ere are some patterns for cloaks. Avoid overly modern trimmings and don't cut armslits and you'll be fine for the period: the cut of cloaks hasn't changed much. Also cloaks are rare enough in society that they'll look period to nearly anyone who sees one. The hard part will be finding some fabric that you like (and can afford). Nice rough wool is never cheap. Linen is a good period lining.

• Folkwear Kinsdale Cloak - $18 from amazon
• Butterick 3084
• Butterick 6796
• McCall's 6774
• Style 7110
• Simplicity 7016
• Simplicity 7781
• Vogue 7110

The following are exerpts from alt.fairs.renaissance regarding patterns for cloaks. Personally, I used the Folkwear Kinsdale Cloak pattern and have been quite pleased with it. The pattern was out of print during the mid 1990's, but as of 1998 was back in print.

From: jah10@Cornell.edu (Jay Howell)

> >> For quite some time I have sought a pattern (fabric) for making
> >> a hooded cloak. As of yet I have had no luck I have seen some
> >> at different fair that I really liked, most people said they bought
> >> theirs at such-n-sucha place or a friend made it. I would prefer
> >> to make my own (means more). I would very much appreciate help
> >> from anyone who has a pattern or knows how/where to get one.
> >> I am not picky too much abou the style or wether it is open or pull
> >> over.  
> >> 
> >> Thanks in advance.
> >> Mark Browning
> >> Meb8913@utarlg.uta.edu
> 
> I made my own cloak as well that was hooded and lined.  If I can
> remember, I'll try and find the pattern tonight in all my junk,
> but I *think* it was either a Simplicity or a Butterwick pattern.  
> I'll try and email you tomorrow, but > you may wish to e-mail me
> and remind me that I told you I'd get this :)

   I have been making cloaks for myself and friends for the past three years
(No mean feat for an amateur tailor), and the pattern I have used has gotten
a very welcome reception.

   The Pattern is by Butterick, #6796.  It has five (5) different cloak
styles.  Four of these seem to fit within the Renaissance era.  The fifth
just appears to be a Poncho-style wrap.

   I usually make the full-length style cloak, with hood.  Depending on the
material used, and I usually make this type of cloak for $50 - $80, which
includes lining and trim.  (Now, if it only had something for ties.  *sigh*)

   If anyone has some ideas on how to put ties into a cloak, which WON'T
strangle you after five minutes, I would like to hear from you.

Jay
----

From: peaches@netcom.com

I have a pattern for a hooded cloak that I have found very nice.
It is a Simplitiy pattern #7016, one size fits all.
It is full length with slits for the arms. I put in a tie at the
neck for closing purposes.

I hope this helps you.

Georgia
----
From: ridley2@aol.com (Ridley2)

Go to your local sewing store (JoAnn Fabric or Minnesota Fabrics, etc) and
ask for Vogue pattern #7110.  It's an easy, unlined hooded cloak.

Ridley

---

From: jburnes@crl.com (Jim Burnes)

There is a mail-order company called Folkwear and they sell patterns of
clothing from all over the world.  I recently ordered a pattern for a 
kamiz and churidar (top and pants for women from India) and I was very 
pleased.  The pattern was not cheap, but it was of very high quality.

They have a couple patterns for cloaks that I thought were really good.  
Here is a # that you can reach them at.  This is their customer service #:
1-800-477-8727.

BTW: they have other patterns that you may be interested in.  If you call, 
ask to see if there are any stores around you that carry their catalog, 
or you can request one.  It costs $3.oo.

Jim Burnes