Sewing Medieval Braises+Chausses / Hosen
May 2 @ 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
This workshop focuses on medieval underwear and stockings of 14th-century England commonly used by men and women. For men, braies are under pants and chausses are footed stockings, both of which are fastened to a cloth waistband. Women’s stockings are called hosen and are footed and worn just below the knee, held by garters.
We will explore their construction, the type of fabric used, and we will draft patterns which we will then use to sew these items for ourselves.
The fabric requirement is wool flannel or linen, 60” wide. You will need to source your own fabric for this project in a solid color of your choice, keeping in mind the medieval colors available at this place and time. In many medieval illustrations, women often have red hosen. Garters are often made of leather, twill tape or tablet woven lengths. Braies are usually made from white linen. Think of chausses as medieval tights, which are therefore made of wool, as wool is much more elastic than Linen. Please, no patterns or plaids. To assist you, once you register, you will be send a list of online resources where you might purchase linen and wool fabric. Please be aware of ordering and shipping time frames, so that your fabric arrives in time for this workshop.
The workshop will provide needles and thread for handsewing and modern sewing machines for sewing seams, whichever you chose, or a combination for that finished medieval look. You are welcome to bring any sewing notions, such as matching thread and decorative bands or buttons, if you wish.
The pattern will be drawn onto packing paper using measurements you will take and fill in the blanks on a sketched chart, then the fabric is cut according to that pattern, so you may start assembling. Guidance will be given freely for the assembly process and you may choose to sew by hand or with a sewing machine, or both. Please know that the construction assembly can be rather fiddly, so bring your great attitude and patience. But, no fear, we can guide you so that your project will be something of pride.
Reference and resource handouts will be made available for each participant that they can take home and keep.
The workshop will probably be 5 to 7 hrs in length, and will be held in the Craftersʻ Hall at Camlann Medieval Village. It may take most of you more time in which to complete this project, if you have not made such an item before, or if your sewing skills are new and limited, but there are opportunities for more help! We are planning to have Sew Meet Ups on Village Days, May-September, in Camlann Medieval Village where you can meet up and sew together, if you need more time and assistance. Access to the Craftersʻ Hall may be limited during those meet ups, but there are other locations on site where we can gather and sew together. Please know that during Village Days and Festival Days, the meet ups will be ‘in character,’ as the Village will be filled with museum visitors.
Because of the length of this workshop, you are welcome to bring a personal lunch or snacks, but please know that food consumption is not allowed in the Crafters’ Hall. Any food brought can be consumed outside in the Village Square or in the Bors Hede.
NOTE: You will need to supply your own fabric.
Men: 1 ¼ yds 60” wide linen for braies (under wear), 2 ½ yds 60” wide wool flannel for chausses (hose). Add ½ yd if you are a size larger than M and add a ½ yd if you are taller than 6′. These are cut on the bias.
Women: Hosen (stockings) 2 yds 60” wide wool flannel. Note: if you are taller than 5ʻ4”, you will need 2 ½ yards 60” wide wool flannel. These are cut on the bias.