Posted by Dana S. on September 12, 2000 at 15:12:33:
In Reply to: How to make a loincloth, with clout? posted by Linda S. Karam on September 12, 2000 at 14:49:12:
: I can't live just in my imagination. I'm going to learn to make loincloths and clouts. Has any of you done this? We could get a sewing circle going!
: Seriously (is that possible when discussing loincloths?), I don't have a special fella to make one for, but I think I'll gift my artistic teenage nephew with my efforts. He's interested in costuming.
: So -- I need directions and details like supplies required, recommendations for cloth, thread, etc. This will be fun!
: If only Eric would model for me ...
: LSK
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They are easy to make, Linda. All you need are a couple of yards of linen or wool (linen will be easiest to find) and some scisssors. Cut a rectangle as wide as the wearers hands spread apart and put together at the thumb tips(spread your fingers on both hands, touch your thumbs at the tips, the distance from pinky to pinky is what you're looking for). Make the rectangle as long as the wearer is tall. A leather thong is needed to tie the thing around the waist.
These are the very first instructions I was ever given for making a clout. Others go about it differently. I believe Clabert had his made while wearing the two yards of wool. I know for a fact, he prefere to have it mended while wearing it.. To each his own. There are many different approaches to manufacturing these interesting little articles. This is only one.
These ARE very comfortable, Linda. Don't just make them for the men in your life. You need one, too! If you make one for yourself, be sure to give yourself a little more length. The distance from ground zero up to a woman's waist is a bit farther for a woman. Oh, and start doing those exercises that put dents in your cheeks.
If you want clout in your clout, you'll have to take that up with the wearer. All "clouts" vary.
Dana S.