tmta3

Materials

Most textiles in the Middle Ages were madę by specialised craftsmen, so the ąuality was generally good. Even cheaper cloths were evenly spun and densely woven; morę expensive ones were distinguished by finer spinning and brighter colours.

Wool and linen were the mainstay of most people's wardrobes, with silk becoming commoner in the late middle ages. Methods of production were changing throughout the period so different types of materiał were available at different times: what follows is a brief summary of these changes, and of what to look for today.

Wool

Woollen textiles have been produced from prehistorie times, and worn as outer clothing. Until the 14th century the fleece was generally combed before spinning, which laid the fibres parallel to spin a fairly smooth yarn, often highly twisted. Much of this yarn was woven into twill (Fig 1) or morę elaborate weaves.

By the end of the 13th century, cloth production in England had dropped off and cloth was being imported from the Low Countries. This was the new 'broadcloth', woven using thread which was carded instead of combed, then spun on a wheel to give a soft, fluffy thread. When the cloth was fulled the fibres felted themselves together to give a firm, even surface. The surface was often madę still smoother by raising a nap and shearing, and it was this 'finishing' which distinguished broadcloth. Broadloom weaving itself was introduced to England during the 1330s, replacing the older upright looms.

Combed yarns continued to be used to weave the fine, smooth fabrics called worsteds, and plain weave cloths remained in production for cheaper clothing. These might be woven from ready-dyed yarns to produce stripes or checks, while broadcloth was usually dyed after weaving. The most expensive dyes were only used on the finest cloths and many cheaper materials were used undyed.

Choosing your materiał A wide rangę of pure wool fabrics is still madę, but wool and polyester blends are often cheaper and can look just as good, though cloth for hose should be pure wool as it has morę stretch. Wools and wool blends are almost always woven to the traditional broadcloth width of 140-160 cm.

1. Weave structures

There are three main types.

Woollen cloth - Any woollen cloth or blend with a visible weave, tabby or twill (Fig 1) and a morę or less hairy surface. The threads should be well packed together, though cloth intended for lining can be flimsier. A density of 6-15 threads per cm is typical for a working garment: a higher density is for finer garments. Use the coarser cloth for cotes and surcotes, for cheaper garments of any period, and for linings. Fine ąuality twill cloth is best for hose, and thick, hairy cloth makes warm cloaks.

Broadcloth - This is likely to be pure wool, and morę expensive. Flere the weave structure is not visible and the surface is either smooth and felt-like (Melton type), or with a fine velvety pile (faced cloth). Use broadcloth for good ąuality outer garments of the 14th and 15th centuries, and especially for 15th-century gowns. Heavy Melton makes excellent cloaks.

Worsted - A lighter, smoother fabric madę with combed yarn, often blended with polyester. Worsteds may come in tabby or twill weave or even with a satin finish (Fig 1): use them for better ąuality cotes, doublets and kirtles, and lightweight gowns for warm weather.

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