How to Buy Viking Clothes (and What to Avoid!)

[@TheWelshViking]

Hi all! I managed to miss a glaring error in the turn shoe segment of this video. The image of barefoot men is obviously not a picture of shoes! Bat-apologies for the gaffe!

[@lspthrattan]

Yep, I was just about to give you a heads-up :) Ah well, it happens to the best of us.

[@rachelboersma-plug9482]

That was bl**dy hilarious! And after all, they are the cheap and period-appropriate footwear we all were born with.

[@PsychoKat90]

Haha I was wondering about that!! No worries!

[@DaisyViktoria]

I was also thinking those are the cheapest period appropriate footwear! ;)

[@nikkia9506]

The turn shoes turned into bare feet 😆

[@caragarcia2307]

I can imagine a wife running out of matching fabric and telling her husband don't worry about the mismatched but piece no one will ever see it under the tunic. Years later displayed in a meseum and pictured on the internet.

[@voidremoved]

And everyone seems to believe that literally all the people alive back then wore the exact same thing like they all went to wal mart and bought the same outfit on sale. Is it like today if you have the real designer shoe or did you get the knock off chinese brand that is exactly the same thing,

[@paigeherrin29]

Lol

[@caragarcia2307]

I wonder if jesters wearing multicolored clothing was originally making fun of poor people who made and repaired their outfits from scraps and remnants.

[@zxyatiywariii8]

Matching dye lots is tricky even in our century. . . Like when someone wants to order six matching bridesmaids' dresses, they're advised to order them all at the same time, to ensure they match in exact hue and shade. At a friend's wedding, one bridesmaid had lost almost 100 pounds between the time the couple got engaged and the wedding day; so she hadn't ordered her dress until months after the others, and it was a slightly different shade of blue. It didn't show in all the wedding pics, but it definitely showed in some. Fortunately the bride and groom didn't care; but some wedding parties definitely would. And this is with 21st century dyes!

[@caragarcia2307]

@@zxyatiywariii8 It's good to know it's not just me.

[@judithschwartz8349]

Am I particularly interested in the Viking age? No. Am I interested in Viking reenactment? Even less. Have I learned something? Yes. Am I entertained? Yes. Would I listen to you reading a telephone book? Umm...guilty. Your voice is super calming. Keep up the good work :)

[@lordhank77]

I want Jimmy reading audiobooks to lull me to sleep.

[@willowthistle3648]

@@lordhank77 that's what KZbin is for. I watch them because I do enjoy the information, history and entertainment. But I listen sometimes to help me sleep.

[@katiemaedit]

I literally put on one of his videos to fall asleep to for this reason! I'm moderately interested in mythology and history and lifelong seamstress, so I do also find this interesting.

[@tmorningstar2978]

It's true! I have an ex-feral cat who hides from everyone, but he curls up next to the speaker and purrs when I listen to this channel. I also work at a bird sanctuary, and our rescue screech owl calls at Jimmy when I put this channel on. It's wild. 😂🥰

[@MaridithSmith]

"Everything that is questionable comes from Birka." I just spat out my tea remembering research I did for a project last year.

[@herminadepagan3407]

In the SCA, Birka is a big shopping event held almost every January. The things I’ve seen🙄

[@AlecStory]

This is really under appreciating how weird Hedeby is, IMO

[@sumaya4091]

Hi! I'm new to this, can you explain to me why Birka finds are questionable? Thanks!

[@MaridithSmith]

@@sumaya4091 there is not really anything wrong with Birka. Because it was a regional trade center there are items from all over which makes it harder to dissect (in my limited study).

[@sumaya4091]

@@MaridithSmith Ohhh, because there is no way to know if the artifacts are actually belongings to people living there or just items traded from further away? Ok, make sense. I doubted all my research for a moment! Thanks for the clarification! :)

[@LanaFeyah]

I'm not a reenactor or anything of the like - just a person who likes to "History-bound," as that allows me to have all the machine seams I like in my 14th-century-looking boots, hehe. But I always admire and appreciate the research and work it takes to compose as historically accurate of an outfit as one possibly can!

[@metalman7825]

The Welsh Viking:”your tunic should be long and made of wool.” Me(living in south Alabama, USA): “I can hear you...but I won’t.”

[@matthewconner5545]

Similar here in Vegas. Most of the year, anyway.

[@ZeLeninovoMasoveRizoto]

I haven't gotten to that point in video yet, but hemp fabric should be accurate also. That being said, good luck finding it

[@ericjohnson8001]

In across the river 90 mins south of phenix city -- I aint wearin wool ANY thing!!!

[@joshharding5408]

South Texas here I also recommend avoiding at risk of horrible fiery death by boiling alive from the inside

[@Psychosurgeonpls]

same

[@sophroniel]

I happen to be nålbindning as I watch this lol. Easiest stitch is essentially blanket stitch, btw. Get a decent 8 to 12ply wool, make a slipknot, loop in about 7 -12 loops, and blanket stitch out from there. Totally doable!!

[@TheWelshViking]

I'll do my best, but I'm not promising anything pretty!

[@chrispadgham1201]

Definitely strayed towards Vimes 'Boots' theory of socioeconomic unfairness at the start there when talking about saving for a better pair of shoes that will last longer. Great video as always, and I did enjoy the picture of the saucy hose with the toes poking out the end instead of turn shoes.

[@imasinnerimasaint]

Definitely :)

[@Ikkorous]

I am so glad someone made this comment because if I was the only one that thought of it, it'd be sad.

[@christinawolf5657]

THANK you.

[@knockoutnorko7500]

Great minds think alike ^^

[@VilaVendetta]

Thank you! I've used this analogy before so many times but forgot who it was that said it.

[@Nessi-dances]

Oh nifty! The trick with the un-spun wool fiber being pulled through/woven/knitted into a piece helps make it waterproof and really hecking warm! There are a ton of modern knitting patterns that can explain how to do it/add it to a pattern. If you look up 'fulled mittens' you will get them (most patterns are in Norwegian/Swedish/Finnish etc.). I hope your PhD is going well! I'm excited to hear about it!

[@Wombletron]

I think fulling is more like felting and thrumming/thrum is the word for the unspun wool pieces, however I haven’t looked at it from the perspective of Nordic patterns.

[@lynn858]

Jimmy's two categories of items not supported by historical evidence: Dumb as hell. Cool as hell. Either way, I solemnly swear items lacking historical evidence will never appear at a reenactment, I'll save them for the "ren faire", or the grocery store.

[@zxyatiywariii8]

Same. This is a good oath.

[@Downhomeherbwife]

Nalbinding is like tap dancing, it's easy once you get the knack. I taught myself how to do it, and teach others who ask. It's very hard wearing.

[@rachelboersma-plug9482]

Is there a tutorial you'd recommend? One of my kids is interested.

[@Downhomeherbwife]

@@rachelboersma-plug9482 this one is nice, kzbin.info/www/bejne/hH7FdHiHbt2EnZY

[@rachelboersma-plug9482]

@@Downhomeherbwife Thanks, I'll check that one out.

[@robintheparttimesewer6798]

Oh wonderful I was just thinking I need to know more!

[@the13thfirefly94]

I absolutely love naalbinding it's such a nice rhythm

[@quicksilvertears921]

I know how hard University deadlines are I am astounded you can do videos while finishing your doctorate. Thanks for the hard work you do.

[@cheerful_something_something]

So: Context, Context, Context! Also don't burn my yarn! Just tell me and I'll bag my craft or tuck it under my other layers! I sob at the idea of burning someones nalbinding, no matter how out of place it is.

[@johannageisel5390]

It's his fear of magic shining through.

[@DawnOldham]

Oh, I had the same thought! Lol

[@aragorn1780]

I've seen a handful of reenactors look the other way when it comes to using cotton simply because of what you mentioned as a matter of cost and accessibility: It's nigh impossible to find wool, especially in an accurate twill weave, at most local fabric/craft stores, and they're expensive as crap online (never mind the additional cost of buying premade items rather than making it yourself) One thing I will point out if you're forced to use cotton for that issue: at least use a flannel that's woven in a twill or herringbone pattern, from a distance it will at least have the "look" and only you or a well trained eye will know it's not wool, it's what I've gotten away with for now 😅😅

[@susandickerson2663]

Allergic to wool so this is an interesting alternative. Thanks!

[@JustSaralius]

Morgan Donner has a turnshoe video thats pretty awesome too! :)

[@foxyfromthenorth]

I just found your channel and so far you strike me as a younger, vikingy version of Lindybeige, (which is meant as a big compliment!) and I will now binge watch all of your content, thank you very much! Lots of love from Denmark!

[@vulpineechoes]

This was exactly what I was hoping for when I typed in "viking fashion" in the search bar; I've learned so much in these 30 minutes, and I'm about to jump over to the jewelry video to learn even more! Thank you so much for making this video and posting it!

[@Afewtian]

This is actually so helpful! I was just looking at a few websites for illustration research in relation to the Viking Era and it’s been rough.

[@johannageisel5390]

As somebody who has just learned doing the Oslo stitch two days ago: Cool, I'm a wizard now! :D ... I mean, I knew I was one after my 30th birthday, but still, nice to have it confirmed.

[@VtorHunter]

That boot based on the show looks like it is made of bike tyre inner tubes.

[@matteroftime81]

Well done! Thank you! I'm hoping in your jewelry video to hear your advise on cloak pins, particularly bone, penanulars. Oh and I'd love to hear you talk on hoods and tablet woven belts. Just getting into Viking reenacting and really enjoying researching and making as much as I can myself. Cheers my friend!

[@hannahb6442]

Super useful resource, thanks! :) Would you ever do a video on Viking women's clothing? Although I know some elements are largely similar

[@TheWelshViking]

Sure! It’s really not a subject I’m expert in, but research is always fun! :D

[@TheBillyCrisp]

My Texas living self is glad you mentioned if its hot that linen is okay!

[@Lunareon]

This turned out to be a great checklist for the basics of how to Viking authentically, whether you decide to buy or make your clothes. Thank you so much! :)

[@Darvit_Nu]

I just learned Nalbinding this year. Was super excited to learn & it wasn't easy to learn how to start a project but now I know how it is so relaxing to just stitch away and make a beautiful wool garment that should last for a lifetime. I couldn't find a needle (nal) that I really liked to work with so I learned to whittle them myself according to what shape, style, length and type of wood my trees have blessed me with :) I keep a chunk of red cedar with my woolies to prevent anything getting into them - damn crickets will eat literally anything! Our wool clothing always smells great when we pull them out to wear. (I also put a piece of red cedar in the box with my unworked wool yarn.

[@kathiarledge9275]

Nalbind is a favorite craft of mine. I’ve made several hats and a simple handbag which I love. It’s made of some type of heavy yarn I called Ramtop Wool and now I think I will drop all my projects and go back to nalbind.

[@astridafklinteberg298]

I love the “after-credits”-so much fun!!!

[@themardbard9096]

This video is keeping me company while I'm handsewing an 18th century shift! It's cool to see what changed and what stayed the same throughout the centuries. The tunic honestly looks very similar to 17th-19th century shifts, and underclothes are still linen. It's cool! Anyway, thanks for keeping me company!

[@tammievawter9477]

Love that you referenced charity shop wool blankets.. Here in the States a good source is Military Surplus (stores or on-line)...have done some lovely cloaks with them.

[@SolheimVikings]

Very splendid approach. This is be very useful to anyone getting started. No fluff and all reasoning. It’s ok to be wrong! Turn around! Cheers

[@charischannah]

"Everything comes from Birka that is questionable." So good.

[@MuseAndDionysus]

When in doubt WOOL... if you're considering any other material... That's not it lol This was great

[@biggreenangryman1904]

Linen

[@tyrannosaurxx]

This was immensely helpful! I have been wanting to put together a Viking garb set for my local Ren Faires and I appreciate that i can re-create something much more appropriate and much less TV inspired.

[@katecapek3116]

Might we see the spines/titles of the books on the shelf behind you? You have been teasing us with them for several videos.

[@TheWelshViking]

Surely at some point ye shall!

[@maleahlock]

Thank you for the video. I've been struggling to make boots for my partner and son and . . . ach! My poor hands. I have considered buying but it's so hard to see things well online. This is a great resource. I hope you are safe and well.

[@ryptoll4801]

Although I'm fascinated by re-enactment, I'm probably too lazy to ever actually do it. However, I like taking inpiration from historical clothing and incorporate into my usual daily outfits, and I love learning about clothing history stuff. I also like sewing and altering my own clothes, although I'm not particularly skilled. I did however make a pair of simple medieval style britches from a plain, black cotton fabric once. And no, they were not meant to be authentic. I made them on my sewing machine. I just made them for a medieval market festival that's held annually in my area, or at least was pre-covid... It's a fun festive, but far from re-enactment. But even I cringe at "medieval style" clothes made of fucking polyester. I like wearing those britches I made, together with an equally inauthentic tunic, tied off with a modern belt, lol. I just like that style.But I think it's important to know what is and isn't authentic! So I thank you for that info. I think it's useful, even though I don't do re-enactment. I love the puffy knee-length britches worn with long socks, though. I might wanna make something like that. I think it's a shame that wool is so expensive, though. It's such an incredible fabric. Warm, breathable, soft, and whatever it does with moist is some kinda magic. I'd seriously ditch all my t-shirts for wool tunics if I could!

[@angelinabrown3142]

I knit and crochet but when I watch videos on nalbinding, my brain shouts, "Black magic! Trickery!" I cannot convince myself that it somehow produces fabric.

[@signorabeatrice]

The tunic hem you're seeing isn't (I believe, from my time sewing as a re-enactor myself) longer in the back so much as it is cut straight across the bottom when the tunic flares outwards, and then the pointy bits at the sides are left to hang downwards, longer than the rest of the hem, rather than being cut in a curve so that the hem hangs evenly all the way around. Essentially, the tunic body is the bottom part of an isosceles triangle, and the outer corners are left to hang downwards when the middle is held in place--since the diagonal side-seam edges are longer than the distance from the waist of the tunic to the middle of the hem, the points hang lower on both sides.

[@EuanWhitehead]

I'm gonna start now, so when british summer is over I can get back to the lovely Autumn clothing.

[@matthewsmith3343]

I know the video is a couple of years old but still very useful. Im in my second full year of reenactment. Ive been stressing myself out over my kit recently, it is all ok for a generic viking era but I am trying to portray a certain grave (the man from Voll, Norway) Re watching this video has reiterated what my AO has said, not a lot needs doing but little things. I currently have the baggy trousers with the tubes, that bit is covered by my leg wraps so are never seen. I am looking at getting straight leg trousers now. Thank you for all that you do to help fellow reenactors.

[@lspthrattan]

Thank you! Been wondering what kind of leather to use for the shoes. And I've been trying to google up jewelry but it all looks like schlocky Hollywood nonsense, so I'm super looking forward to that one.

[@kahn04]

Depends on the style of shoe, if you’re using the two piece (separate sole and upper) look for a 9oz sole and a 3-4oz upper, your other option is to make the whole shoe out of a single piece, in which case you’ll probably want something in the middle, as sewing the whole thing out of 9oz will be the end of your fingers haha

[@TheWelshViking]

Most of the finds we have use leather about 1-2mm thick for the uppers, 2-3mm thick for the soles, for added info. Thank you back! I'm enjoying putting the images together, so many shinies to come!

[@Alex-Sews]

Awww and here you go ruining my plans for a big floofy hat, boots'full'o'toggles, and a "tunic" that bares half my chest thru the totally-accurate lacing! Quite a good video. And I don't get why folks don't want to talk about a butt patch of a different color fabric. That's such a fun thing (even if it's just a singular example of repair work!) that I'd do it just for my own entertainment.

[@LorettaSandoval]

I love how passionate you are about mittens. I thought I was the only one. Of course, the ones I make all are post-Viking (knitting), I've never tried to nalbind a mitten.

[@HosCreates]

Nalbinding can be easy once you figure out when to pickup the stitch of the edge of the working plait.

[@biggreenangryman1904]

When it comes to shoes, my best advice is make them yourself with similar tools from the past. If you have the craftsmanship skill to make some nice shoes that are durable and functional, they probably would have done it back in the day as well

[@read_reviewsew674]

Love the idea of butt extensions, in a contrasting color too!!! It makes sense since materials are hard to come by so one has to be resourceful with what they got. Sustainable yet authentic. Love it!!!❤️

[@medievalcontent6193]

Another beautiful video. Everyone getting into re-enactment should watch this.

[@meamela9820]

I am so entertained by the informativiness of this video. I love to learn new things. I am mostly familiar with later medieval stuff, so I learn a lot of new things from you. Can you do a video on the questionability of things from Birka? I hadn't heard of that before and it sounds really interesting! Also wondering why not hoods were mentioned? Were they not a thing in the viking age? (As I said, mostly familiar with later medieval stuff.)

[@commentsectionweissenheime2071]

In regard to the leg tubes and miscellaneous cotton undergarments, if the exterior look is the only concern and you won't be removing your clothing, it doesn't seem unreasonable to simply cover up the non-historical parts, to me at least.

[@joejoelesh1197]

As for shoes, I got a reproduction of the ones you show @3:39 off an Etsy maker for $75 USD, several years ago. I recently checked his page again and he still sells them for $75 USD.

[@benjamins4699]

I LOVE to settle down with some hand sewing and listen to these lovely vids. Thank you!

[@horseenthusiast9903]

Oh, I'm so, so excited about the Viking jewelry video in the works!!! I'm a (very amateur) jeweler, and unfortunately at least how I learned jewelry-making, there's not much information on historical styles and methods of creating jewelry. Closest my class got was making Byzantine chains and later making poorly-researched presentations on jewelry from eras of our choice (I did my best with a presentation on iron age Ireland, since that's one my favourite styles...it's so ornate!). Not sure how jewelry-making education is in other places than American high schools though, lol. Anyways, I really want to learn how to make jewelry from various eras, as I think it's a detail that's easy to miss in reenactment, but can add so much personality and character to a persona (even just one ring can say so much about a person). Whoops, went on a tangent, lol. Great video as always, and very informative.

[@kahn04]

Look at viking knit chains, they look amazing for something quite simple to produce, I’m just getting started too

[@TheWelshViking]

Dude, I had no idea you were a jeweller! Amazing! :D Yeah, the Viking age stuff is incredible. If you want to see a craftsman doing amazing work I recommend blueaxe reproductions. Adam's one of the best historical repro makers working right now. So good!

[@horseenthusiast9903]

@@TheWelshViking I'll be sure to check out his work, that sounds fantastic!

[@TheTwilightEmporium]

For making a cloak from a wool blanket etc... what do you suggest in terms of color and size. Also, how are they typically worn? Video idea? 🤣 Also, I love your channel and im very glad I found it. You address several issues that I have been thinking about a lot lately, particularly the connection between "Vikings" and white supremacy, and frankly, Right wing ideology in general. I have been very disappointed lately by "Viking" themed channels that are clearly going down a far Right themed path. Very frustrating.

[@TheWelshViking]

Hey, thank you! I’m glad to provide a welcome break from their silliness :) So about a metre to a metre and a half is what I’ve used, but I will be making a “how to wear a cloak” video in the next few weeks, as it happens! :D Generally if you can use it as a blanket, and if you pin it at the shoulder and it doesn’t go below your shins you’re ok!

[@TheTwilightEmporium]

@@TheWelshViking Wonderful. I look forward to it. Thanks.

[@TheWelshViking]

Oh! And colour wise I suggest looking up the natural dye shades we know they used a lot: madder, weld, woad, lichen pink and purple, brown walnuts and combinations of these were popular. You can make a ton of fun shades with them! Another fun idea...

[@TheTwilightEmporium]

@@TheWelshViking Thanks. I am color blind so I always have to have someone dress me. "Guys, does this walnut colored cloak make my ass look fat?" I'll have to see what I can find. I have a few wool blankets but I think they are grey 🤷‍♂️ lol. I'll make someone look at them and confirm lol.

[@joik2ww269]

About fabric. You want broken twill aka. herringbone woven wool cloth for you pillbox cap. I dont know if it's correct way but many sew linen liner inside cap so it's not so itchy.

[@TheWelshViking]

2/2 twill or diamond were used in the Leens and Hedeby fragments, so there’s choice out there :) No evidence for a linen liner, alas

[@petermiller6629]

Your information definitely helped in my choosing of the correct materials as well as the proper lengths and shapes. Just getting into Viking and Norman history and want to do a Viking harness exactly. I had it somewhat wrong. Aloha

[@lunardelos]

I love watching your videos bc it's like seeing how all those historians in documentaries actually think when they're not 100% scripted and it's great I love it

[@ashleejones1690]

Not my era, but interesting nonetheless! And I'm very much looking forward to the jewelry video, and while I expect we'll have to wait until after you recover from your heavy course load for that one I bet it'll be a fun ride well worth the wait!

[@SH-wk6po]

"No one can read a map anymore. It's fine *DERRICK* it's fine! It's fine. It's ok... it's ok... let's talk about pants". Or is it Derek? 😅😂🤣

[@nicelliott1175]

Fantastic video as usual Jimmy! I have grown up around and within Viking age reenactment (since I was about four), although some small details of kit in my area are a bit different, mostly due to the climate and the fact that all of the organizations that my dad was involved with considered 1066 the end date for their reenactment, and most folks opted for a couple of centuries earlier. If you have a welcoming local organization with good authenticity standards, I would see if some of the folks who make very accurate and extremely time-consuming pieces are also cool with making pieces with some modern concessions where they won't show - machine sewn inner seams with only hand finishing, and turn-shoes made with more modern punches and such that expedite the process, but are not at all visible on the finished product. Finally, a word on (gasp!) cotton. I am a drafter and stitcher by training, and in my area it can be next door to impossible to find 100% linen locally, and shipping can cost more than the product itself. I have found (by accident, it was labeled as 100% linen, but it LIED) that up to 20% cotton in a linen blend, while not strictly accurate, will not be noticeable to the untrained eye, and even many folks who do know what proper linen looks like are unlikely to notice unless they look very closely. One last thing, if you are still reading, is to be extremely careful with having a new tunic or other garment made if your proportions are dramatically different from most of the people in your organization, or from the "average". We sewers tend to have standard formulas that we use in conjunction with your measurements, and these can cause trouble even for something as comparatively simple as a tunic. My dad is unusually tall and exceptionally slender (his name in our group was Vidur the Lean), and even tunics made by people who knew him tended to be too short and wide. This issue is generally exacerbated when ordering online. If it's not your first ever tunic, providing finished measurements from a well-fitting tunic that you are looking to replace or to have made in a different material may be a better option if possible. If you are in North America, especially Canada, Hello! If you are part of a group, who are you with? If you've been at this for a while, you very well may have seen me in my homemade (by eight-ten year old me) kit running around picking up arrows or some such thing a decade ago. Fun times!

[@PsychoKat90]

I had a pair of mitten like that when I was a kid! :D

[@lynn858]

Mom thought I was joking when I requested a string between the mittens she was knitting for me. Not in the least! I actually still have both of them 10 years later.

[@PsychoKat90]

@@lynn858 it's just so functional! If I ever get back into knitting my next pair will definitely have the string!

[@jwolfe1209]

Starting basic is a good idea. I mean, so much historical clothing pieces are basic, it's the accessories and details that make it work. If you get a plain basic garment there's nothing saying you can't add your own embellishments and trims. In fact, I think it would be a good way to make your garb a personalized point of pride

[@CDKohmy]

Can you talk more about the differences between regional styles during the period: Anglo-Saxon, Irish, Frankish, etc.

[@TheWelshViking]

I sure can! Planning to :)

[@MickeyCuervo36]

@@TheWelshViking WOOHOO! Looking forward to this!

[@nearpath8785]

On the fitted lower half on the pants, if you like that style but want to be more accurate then some wool wraps up your shins is pretty practical and comfortable too

[@karekr0w35]

I am a newbie and just getting involved with a local Viking group. If you have any more pointers for a newbie let me know!!! Thank you Welsh Viking!!!

[@Hardrada88]

Oosh..this channel! I love it. Glad to finally find someone who knows and studies his stuff. My old kit was very basic. Your regular norseman who thought "hmm..I'll go Rus and earn a few bob" basic browns and homespun fabrics and that lasted me sailing from denmark to iceland. From sweden. Handmade by my lady because I sew as well as a troll fuc...er..y'know. Much love from the chilly lands. ^.^ I like this channel, and so shall you viewer.

[@RobTheOverlord]

Finding my feet in the world of re enacting after recently joining my local Regia group, your videos have been very informative and helpful! Thanks!

[@Tina06019]

I just wear a plain pair of modern paddock boots. I can’t afford really good custom-made re-enactment shoes, so I go for healthy dry feet.

[@darnokthemage170]

Interesting that you mention them looking like Sailor slops! There are actually theories that the two might be related, as Slops seem to start out as peasabt/worker wear in Northern Europe.

[@caspian8650]

Good luck on your coursework! It's so impressive that you can do anything else at all, really, and we're all grateful you choose to spend that little time working on these! It's so messed up to me that we've strayed so far from wool. It grows on cute animals! It's not plastic! It's not a fabric produced from cultural genocide! What's not to love?

[@Tipi_Dan]

Cloaks could be "a square of fabric". Better a rectangle of fabric, doubled back upon itself to create a double layer of 2 appropriate lengths: a proper shoulder cape, inner layer as far down your calves as you want to go. This basic configuration persisted among various cultures, classes, and regions for millennia as a component of the basic tunic, cloak, and trousers appropriate for male wear. Pinned (together but not to the tunic) at the shoulder (BCE = fibula, CE = penannular) of the sword arm, it would hang to conceal the scabbard, but could be thrown back and pinned. A natural evolution to the basic rectangle occurred through the Norman period as the hanging cape ends were rounded, then dagged or fringed. Later examples could be semi-circular with or without cutouts for the wearer's neck. The High Middle Ages saw the asymmetric cloak go out of style as clasps and chains replaced shoulder brooches. Cloaks did not have hoods until symmetrical styles became standard. During ancient and Dark Ages when our [cherished] "descended from a square of fabric" cloaks were ubiquitous, hoods were a separate garment, donned after the cloak, which could cover the shoulders. Rain capes with a hole in the center and moody pointed hoods were known to the Romans as paenula, a very different sort of garment: no brooch required.

[@beth7935]

Awesome, so interesting! Thanks!

[@TheGPFilmMaker]

The inevitable question - I want to get into early Medieval historical sewing - I also have a coarse fiber sensitivity so linen and cotton are both out. Is it worth trying to find a cotton weave that will drape somewhat appropriately since that won't give me an awful rash? Or should I just lean into reenacting in eras and locations where cotton was more common? Love your videos and appreciated hearing a mention of the Sami - my family is of Sami lineage and it's always fun to hear it brought up in a historical context!!

[@lillytalmage7189]

nicole rudolf did a great in depth series about types of fabric and all their drapes, crispness, etc- those might give you some ideas!

[@helenlayley]

At most of the Swedish markets l attend, a coarser weave cotton undersark or undertunic would be accepted if your skin reacts to linen or wool. Do try finer linen, or well washed linen (curtains from charity shops, tablecloths that have been washed many times) or hemp though. My sons used to wear a t-shirt under their linen tunics for the first couple of markets each year, until they had softened.

[@SirFrederick]

Looks like I'm all set with my Norse Clothes, except for some of the trimmings. Couldn't make or find a wool pattern one that I liked, If I find any wool card weave I'll replace it.

[@nannasbraindump6343]

I would love to see the pants with knee band some time, and also if you could, at some point talk about what os viking appropriate colours.

[@elinor1968]

I think the leg tubes might be an interpretation of the leg wraps? or to put the legwraps on top of? Also. Support your local craftsmen and women who make this stuff. Even if it's just getting some tablet woven bands to decorate your hat.

[@TheWelshViking]

I suspect so, and we do, in complete fairness, have evidence of solid cloth used to wrap shins and cross gartering. It's just the furry leg warmers we can't provenance in any way! Absolutely this! Get things from your friendly neighbourhood nerdy craftster wherever possible!

[@YourSewingBuddy]

Is your example photo for turned shoes correct? It looks like both people in the drawing are barefoot

[@TheWelshViking]

Oh for ARSE’S sake. Well spotted. I am an idiot but also too worn out to edit the video (again!)

[@matteroftime81]

I thought I was the only one who saw that image. Just assumed I was really tired or missed something haha It's all good Jimmy!

[@YourSewingBuddy]

@@TheWelshViking no worries. Do you have a link to the photo you intended?

[@TheWelshViking]

Haha! You’re not the tired one in this equation! This one took three attempts to render and I still missed this gaffe!

[@TheWelshViking]

@@YourSewingBuddy I do! Mostly from Maena. www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/217298750751448185/ www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/545217098625385018/

[@Gdddguhjkbfs]

I have lots of questions about viking age cooking implants and fire starters. What kinds of pots and pans were used? Did they use clay pots for cooking? Iron cauldrons? And for fire starters flint and steal? Chaga? Charcloth? Magnifying lenses? For cooking implements different for people traveling as opposed to people at their home? I have lots more questions but that is a good start. Any reference material would be greatly appreciated. Love your videos thanks for the information!

[@TheWelshViking]

Yes, yes, yes, who knows, no, no, not really but smaller :)

[@LixiaWinter]

Heyyyy, wanna see a magic trick? **pulls out a needle and a ball of yarn**

[@robintheparttimesewer6798]

I would love to know more about this magic trick. Or a spelling so I can look it up.

[@LixiaWinter]

Nalbinding😉

[@robintheparttimesewer6798]

@@LixiaWinter thank you! Dyslexia old terms and google don’t make for happy productive searching

[@LixiaWinter]

I feel ya, got all of these, plus English is my second language

[@robintheparttimesewer6798]

@@LixiaWinter and English is such a horrible horrible horrible language!! I can’t think how hard it would be to learn as a second language. No rules, root words from every language no wonder people are confused!! My son also dyslexic tells his son that English is the only language that throws other languages into dark corners goes through their pockets for spare words! It works for an explanation as good as any other

[@gandalfthegrey]

I aim to add/make more "authentic" looking pieces to my look at some point. It will probably take some time though. Thanks for your help.

[@TheWelshViking]

Take your time! It's not easy to make :)

[@januzzell8631]

Adorkable opening (thank you for the giggle) and fascinating as always - diolch yn fawr! Also - you beat me to my question!! As I was writing about the lack of jewellery, you mentioned it!

[@savannanicoll1507]

I would love a video about women's clothing. Thanks!

[@peeperjo]

Super interesting! Loved it - this channel inspired me to learn some Nalbinding - I've already created some lovely wristwarmers! Now to master something other than a tube! Thanks again

[@miklawson211]

I think i'm going to be using some of my cloth stash and make a pill box hat. It might even motivate me to make a new tunic and pants. Who knows, i might even buy some new leather and go on to make new shoes. I haven't been motivated lately. diolch a hwyl fawr

[@davidcheater4239]

Nalbinding looks interesting. I already do knitting, crochet, and some of the offshoots like broomstick lace.

[@lyndavonkanel8603]

I understand your wanting authenticity. I watched a play of "Little Women" once keep in mind that the period piece was set in the mid-18860"s. Lookiing at the books on the shelf, as a prop, I saw thar they were Reader's Digest condensed books. Those were not created for a hundred years after. I was almost apoplectic!

[@joik2ww269]

Nålbinding disappeared about 1600's northern Europe little later. SO any pre 1600's reenactment nålbinding is good to go. Fulled nålbinding wasnt unheard so make little larger item and throw it in washing machine :D

[@joik2ww269]

In modern Finland nålbinded hats are found also socks and three finger gloves. In egypt is found two toed socks. They used sandals much so it's kinda obvious to make gap for straps.

[@TheWelshViking]

It didn’t disappear at all, it was widely practiced in many orher parts of Scandinavia until the 1950s, especially in rural parts of Norway and Sweden. We also know in the 1860s church clerks were still being paid with nålbind mittens in Joutseno. I’m not aware of any larger fulled items of this type from the Viking Age, can you provide any details? Be aware the Egyptian socks use a different stitch to many Viking Age examples.

[@catzkeet4860]

“Insane and authentic!!”........goals right there lol.

[@TheCorgiWoman]

Tablet woven bands are good for tunics, dresses, hats etc. I have several that I’ve woven using Oseberg patterns in wool. Still trying to find correct measurement cloak patterns to weave for this time.

[@NBDYSPCL]

Not only is simple more authentic, the simpler something is the easier you can wear it in day-to-day life and not look like a pillock. I legit want to make a pillbox hat for winter now

[@AnimeMonsterDJ]

You can find moccasin shoes for around $60-80 if you know the right places. Vikings did wear turn shoes which are basically identical to certain styles of moccasin.

[@GooberFace32]

Working on my first nalbinding piece (a cap) as I watch this :). Learning curve is steep but once you get one stitch down, it's like riding a bike.

[@eiriktheread4323]

Thank you so much for this Very informative video! I'm working on redesigning a viking-inspired character for tabletop, and your channel has been invaluable (especially during these Times Of Plague when my brain is garbage and can't concentrate on reading for any extended period of time). Really looking forward to that jewelry video!

[@dulesjoe]

Love the videos, would be great to have pointers to craft people, traders/shop selling reenactment grade gears etc...

[@aidenbrowne5748]

Tbh i was kinda hoping for a list of online stores to buy from but still learned something thank you

[@BlazeLeeDragon]

this has to be one of the best channels I've come across. awesome work and great information

[@unkiemiloplays901]

Hearing you comment on cheap shoes makes me think of the Boot Theory by Terry pratchett

[@christineherrmann205]

I lost it at the mitten string. 🤣

[@astralura]

There used to be a very big Viking warband at my cities major LARP event. They started off being very Vikings (the TV show), which is absolutely fine because it's a fantasy larp set in a fantasy world and theyre not trying to be historically accurate. Theyre meant to look cool, but they used a lot of those boots because it allowed them to play safely and still look in theme. So I would say a lot of those boots are made for LARPers. Towards the end of their life (they only disbanded this year after more than ten years) many of their members started to look a lot more authentic, and other early medieval warband popped up around them who were full of reenactors and people who wanted more authenticity. LARP is fun and surprisingly full of reenactors making a-historic choices on purpose for comfort and safety and Coolness

[@syddlinden8966]

I have to wonder if the guy with the runestone embroidery at the neckline isn't in his bushcraft kit or something. The trousers look like synthetic even... and in a bushcraft situation, the longer hem in the back is nice for the extra layer between you and the ground when you sit.

[@sandrareed9640]

I love your accent. Okay. Now to watch again and pay attention.

[@allenreed1596]

The mittens with the string, when I was a child mittens with the string were called idiot mittens, cause they were harder to lose.

[@Thisnerdyguy]

My question is what would you say about the viking reenacting wares sold in grimfrost? Getting into viking age and was told that grimfrost would be at the very least a good start.

[@TheWelshViking]

A lot of their kit is highly questionable to say the least. I advise caution!

[@Thisnerdyguy]

@@TheWelshViking will take it into consideration. As I was told the same thing, but was told it is a semi decent start as it give me room to definitely improve on my impression. It took me a bit to get a good ACW impression down but definitely started small.