Women’s Viking-Age Garb Part 2: Step 1 The Chemise

Step 1: Chemise

Definition: the thinner “gown” you wear closest to your skin and made of light to heavy fabric. It’s ankle length, but the arms can go from nearly sleeveless to wrist length

Optional: yes.
Do you want one?

• Yes
  • Ankle length
  • Arm length:
    • wrist
    • shoulder
  • Linen or maybe hemp
  • 2 styles
    • Style 1: Plain
    • Style 2: Pleated
• No
  • Move on to Step 2: Gown

Style 1: Plain

Based on many pieces from Birka and Hedeby. This style is a plain gown, almost what we think of as a t-tunic. It should include gussets (under-arm wedges) and gores (side triangles)

Style 2: Pleated

Pleated chemise. Needle and thread used to make pleats 2 to 3 mm deep. The fabric is then moistened, dried and the threads pulled out.

 

Patterns for Chemises

Pattern for Plain Chemise

 

Pattern for Pleated Chemise

 

The letters on the patterns refer to my old croquis: