A simple late 15th c. cap

Late 15th c. cap
Originally uploaded by Catrijn.

Wearing late 15th c. cap
Originally uploaded by Catrijn.

This is an incredibly simple piece of headwear - but it looks right, so why make it complicated? I think of this style as primarily 15th c., although it's probably plausible into the early 16th.

1. Take a rectangle of fine linen, 22 by 12 inches. (These measurements fit my head - small adjustments may be necessary.)
2. Hem all four sides.
3. Fold in half, sewing the edge together to form the center-back seam.
4. Attach a long tie to the point at the top of the head.
5. There is no step 5!

To wear, secure hair close to head in braids or bun. Drape cap on head, hold tail snug to top of neck keeping front edge where you want it, wrap tail around head once, pull end through first loop in order to change directions and wrap around head the other way. Tuck end under previous wrap to secure, and flip the front edge back to frame the face.