BEST Cloak for a Medieval Adventurer 

"NOOOO YOU CAN'T JUST MAKE THE BEST CLOAK BY CUTTING A SLIT IN A RECTANGLE" "haha scissors go snip"

Another important purpose of a cloak that is often overlooked is to keep the wearer safe from biting insects. When you lived before insect repellent, biting insects were a constant nuisance that could spread disease, and could often bite through a few layers of linen or wool. So a baggier outer layer where the cloth isn't resting directly on the skin helped immensely.

Shad sent me. He released a video with the purpose of directing his viewers to this video. From him, I want a gambeson. From you, I will add a cloak of the last style. Between you and Shad, I am gaining much knowledge.

Having done a lot of hiking, I can say that one feature of a cloak I want is that it can fit over the back pack, protecting it from the elements. Sure it makes you look like a hunchback, but keeping the stuff in your pack dry is super important.

Re: not believing someone in the medieval would not think of the style, Gandalf's cloak is based on a real Roman cloak called the paenula. I have a wool one, it's amazing.

That moment when you realize the weird coat thing you bought years ago is actually a ruana cloak. Yes it's been a favorite since I set eyes on it.

"Lord of the Rings always gets a pass." -Living Anachronism Easily best quote of the year. You NEED to put that on a shirt.

As a human who has made and worn a lot of cloaks and capes…I gotta say I’m pretty impressed with your proposal. Purely from a construction stand point the lack of curved edges make my sewist heart soar. But from a practicality standpoint it’s also extremely tempting. I wear capes and cloaks through winter and the biggest issue I have is driving in them. I have to turn it into a Superman style cape before my car heats up and it’s not the most practical. Even with my ones that have arm holes it’s still kind of awkward. If I’m a passenger or walking it’s lovely. Cloaks are cones that naturally trap your body heat and reflect it back to you, and when not lined with poly liner (like a lot of modern coats are) they are extremely warm. I might have to experiment with this design come next winter. Wish I had seen it sooner!

Looking at my old blankets with scissors in my hand and a malicious glint in my eye! Ruana cloak it is for LARP, then! I think definitely either the blanket cloak or the Ruana cloak are what I'm looking for with both their versatility and aesthetic. I especially love the simpleness of the Ruana. It's just a rectangle with a slit and yet it looks so much more elaborate when worn! Thanks for the in-depth discussion of each kind of cloak, man, this was great!

This is the first video I have seen of yours and as a historical seamstress, I want to say, Well done! The Bocksten cloak that you showed is not particularly difficult to make if you have some basic geometry under your belt. The diagram did look intimidating, but that is probably because the extant garment was made before modern looms, and therefore the fabric was only a maximum of about 30" wide and therefore had to be pieced together. Today, with 60" wide fabric (wool or fleece, etc.) all you need is a string, a safety pin, and a piece of chalk (or whatever you use to mark your cutting lines). You need fabric that is twice as long as you want your cloak to be, plus about 19-12". Your string needs to be the length of your cloak plus 3" for a neckline plus 0-2" for your hem and tied to a piece of chalk, or a disappearing ink marker or what have you. A good melton wool, for example, doesn't need a hem, but a more loosely woven wool will need to be turned up once and stitched down so it doesn't fray. Fold your fabric in half, then take take two adjacent edges and fold them together so you have a sort of triangle. You can do this once or twice more if your fabric isn't very thick. Safety pin the end of your string (without the chalk) to the tip of the point, and stretch it down along the side and sweep the chalk around so you draw out a curve from one long edge to the other. This is your cutting line for your hem. Shorten your string to about 4.5" and do it again. This is where you cut out your neckline. Hem if needed, and voila! You have a half-circle cloak. For a full circle cloak, make two of these with a neckline of only 3" and then seam them together along one edge.

As a weaver, ruanas are a very good 'second' project because they are basically just two very wide scarves stitched side by side down half their length. It's a good exercise in keeping a consistent wefts per inch down a long piece of cloth. I still have a couple of them that I wove decades ago and they are my perfect fall and spring outer layers. One suggestion for everyone - do reinforce the top of the slit to prevent it tearing deeper into either the cloth or seam (if you make your ruana from two lengths of fabric). I used a small triangle gusset made of a square of fabric folded corner to corner in my linen and silk ruana, and embroidered a satin stitch arrowhead over the point on the wool one.

Great video but one addition to about ruana cloaks and hoods,you can actually just fold the ruana cloak in a way where it comes up as a hood. I have a perfectly normal ruana cloak myself and I noticed that if I just pull it up from the back where the split is and then throw one of the ''arms'' over my shoulder the whole thing just becomes a hooded cloak.

Greetings sir. I just got sent here from Shadiversitys' recent video where he gave you a shoutout and enthusiastic recommendation and I have to say Shad was spot on. I'll be watching your career with great interest 😁

I have owned a simple ruana cloak, in a medium weight gray wool, since 1990. It has proven to not only be incredibly useful as a costume cloak, it looks very classy and elegant in real life. Equally at home at a day at a Renaissance faire, a night out on the town, or a on the way to a board meeting. Extremely versatile!!!

Personally, Fandabi Dozi's channel has already sold me on the great kilt, which is basically a blanket cloak on steroids with clever methods of folding to keep it out of the way. But still, Gandalf, big selling point for the Ruana.

In my research on textiles for capes, wool is almost always the outer layer, with silk being the second most used. Plant based fabrics absorb water by their nature and would get super heavy. Linen, cotton and their derivatives rayon, viscose are best used as linings.

Shadiversity sent us insta-sub. This video answered questions that I have had for a very long time about cloaks. I recently purchased a very nice mantle cloak. This purchase caused me to think on how I could improve it only to find that Shad recommended this video solving that very conundrum for me. Your content is amazing! Go forward boldly adventurer!

The Irish Wrap/Ruana cloak style is absolutely perfect for one of my fantasy novel's main characters. Thank you for making this video, it helped me alot in designing the clothing of my novel and everyhting else. Have a sub!

Hi Living Anachronism Shad from Shadiversity says hello. In his latest video, "Best Cloaks for a medieval adventurer", was more like a 10 minute praise fest on how good you are as a content creator. He says you are both professional and passionate about your subjects and that we should really give you a shot. Here it is man. Let us see how far you go.

Another answer to this question is the Scottish Great Kilt. Fandabi Dozi has some great videos on it-with one garment, you get the following configurations: 1. Used as a sleeping bag or other shelter. 2. Worn down around the hips with pockets-in this configuration you can easily wear a pack and you get extra storage from the pockets. You can also wear this with some fabric over the shoulder to reduce weight on the hips. 3. You can flip the tail over your head to get quick rain coverage when you need it. 4. If you undo the pockets, tie the tails together, and put this over configuration 3, you get a rain poncho with sleeves. I’ve used this on hikes and, while fairly heavy, it does a very good job of being out of the way and cool while down and very cozy and insulative while flipped up around like a coat.

I think that it would make alot of sense to use a moderate weight Ruana Cloak and also carry a blanket, if it is very cold you could wear the Ruana like a tunic as you showed while also wearing the blanket ontop and when it comes to sleeping roll the Ruana up into a pillow or use it purely for ground cover while you use the blanket as normal pair it with a separate hood that comes down to mid chest and I would imagine that it would offer a huge amount of versatility without really adding any more weight or bulk than what you would have to be carrying anyway

Last winter I didn't wear my coats at all, I went with blanket cloaks instead: a tartan throw, a Swiss army blanket, and a patu/patoo from Pakistan. But what you've shown here . . . There's an eye opener and no mistake!

it's amazing how many different things you can pull off with just a basic design like that. Truly the ONE cloak to rule them all

Its worth mentioning that the military orders such as the Hospitallar and Templar wore their mantles as essentially part of their uniform. Historically they kept did a lot of work travelling around making sure the roads were safe for pilgrims etc. They'd always have been almost always mounted though.

Perfect timing! A cloak and pair of gloves were going to be my next purchases for my larp as the colder months are coming. This video is really informative, clear, and wrapped up nicely. Just what I needed! Thank you for the great video!

And because it releases quickly, you can use it as an offhand “weapon” if you don’t have a dagger. Rapier and cape or cloak is probably the second most popular “dual wielding” method after rapier and dagger.

"The drapage is on point" hehe also, love the pros list for the Ruana cloak...how one line just says "Gandalf"

Yes, yes, YES for the Ruana cloak! I have five of them, in different colors (three with lovely, muted rustic designs) and the beauty of it was that I got the aforementioned three, ridiculously cheap on sale, at World Market, of all places! And yes, the most wonderful thing about these cloaks is their versatility...and the fact that you can wear them in all - even thoroughly "modern" - settings, and with all types of clothing. This is the first time I've seen someone give them their just due as a medieval/ LARP/ fantasy staple. ♥

With the Brocksten cloak and how to cut it, I would have thought the circular bit is the easiest part. Weight down the edges, drive a pin through the centre (can find by folding the square fabric in half each way), then use a string around the pin with a piece of chalk/charcoal on the other end to draw a fairly accurate circle. Loved the video, I learned a lot about types of cloak I didn't even know existed!

9:40 that's fairly common among hikers and service members (both in case of rainproof ponchos and thick, full sized cloaks. The funny thing is - the ones used by ex-pact armies usually do have buttoned holes for arms (with overfolds that seal the whole thing preventing rain and wind from leaking inside), it's just faster and more comfortable (also better for keeping your arms warm) to sling the whole thing over your shoulders without taking the backpack off.

I still think in terms of versatility a wool kilt would be best bc you can use it as a blanket at night and for weather protection during the day

I like how you demonstrated in the wind that having it separate has its benefits and that it can turn into an additional garment when it's folded over and buckled down with another cloak over that's smart man.

When I purchased my mantle cloak, it had long ties and I was told to cross the ties across my chest going below the opposite shoulder or directly around and behind the adjacent shoulder and to be tied behind my back. To add a more comfortable and secure option without choking potential, of course with other issues you've established.

The blanket slit cloak is a fantastic idea, and I'll be making one. Thank you! I do recommend reinforcing the seams with stitching, and a rondel of wool at the end, to prevent tear out and splitting

The Bocksten Cloak is more specific than a side closing cloak, It's button closing (not clasp) and tailored to drape over the neck and shoulder in a more comfortable way than a plain untailored cloak would. Knyght Errant has a video on his reproduction of the Bocksten Cloak, talking about its design. Also (as you suspected) arm holes in cloaks aren't purely a women's cloak thing. I've seen images of real medieval art on Shadiversity's channel showing men with arm holes in their cloak. I can't say which vid, I just know I've seen it.

you just helped me big time, i was looking for a cloak for my medieval outfit, and the ruana cloak seems perfect in every way

Got sent your way by Shad. Really good and well thought out video! Subscribed, and looking forward to more 👍

Decided to watch this vid instead of the Shad one due to audio quality. I am not disappointed! Definite subscribe

As someone who practices HEMA, I'd be interested in finding out how each of these styles of cloaks would stack up when used as off hand weapons

You mentioned Ranger’s Apprentice, and the bit about human sail, I’m sold. Following. 😂

My issue is that it doesnt have that all-encompassing look you see in a lot of artwork, but we *do* need more cloak diversity.

Honestly, I was quite surprised when you showed the Ruana Cloak in your summary. I actually bought some of those years ago as "ponchos", though I myself like to refer to them as "fashionably accepted fluffy blankets". I prefered them over jackets during spring and autumn. Securing it with a waistband or belt caught more weird looks and attention than I could handle that time, wearing something else than the usual boring jacket made me stand out enough already. But so damn comfy, and between lessons I simply folded it to be the perfect pillow. Or use it as blanket. Or both... I was still going to school back then and could simply wear my backpack on top and even use it to secure it to my torso. I am also someone to get too warm very quickly, which wasn't an issue since then I'd just pull the front pieces crossing my chest out from under my backpack straps (that got me two flat layers of cloak covering my entire chest to half my upper legs) and stuffed them under their own sides' strap or threw them back over my shoulders or, if I wanted my arms covered, stuffed them in the narrow space between my back and backpack. Fashionably accepted blankets aka. Ruana cloaks and backpacks are friends. Thanks for informing me they are Medieval and Fantasy approved aswell. Much apprechiated ♥

Found you through Shadiversity. Love your channel and have subscribed. Keep the videos and content coming. It’s very useful in my own adventures into costuming and props.

Wow this design is awesome and i could see it working in a post-apocalyptic fantasy setting as well since you can make it out of virtually any fabric. Thanks for the great info!

This is such a great video!! I love how passionately you advocate all the advantages of the ruana cloak. You're right, the drapage is absolutely on point.

I'm just started with getting my first costume , and I'm glad the Internet brought me to your video . You convinced me. Thank you

Talking about cloaks in combat, there's always the option of using your cloak and your off hand, there are a lot of techniques where you wrap a cloak around your arm in a fight

first skill tree arrived at this design (he didn't call it a ruana cloak" but i won't fault him for that) and i saw that video and was stoked on the versatility, then you demonstrated all the methods [tunic mode made me weewee warm] here and i'm sold. i have made a simple canvas {what you called a separate hood} "Archer's Cowl" that i will wax as it covers the shoulders well, and i will also treat a folded shoulder hugging cape i've made and those will provide water impermeability over the (potentially two, one linen one wool) ruana cloak setup i'll wear over base layers. maximum glory!! a million thank yous!!

I want to make a Ruana cloak now. They do look super comfy and practical, and surprisingly cool too.

I love the Ruana cloak. I have a small dressy one and some others, but I didn't know what they were called. Now I want to make a Gandalf-sized one, because I'm old and cold and just hang out in my jammies at the computer. Love your channel! Subscribed yesterday when I saw the one on swords.

I've owned, worn, and loved variants of what you're calling the Ruana cloak for a quarter of a century, though I never really considered them "cloaks". My term for them was always "mantel". And you've shown me several uses I'd never considered! I commented on an earlier vid that my go-to, cloakwise, has long been the full-circle, which would probably be closest to your Bocksten, although I've always worn it front-facing, with attached hood, and I built mine out of an enormous canvas-velvet theater curtain, so the geometry was a lot simpler. With your recommendations, I think I'll have to reconsider that. I notice you avoided great kilts, which, if you've never worn, I highly recommend, for both warmth and versatility, as well as all-around practicality. A traditional great kilt is a cloak, a tunic, a blanket, a tent, a towel, a shoulder-bag, and on particularly well-oiled evenings, a true companion when all others have abandoned you to the night.

Rangers apprentice is so underated

I got a woolen half-circle cloak from Chrononaut Mercantile a few years ago... It was my daily "coat" during spring & fall, as well as helping against wind & snow in winter. served as a pillow as well as a heavy blanket. Not using it for a while now though (still working from home) .

Cool rundown of all these styles of cloaks! I (female) made a contemporary cloak when I was in college and wore it for several years running. It was ankle length with a 4 inch center overlap and arm slits. I loved it but I wasn't running through the woods in it or trying to cart around a backpack, either.

Thank you for your tutorial, I will put this into practice. I have until just late discovered your channel, and find it quite entertaining and educational. I believe you to be a talented young man and wish you all the best in your endeavors.

Thank God, this has good audio. I liked the pros and cons at the end, on top of all the real life demonstrations.

Shad recommended you and I am pleased with this video. Good to see more historical enthusiast content creators talking about cloaks. Another recent one I saw was from Fandabi Dozi on The Great Kilt. Keeping in touch between yourselves as content creators and recommending each other is a great thing to spread the word about more topics.

NOT sent here by Shad (I'll watch his video next). Love the idea of the Ruana cloak, it's the best design I've seen for a traveller's cloak. Thanks for taking the time to put this all together for us! Well done!!!

I DEFINITELY want to try this! Especially because of your fictional character endorsement, I'm definitely a fan haha

Years ago I had a magnificent black wool mantle cloak, and generally I'd do the over-the-shoulder for the side flaps. Never had an issue with the collar clasp. I loved that cloak, somehow lost in a major cross country move. It was warm in the winter, and actually cool in the summer. And the wool was heavy enough that even very strong stiff breezes only made it for out, very Vader-like...

The ruana was the first cloak I ever owned, and I still have mine and use it often! If you don’t want to add a hood, you can take one or both of the front tails and wrap it around your head, like a large scarf, to form a pseudo-hood as well. ALSO! I believe Aragorn’s first cloak in the Fellowship of the Ring film (before he receives his elven cloak in Lothlorien) is a similar version of a (hooded) ruana to Gandalf’s.

I’m one of the rare ones that had this on my recommendations and found the Shad video after. Long time fan of Shad and he’s absolutely right about the quality of this channel. You have earned my sub sir.

This was actually great. These also seem like great projects for a beginner seamstress.

I literally used a big wool blanket and some blue knit fabric I had spare to make two of these before the video was even finished, this is amazing :D

Cloaks also serve as makeshift armor by wrapping it around your arm. I can also see some cloaks providing some protection against cuts when worn normally

Accidentally stumbled on this channel while looking for scrapbooking supplies. Now I’m subbed and have to get myself a Ruana. Thanks Mr. Anachronism! 😻

There were indeed medieval adventurers - they would travel great distances living off the land, sleeping where they could and generally living a life of drinking, fighting, gambling etc... Today we would call them mercenaries... While some were seen very much as killers for hire (murder hobos) others became famous, rich and some died with honour, fame , respect, titles and property at quite a decent age. They were basically land pirates! They even existed in large numbers at times... They went by many names, Bascot, Routier, Freelance, Brigand, Freebooter etc... Some are well known to History, from John Hawkwood, El Cid and so on...

I can see why the ruana is your favourite. I didn't even know about this style of cloak! I think as far as an attached hood, I would simply add buttons on the back of the collar so that if I want to modular add a hood, I can, but not in a way that would close around the neck to avoid the pitfalls you mentioned earlier in your video. I'm going to try to make one for my next LARP, I bet a woollen one is a solid easy piece to make. Having worn the stark cloak, mantle during combat larp scenarios I can definitely say that while they offer great protection from the rain, they are absolute **pain** to fight in, and the average person, whether you are participating in anachronism or a fantasy larp, is really brawling with sticks unless properly trained. Even in these scenarios, a flowy cloak is cumbersome. They catch on branches and trees, bushes, catch burrs, and yes, definitely choke you. I've definitely accidentally choked on my own clasped mantle cloak. Thank you for making this wonderful video!

A double layered cloak would solve many problems. Take a long cloak with slots for arms, then layer a short cloak that is arm length over the top. Your front is fully covered and your arms get full protection, and full movement.

Thanks for this review of the different styles of cloaks and the subjective pros and cons of each style reviewed. Ive wanted to make myself a cloak (Im a big-boned Texas girl) for more than 10 yrs and couldnt decide on a style. This made my mind up for me. Im going with the ruana style but in the design of Gandalfs with longer arms and I will probably add a hood. Im not any sort of re-enactor or a Rennie person, I just want a warm cloak instead of a restrictive coat. Thanks again!

Shad was right, this is amazing!!

I just finished making my own Ruana Cloak! I love it! I bought a sheet of felted wool at a nearby fabric store and used that, it's so soft. Thank you very much for the inspiration!

Great video, very informative. I would have liked to hear a bit about materials / fabrics that are ideal for cloaks (for looks and/or functionality). Otherwise, superb!

your videos (which i have been binge watching since finding your channel a few days ago) actually inspired me to make my own clothes!! i started watching bcs i couldn't decide what to buy, but now i've invested tons of hours into research for fabric and cut styles, and it's much less expensive!!

Well, prepare for a flood of views, Shad just gave you a shoutout. And you have earned a sub from me just for referencing Ranger's Apprentice.

I bought a cloak in the 8th grade, a heavy woolen cloak of boiled Austrian wool. Since I haven't gotten much taller, it still fits. Front fastening. Deep interior pockets. Deep hood. Well cut so it stays on the shoulders when not buttoned (it also has a tie at the neck.) It is not gathered, but has a shoulder seam. I can tell you it is an awesome garment, great for keeping warm, for keeping off the rain and snow, and in pinch, great for sleeping (you sort of wrap it sideways, as it isn't long enough otherwise). I wore it to high school, including on the ferry, all winter. I wore it through New England winters, and now I live in the South, but it still comes out a few times every winter. It was and is a marvelous garment.

Thank you very much for this great video and the information on the Ruana cloak! I made a woolen Ruana cloak based on the measurements given in the other video (ca. 160x120cm, 85cm slit, blanket stitched at the etches). My conclusion after two full days of usage: I will never again go out the house without it. It is amazingly versatile and super comfy. The suggestion to cross it in front and wear it like a tunic in your belt with another mantle on top works great! I spent a day on a medieval festival with very cold wind and wore it like that, with a gugel on top. It was very cosy, but didn't restrict my movement at all (the cloak on top did though). The idea in this video of combining the two cloaks also helps better against cold wind which I always found difficult to deal with so far cause it blows through the wool quite easily. I spent a different day teaching archery with it and found out another very versatile option: You can also wear it as is, and only put one side of the ruana cloak in your belt (the bowhand side). Like that, it won't restrict you while shooting since the flappy part, that would normally touch the bowstring and would be a hindrance, is held back by the belt. Also, no problems with backquiver at all.

Thumbs up if Shadiversity sent you here.

I jumped up when you mentioned the Ruana cloak, I have one that I bought in Ireland (of all places!), in wool with celtic knot decorations running along the edges, only the straight cornes have been rounded off. I think it is smaller than yours though. We've always called it a poncho, but the slit indeed means that's not what it is. I've been wearing it as daily wear for a few years now. It's great for autumn, something quick to wrap around me when picking my kid up from school. My cosplay/LARP cloak is a mantle 😊. I have worn it with my back quiver over it, which does help keeping one side of the body more free to move. I noticed the words on the pattern for the bocksten cloak. I immediately saw that I was my own Dutch language. 😄

Your videos are pretty great. I've been biking across the balkans for over a month and your videos and advice have helped me a lot with DIYing my gear. I think you're the only guy i've found who's takes this practical and functional approach and takes the concept of 'adventuring' seriously.

definitely taking queues from this video for my fantasy book. first video and you've already gained my subscription! keep up the spectacular work!

I made several of these ruana cloaks for the family after watching this video. We're going to be going on an adventure in full garb this winter here in Florida. Thank you for these videos and inspiring us to have some adventures in life!

this is actually really good reference for writing! You bring up some points I have never thought about! Great video! Also love how you showed picture references!

Yet another student of Shad here. I love this cloak model you have shared with us sir. That said, I would like to offer as a challenger the Great Kilt. There is an excellent video by Fandabi Dozi all about it.

I've long been a fan of the greatkilt as something approaching an ideal cloak. It's just a 5'x20-25' rectangle of wool, meaning it's more than big enough to serve as a bedroll (not just a blanket, but a full bedroll, built-in pillow included (unlike all but the biggest Gandalf-sized ruana cloaks)), which is very nice for soldiers and adventurers. Just lay it out and pleat the middle such that when you belt it on the back half of your body is covered by pleated fabric and the front half is covered by two unpleated layers. It should go down to your knees, and the bit above the belt is generally broached to form a hole large enough to fit your head and one arm (which neatly avoids issues with choking and also looks extremely fabulous). If the weather is inclement you can tuck your arm through to wear it like a mantel cloak and the remaining slack is just about perfect to serve as a hood. You can also tuck the corners above the belt across your front and into your belt to effectively form pockets, and also, if you're being a "true Scotsman" and going commando the extra fabric over the apron will serve the same function as a sporran in helping prevent indecent exposure charges. Though, seriously, wear underpants unless you're also wearing a decently long tunic (which, in the context of the modern "walking kilt", is something not generally worn); wool is scratchy on your junk, which isn't fun at all and can even be a major hygiene issue. When worn over one shoulder the greatkilt works fantastically with backpacks, but you'll have enough pocket space that you might not even need one. Worn over both shoulders, well, it's fairly similar to the mantel cloak, but you'll have enough slack cloth to pull through the shoulder straps that you can actually mostly keep your arms and chest covered, though it probably won't look pretty. And the other nice thing about the greatkilt is that the only other garments you need are a tunic and possibly footwear, even as it goes well with just about any clothing or armour. And, since it's belted at the waist, it's also much less prone to getting in the way of various activities and obstacles than most cloak designs of its length. The pleats also provide some very nice cushioning if you're sitting down. All in all, as a medieval fantasy adventurer, the greatkilt would be my first choice of garment due to its convenience and versatility. That said, the ruana cloak is a very strong second choice, and due to its versatility I'd prefer a ruana over a tunic to go with my greatkilt, and in warmer weather I'd probably be inclined to stick with the ruana. And I'm probably going to make myself a ruana soon-ish because it's cheaper and more convenient in modern air conditioned life.

Wonderful Channel - I discovered your channel when I searched for the "best medieval cloak for a ranger". After enjoying the video, I subscribed and then binge watched for hours. I greatly appreciate your knowledge, your approach, speaking and demonstration abilities. Thank you.

Thanks to this video, I just took a blanket (100% cotton, looser weave, got it for free) and cut a 48" x 70" section out of it to make a ruana. I used the remainder to make leg wraps. Add that to a pair of linen trousers I already had, and a peasant top I found in a sale for £9 (about $11.50), plus some simple Mary-Jane shoes which blend in really well, and I have a really cheap but cool-looking outfit for a medieval fair I'm off to. I'm already planning on making a bunch of these now that I've got the idea. I really want to make a 100% wool one in a simple grey much like yours. I also want to make a nice tartan wool one with a hole cut for the neck to give it a bit more style and give it as a gift to my mum. I also (also) want to make another 100% wool one for my husband in a really nice dark navy or black watch tartan. Thanks so much for the inspiration!

"You can just take a pair of scissors and make one right now!" Before the end of the video I have attained a versatile cloak✂️

This was just what i needed. I've had a lot of function issues with my mantel cloak (even though i love it). And the fact that that the Ruana cloak is so easy to make is a huge plus. I will definitely try.

This was an excellent breakdown. Thanks so much. Investing in a few of these I think.

I was sharing in your stoke when you were talking about the cloak in the end. It is superior by a longshot lol

I literally wear the one blanket-cloak with the cut halfway down the centre, all the time... 15. minutes into the video. If you wrap one side up over your head and stuff it down below itself, you get a firm hood and extra protection across the chest. Mine are of course of fleece, and I have various colours. Thank you for this video!

Today I cut and stitched a double sided Ruana. One side is greyish blue and the other is more of a Royal blue, both heavy felts as the weather in England is usually cold. Such an easy versatile designand flows much better than any other design I have made before. I dont usually wear a hood up so this was a perfect design to use as compared to my usual blanket style with no cuts taht creates a big hood.

Like you, I highly value versatility. I've thougt about a cloak but felt like it would just be an extra load once non-horrible weather made it superfluous. So I've been pondering for weeks on how to combine a woolen bedroll that can double as a cloak in cold (dry) weather. I think the Gandalf-dimensioned Ruana cloak is the one, especially if holes and tie strings are added so it can be threaded shut. But with so many square feet per the three slits, one could probably just tuck the slits under oneself to minimize cold drafts. Glad I rewatched this video. Nice work.

So I just finished making my new ruana cloak. So glad I tripped over this video. Thanks

Shad sent me here. Will keep tabs on your work! UPDATE: This video sold your channel for me. Glorious!

This is HIGHLY educational and inspirational as well, very much appreciated! I will continue my quest for cloaks for winged people near-permanently on the move, and who cover wings for safety reasons outside of flying, but for my non-winged guy this'll be magnificent! I may use some linen to try this out, or wait until restrictions ease up to finally get some wool and try this! Thank you again, love the passion!

RU-vid's algorithm has gifted me with a gem for once. This was epically awesome, thank you!

Liked & Subbed!!! Well Done!!! I still prefer the mantel Cloak with a very small piece of velcro just on the edge of each side of my cloak so if I pull it back opver my shoulders I can attach the two sides together and it stays. Also, the cloak was not only a rain covering but a blanket/sleeping bag for many when travelling. I wear my pack over my cloak with a canvas oilcloth cover for the pack to hinder the water. This level of technology still keeps it properly within the framework of the "medieval" period I am looking to maintain. And Yes, The Hobbit & The Lord Of The Rings ALWAYS Gets A Pass,....On EVERYTHING!!! Magic, Clothing, Weapons, Skills, Races, Landscapes, EVERYTHING!!!

This video is a great guide. You really convinced me. I decided to just saw a hood to the last one, your favorite one.