Reconstructing late medieval textiles does not sound like an everyday job. We introduce two people, whose lives are interwoven with Hanse era textiles.

Where do you get the ideas for the clothing that you reconstruct?

DR. KATRIN KANIA: I start either with a surviving garment or illustrations of garments. Then, I make my trials based on this.

HANSEVOLK: We do much the same. Sometimes, ideas emerge from the exchange with other historical groups or experts too.

How long do you work on such a garment?

HANSEVOLK: That varies greatly. You can finish a simple shirt in one to two days if you are sewing everything by hand. Finishing a grand robe can take several weeks or even months.

DR. KATRIN KANIA: Yes! Depending on how elaborate the garment is or what special features it has. If I have to reconstruct the historical production technique first, the time required really can’t be estimated. When in doubt, it always takes substantially longer than you think!

How does such a historical robe get made?

DR. KATRIN KANIA: Medieval cuts consist of basic geometric shapes, such as trapezoids or rectangles. Once they have been cut, they are fitted to the wearer right on the body. After that, they can be sewn.

HANSEVOLK: Fortunately, there are now patterns for garments. Many members sew themselves and we also help each other.

Links:

Hansevolk zu Lübeck e.V.

pallia – Mittelalter hautnah