🧵💰 DIY: Transform a $10 Wool Blanket into a No-Sew LARP Cloak 🛡️

In this video DiY tutorial, Maxx shows you step by step how to make an awesome looking cloak from a Harbor Freight Wool Blanket. (If that store no longer carries them, try amazon or military surplus for a similar look.)
This has to be one of the easiest and best looking builds I've done on this channel. It only requires 4 items and cost about $10 USD. Even if you can't find the wool blanket I use on this video, any 80" x 60" (203 cm x 153 cm) piece of fabric, sheet, tarp or blanket will work.
I personally like this build because it is so versatile and can be used in any genre, yet still retains the original blanket, so it can be used to sleep with or spread out for meals or whatever you can think of. If you make one, please share a photo with me on any of my social media accounts; Twitter, Instagram or Snapchat, all @larpmix
If you find this video helpful, please spread the good word and let others know about my channel, I appreciate it! And don't forget to like and subscribe yourself, if you haven't already.
Items You Need:
x1 Harbor Frieght Wool Blanket (Western Safety Brand)
x2 Rounded Objects (spell packs, Rival balls, stones, golfballs, etc)
x1 Piece of string, twine, jute, paracord, leather, etc
Combine this cloak with my T-Shirt Tunic, $2 Viking leg wraps and budget pants to have a full (Good Enough Looking) costume kit for under $20. Or add existing pieces of your kit, like a hooded mantle or furs overtop of this cloak to really punch it up a notch.
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**Machine wash this style wool blanket at your own risk. I have a large machine with no agitator in it and the blanket made it out fine. However, if you choose to machine wash yours, it's at your own risk. You SHOULD hand wash it, as per the instructions. But certainly do not machine dry it no matter what. Air dry only**
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#Ruana#larper#LARP#larping#Halloween#Cloak

[@hypnokitten6450]

Hey, just wanted to say thank you so much! Needed a cloak in a rush, did the thing, and it was awesome! I did do some sewing - I sewed in a broach-thing to hold it together, and I sewed in a baseball cap like you suggested. Quick review of my own work based on this idea? CONS: * those blankets smell. Oh boy do they smell, left it out for days and it still had a bit of a scent. But... once it airs out it is ok. * heavy - adding in the baseball cap my head was always being pulled back slightly (but PRO? my posture was probably better because of it) * it looks like what it is, the actual 'cloaks' most were wearing were much prettier PROS: * all those pretty people were shivering in their pretty cloaks, I was nice and toasty-warm! (gonna bring it w/ me even when I can afford a 'pretty' one, just in case) * cheap, fast, did the job! * totally passable - you just look poor. which is fine. I just said my character was poor. which... was true, new character = poor. Sooooo thank you! You rock :D

[@LarpMix]

Oh, they are very stinky! Even after I ran mine through the washing machine, it still smelled a bit. Thanks for the review on it and I'm glad it worked out well for you!

[@zxyatiywariii8]

I think it's the lanolin that makes is stinky -- I washed mine in some Dreft (diaper detergent) and air-dried it on a windy day, and now it's fine. Great, versatile, and cheap!

[@ricdonato4328]

Oops, only a nose smells, not the blanket. One of its functions is to smell. Everything else gives off an aroma, stench, sent, fragrance, and the like, nothing other than a nose smells.

[@333stepha]

i genuinely love the fact that hes trying to make it very clear that you dont have to spend exuberant amounts of money to make a costume, and you dont need to be like, a master crafter to be able to make things, and that its okay to just use things you already have and repurpose them, and that there shouldnt be any shame in not buying the most expensive things or making things yourself as someone who doesnt have the financials to be getting super expensive materials, i really appreciate this

[@Godnando00]

yo man, actually I was just cold and kinda tired to drag my damn blanket around so, really amazing video.

[@jwatson15]

Instead of marbles, rocks or rubber balls try a poker chip, a flat drink/milk lid or even a couple quarters. It gives you a nice flat surface that you can use to pin a pair of matching brooches on either side. Pair it with a gold, silver or matching cord and you've got a fancy cloak fastener.

[@ch890333]

Up this thread!!! Cause with the lid, you can put magnetic accessories on the spot!!!

[@shepsfield]

Hey, I just wanted to say thanks for this video. Not a LARPER, but a cosplayer and someone who likes to make costumes, and I needed to make a makeshift cloak for a certain alien pilot. This should be great for him! Thank you!

[@jameshenry1285]

This is extremely useful. I'm going to use this for backpacking. I plan to convert my tarp shelter into a rain poncho and eliminate the need to carry two items. Thanks!

[@StealAJet]

I used to do SCA, and this is essentially a brat, (pronounced like the sausage not the younger sibling), a type of older Irish cloak/kilt. I made mine out of an old wool army blanket. There are tons of ways to wear this. This is the first time I've seen this method, though, and will have to try it out.

[@wickedelfaba]

They do make it through the dryer. They just shrink a bit more but it helps make the weave tighter.

[@LarpMix]

Good to know!

[@erictripps125]

I made one of these a few years ago I can't count how many events it has gotten me threw inclement weather. I keep 3 in my car. One to wear and two to loan out.

[@dlollard]

An improvised blue tarp cloak for the apocalypse, that's perfect! You could do this with emergency blankets too.

[@bcm1993onebay]

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! My daughter-in-law needed a cloak/cape for trunk or treat. Ordinarily, I would have seen one for her, but I’m physically unable to right now. We put this together in just a few this evening. Thanks again!

[@eveninglyric687]

This video is fucking cHAOTIC i love it so much he threw that blanket over his head and I almost died laughing....but it is really helpful as well....killed me though (Edit:) 'Wait, let me grab my sword' I am deCEASed who is this dude? give him a fucking medal

[@marblepie5104]

I used this with a polyester blanket and it worked perfectly thanks

[@LarpMix]

Awesome!

[@jarrodshirtcliffe2042]

Just keep it away from fire haha

[@riversparrow5094]

Awesome! I just signed up with a LARP group for the first time. I've never done cosplay or anything so I've been looking for ideas. This was very helpful!

[@LarpMix]

I hope you have a great time at your first larp!

[@metal1877]

It's going to be super cold down at TRF, gonna make me and my family 5 of these! Thanks for the idea!

[@LarpMix]

These will definitely be warm. Be sure to wash them or leave them sit out for a while though, because if you get them from harbor freight they smell.

[@MrJustintreat]

I'm playing in January in eastern Washington so this will be a life saver

[@eveninglyric687]

Eastern Washington isn't that bad...try SW Washington in the winter 😂🤣

[@MrJustintreat]

@@eveninglyric687 I actually play in SW Washington. It does suck playing in the rain.

[@eveninglyric687]

@@MrJustintreat 🤣 Oh yeah...and then when you can kindof see the sun and you think mAYbe it's going to get nice....and then the heavens open and you're drenched 😂😂😂

[@misskfay]

We live in a cold climate, so I bought heavier duty wool blanket at the army surplus store. Thanks for the video.

[@rocksnrolls]

Awesome! I think I might buy one that looks like it's made of fur, to use it for a barbarian Viking type.

[@crunchydragontreats6692]

Little late to the party here. Sorry. Get a fur or faux fur piece of fabric and wrap around this cloak over your shoulders. You can attach it to the blanket with smaller “button rocks” (the size of a pea) and thin twine or jute. Two under the hood, one over each shoulder and two on each side in the front should hold it in place. Put the button rocks in through the outside and tie on the inside with a clove hitch and a half hitch with a quick release loop. They should look like dimples on the outside and those should be hidden by the fur. What you end up with is a hooded cloak with a fur mantle.

[@hilmarheathkliff9511]

Fun fact! All this can be accomplished with a smooth wooden pin shaped roughly like a nail. Alternatively: a reproduction brooch (should be findable at most ren fairs or reenactment markets) for a postapocalyptic version just find a nice long nail around 15cm or 6inches.

[@wmsfmf7738]

Outstanding! Thank you so very much!! In the days to come we will need more tutorials like this. Bless you my friend ✌

[@bumboy5348]

Boutta go to the renaissance festival and u saved my life

[@mistergriin]

Awesome video dude gonna help me with my costume for sure.

[@Peregrin_Took]

If you got a few shoelace rings around, just poke a couple holes in the blanket and press a few rings so you can just run a drawstring through. I turned one of my Napalm death shirts into a tunic this way. It was too long so a bit of hole poking and scissor work later, and I bad a band tunic for the ren fair to go with my black denim kilt. Lol

[@pirateofthefort]

Harbor Freight for the win.

[@SlickInks]

Shower curtain might be interesting to use

[@lucassilva1706]

Genius!

[@Holsp]

You are the best dude! Thanks!

[@thomasbukowski2526]

Slip knots in my cloak... finally by bondage experience can cross into my daily bele life

[@OnTheBackOfBullets]

Plastic buttons or clamps might be able to be substituted for those bags you put in there. Just a small hole so the ends can snap together and have something a bit more permanent. Could even sand them a bit and put some paint on them. I dont LARP but I cosplay some at conventions and I think this could work really well for me. Thanks!

[@ctiproductions2017]

It's fine in a dryer I have my wool blanket I use for my apocalyptic bedding and I run it through the washer and dryer and it does just fine just if you decide to use a wool blanket for this stuff just be warned when it gets wet it will be suuuuper heavy lol the benefit tho is that it will still keep you warm when wet I spent two night during winter with just my ww2 wool blanket I was cold yes but that kept my vitals warm enough to sleep

[@michaelb7862]

Anyone have recommendations on the best place to get medieval clothing (1150-1335AD) for men (English), women (Iberian) and children that also doesn't look out of place in the modern world? I was thinking that footwear like the following could suit (whilst not necessarily being perfect) Men: Sandals, Espadrilles, Ropes Sandals, Empire Sandals, Leather Thongs, Menorcan Sandals, Gladiator Sandals, Clogs, Monk Strap, Moccasins, Woven Sandals, Suede Loafer, Chukka Boots, Chelsea boots, Plimsolls, Cuban Heel Chelsea Boots, Chukka Desert Boot, Driving Shoes, Women: Strappy Tie-up Sandals, Knotted Suede Toe Post Sandal, Cross Strap flat sandals, Raffia double strap slide sandals, woven leather tie leg sandal, Mules, Clogs, Over the Knee Boots, Ballet Flats, Lace Up Knee High Boots, Stirrup Boots, Slouch Boot, Desert Lace Up Shoes, Cuban heel western Chelsea boot with buckle detail. Likewise, Quilted Clothing (like Quilted Sweatshirt, Quilted Puffer Coat, Quilted Coat, Quilted Tracksuit Pants, Quilted Tracksuit Top, Quilted Jumper) could suffice for Civilian Gambeson. I’m also thinking that Tunics (Knee, Cocktail, Midi or Maxi Length), Leggings, Tights, Long Sleeved V Neck Shirt, Tank Top, Henley Shirt, Track Pants, Hoodie, T-Shirt with Notch Neck, Driving Gloves, Suede Gloves, Leather Gloves could be used. Correct me if I’m wrong.

[@valeriemegraw2875]

Good information thanks

[@rebeccamcrobbie1378]

Decided to go as "generic adventurer" for Halloween (was going to be a pirate but don't have a hat or an appropriate sword. Ugh.) and was worried about being cold. This is going to be perfect!

[@LarpMix]

I'm glad I could help. Check out my video on making a tunic also. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bnbGoHaGisSpntk

[@rebeccamcrobbie1378]

@@LarpMix it turns out I am too short for my blanket 😂 will go watch your other videos though! This was genius.

[@sarahmcinroy2321]

I'm actually wanting to make cloaks in the Fellowship style for my wedding party. I already found some drab olive wool blankets on a military surplus type store.

[@LarpMix]

Well, this is a very easy way to go about it. If you get some clasp, you could use them instead and it'd look really good.

[@davidblunt5149]

Legit really helpful man thanks, hope you get more subs for real dude definetly subbed myself 👌🏼

[@LarpMix]

I appreciate it! Glad to have helped.

[@luismendoza9707]

This guy is Cool

[@theforgedlarp]

I am doing Afterworlds in Oregon in a few weeks and the forecast says rain. Gana try a tarp, eyelets and a bungee cord.

[@LarpMix]

Should definitely work, and if it's a post-apo type genre, you'll be great!

[@tilasole3252]

Can you do a video of a blanket that you make a cloak or poncho out of, with just folding or wrapping it around you? Certain steps to make it look good?

[@LarpMix]

I'll put it on my list and see what I can do about making a video. In the meantime, try searching videos on how to tie a shemagh. Although they aren't long enough to be a full cloak or poncho, if you had a light enough and big enough fabric, the same principle may apply and give you more length, or custom cut it...

[@tilasole3252]

@@LarpMix hahaha! I was actually going to mention that as a reference for what I was talking about, but did not know the name, just know of them or something like them. Like a wrap of sorts. Like a chador 🤣

[@bjornsfather]

Thanks will be using for our Norse campout

[@LarpMix]

Very cool, let me know how they work out!

[@drybones5619]

You should do some larp game play videos

[@LarpMix]

Tough to do. All games I currently play do not allow video or even photos... I need to find some new games! But this seems to be the new trend, they only want their own PR teams doing stuff.

[@spookymulder945]

@3:42 hell yeah. Rock on. Lol!

[@brerrabbit4265]

For the price of those blankets and the fact that it's available at harbor freight. I can guarantee that blanket doesn't come within forty miles of being 80% wool. More like 40%.

[@LarpMix]

Yeah, who knows. I just go by what the tag said.

[@krystofsamal7067]

for the similiar price level you can go for some used eastern european army blankets. Really sturdy wool usually.

[@717UT]

I have a similar blanket with a pretty high polyester mix and it's still pretty warm

[@jedimastergarcia87]

Can you use regular clasp type things for this? I'm going to get some stuff this weekend :P

[@LarpMix]

It may fit a little odd, but if the clasp were big enough, it should work ok.

[@skycrafter2042]

blanket, rope. small stones

[@stevewilliams2895]

even better is a penannular brooch, historically accurate and they cost under $5. can even make one with a hammer 2 nails and some time.

[@NancyReiderLittleGranny]

Is this itchy? I would like to make my son one of these, but ain't nobody got time for a brillo pad cloak lol.

[@LarpMix]

Truth! Yeah, it's gonna be itchy, but probably no more itchy then rough wool. I'd definitely not wear this just on skin. You'd be fine with it layered over your costume/armor/kit/whatever. Once you wear it for a while and the chemical smell leaves it and you get it washed once or twice, it'll soften up and stuff. You could always sew a liner into though... I mean, then it's not a super simple cloak, but just sewing a big square wouldn't be that hard.

[@mrwdpkr5851]

Did they have blanket pins back then ?

[@LarpMix]

Depends on the time, but yeah, probably most places had cloak pins and various pins.

[@KatherineGreyhunter]

I'd just use a blanket as a rectangular viking cloak...

[@inconsistentlysleepy]

Heheh 66th like

[@AveChristusRex3441]

Or use a medievel pin

[@jameskennard3072]

I don't know much about larp so forgive me but wouldn't a simple brooch pin do this and look better ? They're cheap to buy even cheaper and simple to make

[@ky4tgtodd203]

Use a cloak pin