In medieval times many monks wore long hooded robes, of which the hooded part was known as a cowl. These helped to keep warm in the drafty monasteries and also was a symbol that one had taken his vows. You can make your own cowl for a medieval costume in just 3 easy steps.
1. Find the fabric you want to use and cut a circle 24 inches in diameter. Once you find the center cut another circle for your head to fit through just IN FRONT and tangent to the center.
2. Next cut out the sides of the hood. You need two 18'' X 18" pieces of fabric cut to form two isosceles triangles. Sew the two pieces together along the top and the back. The top being the 18" side of the triangle and the back being the other non equal side of the triangle.
3. The other 18" sides will frame the face. You can hem these or apply trim if you wish. Then sew together the hood and the neck opening remembering that the longer portion of the cape should go in the back.
These other resources can help you add on to your costume in true medieval fashion:
- Cape and Cloak Patterns
- Medieval Cape Design & Construction
- Making a Semi-Circular Pattern
- Clothing of the Middle Ages
- Footwear of the Middle Ages
- Intro to Simple Medieval Garb
- How to Create a Tunic and Pants
- Construct Braies
- Womans Clothing 1500s
- Basic Medieval Costumes and Patterns
- Cap of Maintenance
Written by Michael S. Atwood