunic. Trace your design with a pencil.
Step 5. Pin the entire length of your design so it won't come apart when you start cutting
Step 6. Cut the shape leaving a gap of two to five centimeters from the stroke
This space between the stroke and the cut will be used to make the seam. Remember not to cut the sides where the folds are. When you're done, remove the pins and unfold the first fold. You will get a piece of fabric in the shape of a T-shirt that is folded at the shoulders.
Step 7. Sew the sides and sleeves
But be careful, don't accidentally sew the arm and neck holes. Make sure to sew the fabric inside out, otherwise the seams will show. To avoid fraying the fabric, sew a hem along the other sections, or at least make a simple seam.
Step 8. Flip your tunic over
Congratulations, it's done!
Advice
- Be careful when shaping the sleeves. If the hole where they connect to the rest of the tunic is not big enough, you will not be able to get your arms out. If in doubt, start the sleeves slightly below the design.
- Don't hem the neck, it will look weird. There are other, more advanced methods of sewing the neck part. A seamless collar looks great anyway, though.
- If your head does not fit in the neck hole, cut a small vertical cut. It is something practical and gives it a more Renaissance image.
- If in doubt, make your robe larger than you need. Not only will it be more comfortable, but it will also look more authentic.