Do it yourself
What does medieval DIY involve?
‘Do it yourself’ in a medieval context means more than just pottering about — it means sewing garments, weaving braids, fitting buckles to belts, attaching cord fastenings and crafting accessories by hand. Anyone creating a historical re-enactment using their own resources cannot do without handicraft materials.
In the Middle Ages, making one’s own clothing and equipment was a simple necessity. Wool was spun, linen yarn was twisted, and braids were made directly on the loom or on a small weaving board. What is considered a creative hobby today was a basic necessity back then — self-sufficiency in the Middle Ages began with thread and ended with a complete outfit.
Today, re-enactors, LARP players and visitors to medieval markets draw on these historical techniques to make their outfits more authentic. The barrier to entry is low: anyone wishing to attach drawstrings or thread buckles for belts and bags needs no prior knowledge — just the right materials.
Braid weaving and tablet weaving: an ancient craft rediscovered
Treadle weaving is one of the oldest weaving techniques known to humankind. Archaeological finds attest to the method’s use in Viking Age and early medieval cultures — from Scandinavia to the Frankish Empire. The process involves threading yarns through small perforated plates (the weaving boards) and creating patterned braids by alternately turning them.
The finished braids are used as trimmings on garments, belts, bags and even tents — they enhance simple fabrics and add the final historical touch to an outfit. For beginners, a set of 5 weaving boards is sufficient to try out their first patterns. Experienced weavers work with larger sets of boards and complex weaving patterns.
| Material | Suitability | Special feature |
|---|---|---|
| Rosewood | Beginners | Lightweight, non-slip, polished — ideal for first projects |
| Horn | Historical | Even surface, comfortable weight, archaeologically attested |
| Bone/leg | Historical | Very smooth surface, traditional material for Viking braid weaving |
Linen twine: The basic material for historical sewing and binding
Linen twine is the workhorse of historical handicraft. Tear-resistant, natural and visually unobtrusive — it blends into garments and equipment without causing any disruption. It is often a must for re-enactments: synthetic threads immediately stand out at medieval markets and among re-enactment groups, and in many re-enactment rules they contravene the material specifications.
Our range includes linen twine in two weights: the 10-ply twine is suitable for lighter sewing tasks such as shirts and tunics, whilst the 12-ply twine is ideal for high-stress seams — such as belt fastenings, shoelaces or leatherwork. A higher thread count means greater tear resistance, not increased stiffness.
Linen twine is practical for sewing medieval shirts, reinforcing braided edges after weaving, shoe repair, and wherever a natural material is required that is also easy to dye and ages beautifully over time.
Buckles, fittings and haberdashery: small parts with a big impact
Whether an outfit looks historically accurate often comes down to the details. Buckles, fittings and drawstrings are the unsung heroes of every garment — but anyone who has ever seen an outfit with the wrong buckle or a modern plastic fastener knows: the eye notices it immediately.
Buckles are the centrepiece of every medieval belt. In our range, you’ll find models for different belt widths — from narrow leather straps to wide armour belts. Historically accurate buckles made of brass or iron make the difference between a modern imitation and a convincing recreation. Visit the subcategories for buckles for belt widths up to 15 mm, up to 20 mm, up to 30 mm or up to 60 mm.
Tassels are historical fastenings for garments — they connect sleeves to the body of the garment, fasten collars or hold leggings in place. Tassel cords with brass tips slide more easily through eyelets and are well documented archaeologically. You’ll find them in single colours, two-tone and with pressed-on brass tips — depending on the period you’re portraying and your personal taste.
Sewing supplies include needles, linen thread and other consumables you’ll need for ongoing projects. Especially with longer projects such as tablet weaving or sewing a smock, having sufficient supplies makes the difference between working smoothly and facing interruptions.
A hand-forged pair of scissors is not just a tool — it is both a decorative element and a historically accurate implement. At a medieval market or in a re-enactment camp, it is one of the accessories that shows someone is truly living in their era. Among the other haberdashery items, you will find additional small parts for your projects.
Authenticity through materials: Why the choice of raw materials matters
- Linen, wool, horn, bone and wood are considered historically accurate
- Horn and bone weaving boards: smooth surface, comfortable weight — functionally superior to plastic
- Linen thread: often mandatory in reenactment rules, a visible sign of quality at markets
- Natural fibres are easier to dye and age in a visually appealing way
- Organic appearance — does not look out of place in the overall picture
- Immediately noticeable to the eye and touch
- Plastic weaving boards: lighter, but less weight to ensure even tension
- Polyester threads: often not permitted in reenactment regulations
- Synthetic yarns are immediately noticeable at medieval markets as a stylistic anachronism
- Inexpensive to buy, but with visible compromises in the long run
Which craft ideas are suitable for beginners?
Getting started with medieval DIY doesn’t have to begin with building a full chainmail coat. There are many projects that can be successfully completed without prior knowledge — and which immediately enhance the overall look of a costume.
Possible without prior knowledge: pressing on tassel tips, threading tassel cords through eyelets, threading buckles onto leather straps, fastening calf wraps with historical hooks. These small tasks require only the right materials and a little patience.
With a bit of practice: weaving your first braid on 5 small looms, riveting belt fittings, or sewing simple linen seams. If you have a pair of hand-forged scissors, some linen thread and suitable needles, you won’t need any modern sewing accessories — historical tools are entirely sufficient.
Particularly effective: DIY elements can be easily combined with ready-made items. A medieval shirt from the shop, complemented by hand-woven trims on the hem and hand-attached tassels on the sleeves, looks more authentic than many complete costumes. It’s all in the mix.
Whether you’re weaving your first braid, attaching tassels to a new shirt or fitting a belt with historical fittings — using the right materials made from natural raw materials produces results that stand out clearly from mass-produced items. Browse through the subcategories and start your next medieval project.
Frequently asked questions
Simple beginner projects include attaching drawstrings to shirts or tunics, threading buckles onto leather straps, and attaching calf-wrap hooks. Those looking for a bit more of a challenge can weave their first braids using a set of 5 small looms or rivet on belt fittings. None of these projects require modern sewing equipment — hand-forged scissors, linen thread and suitable needles are all you need.
Tassel weaving is one of the oldest weaving techniques, in which threads are passed through perforated plates (weaving boards) and woven into patterned trims by alternating twists. The technique has been archaeologically documented for Vikings and early medieval cultures. For beginners, a set of five made from wood or horn is recommended — the first simple patterns can be achieved after a short learning curve, whilst more complex patterns emerge with increasing practice.
Linen twine is historically accurate and is mandatory, or at least a visible mark of quality, for many re-enactment groups and at medieval markets. Synthetic yarns such as polyester are immediately noticeable to the eye and to the touch, especially when viewed up close. Linen is also easier to dye and ages attractively — it blends organically into the overall look of a historical garment.
Tassel cords are historical fastenings for garments: they connect sleeves to the body of the garment, fasten collars or hold leggings in place. Tassel tips — small metal sleeves at the ends of the cord — make it easier to thread through narrow eyelets and prevent the cord from fraying. Historically, they are well documented for the Middle Ages and are indispensable in re-enactment today.
All three materials have their strengths: polished rosewood bobbins are light, non-slip and a good place to start. Horn heddles offer a smoother surface and a comfortable weight that ensures a steady thread pull — and are historically documented. Bone heddles are the smoothest option and most closely resemble archaeological originals from Viking-era finds.