The Universal Tunic
Period Patterns number 16, Tunics, c. 650-1310 A.D., has 14 tunics for men, woman and children, with most parts being interchangeable. Chest sizes 16-54" included.
These go particularly well with Period Patterns 90, 92, 93, 101 and 102.
Tunics were perhaps the first style to spread throughout Europe, worn from Ireland to Russia, Scandinavia to Byzantium to Spain. They were worn by almost everyone, peasant to noble, from Roman times through the 1300's. Many of the same variations are seen again and again, although a few appear to be limited to one sex or the other and woman's tunics or undertunics were always long. Class differences were shown by the fabric and decoration as well as the cut of the tunic. A nobleman at court might wear a long, full tunic of silk with jeweled embroidery, while working in the field, his poorest peasant would wear a short tunic of coarse wool . Men would usually wear hose (Period Patterns no. 43 or 101) with their tunics, but women didn't.
In the first half of the 14th century the discovery that one could cut the armholes and sleeve caps curved, thus achieving a better fit, caused some change in the basic style. With this change the tunic continued to be worn, in a more or less modified form for another 200 years, especially among the lower classes. One version of the tunic evolved into the cotehardie (Period Patterns #21 & 23).
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Mediaeval Miscellanea has created copyrighted Period Patterns for sewing authentic period clothing. The patterns, designed by professional costumers, are rigorously researched to ensure historical authenticity. Each package includes complete, full sized cutting patterns in all sizes listed on the envelope (which permits easier custom fitting; sizes are based on standard commercial pattern sizes and can easily be scaled up or down to create additional sizes). Detailed, fully illustrated, step-by-step sewing instructions are provided in addition to general instructions (seam finishes etc.), and most patterns include suggested pattern layout.
Each pattern package contains historical notes with illustrations from contemporary sources providing background information, as well as possible enhancements and variations. On the back of the package additional important information is provided including garment description (with country and approximate dates where possible), sizing, notions and yardage requirements for each size and suggested fabric type for each garment.