Lately, I’ve been getting lots of requests for costumes from the family, and the latest creation is a simple set of knightly tabards and a mantle (a cape) using Simplicity S9775.
This is a unisex costume that comes in a single size. However, I still made some size adjustments. For my tween, I removed about 4″ total from the width. For my husband, I added the same amount of total width (he’s usually a men’s large). I made View C, which is the shorter length, and skipped the front and back vents. Yes, I realize this will make it more difficult for my knights to ride their horses. lol.
The fussiest part of the pattern is the appliqué, and I recruited my tween to cut out these pieces. There are three different options, and I used two of them. I simply used a zigzag stitch to apply them. This was a costume, after all.
The main fabric is mystery fabric from the Seconde Fibre section of The Fabric Club. Their goal with this department is to sell deadstock, remnants, and other unusual fabrics at low prices to prevent them from ending up in landfills.
The fabric I used was possibly drapery. The pattern calls for a woven, but I used a knit. It’s a black burnout knit with a floral brocade-style pattern and a satin-velour finish. Probably, this is mostly synthetic.
I found a small remnant (under 1 m) of the Fabric Club’s majestic satin in red for the appliqués. This is a very beautiful but also very slippery fabric! I interfaced the appliqués with regular interfacing to keep them stable while sewing. I loved the satin so much, I went back to get more for another project (not a costume).
However, this project would have been a bit easier if I hadn’t chosen a fabric as shifty as this, such as upholstery brocade, for example. Sewing the slipperiest satin ever to a knit was challenging. For the heraldic shield, I attached the decorative braid first and that made it easier to attach, and removed the need for seam finishes on the satin as the fabric was completely enclosed.
I love the contrast between black and red. It gives the costumes a nice Knights Templar or Knights Hospitaller vibe.
For an added regal touch I used gimp braid from the upholstery section to trim the tabards. It was also the end of the roll. I used upholstery cord for the belts.
I had only planned to make the tabards, but there was so much fabric left over I managed to get a mantle as well. I didn’t line it, though – mostly because I didn’t have enough knit fabric for that. I made it as long as possible to use up all the fabric, so it’s a bit longer than the short length. Unfortunately, it was whisked away before I could get a good photo.
This was an extremely easy pattern to sew. I finished both tabards and the mantle in a day. I’d strongly recommend the costume for someone looking for a quick project with great results.
Summary
Pattern Review: Simplicity S9775, Unisex Costume Tabards, Capes and Heraldic Shields in one size.
Fabric: Mystery fabric from Seconde Vie, and majestic satin from the Fabric Club in red.
Notions and Equipment: Gimp braid and cord from the upholstery section.
Size: One size.
Cost: Pattern: $7.22 Fabric: About $20. Notions: About $20 for gimp braid and cord.
Sewing Level: Easy according to the pattern-maker, but I’d say very easy.
Modifications: I changed the width, depending on the wearer, left out the front and back vents, and did not line the mantle.
Results: Ready for adventure!