Congratulations! You’ve recently become a swordsman in The Order of the Rose and have earned the right to wear a tabard. The Company of Broderers have been working with The Shire and The Order of the Rose to create official patterns, and to make the process of obtaining a tabard as easy as possible.
How much does it cost?
Before you begin, it’s helpful to understand the anticipated cost of the project. Fabric will be your main expense, and the easiest route is to imagine it’ll cost around $100-$150. Many factors can vary this cost, including if you need a larger/smaller size, the quality of fabrics you choose for the velvet and lining, and how good you are at clipping the 50% off coupons. Other than fabric, the only necessities are buttons, interfacing, and sturdy thread. Some people choose to include a decorative trim on their tabards, but it isn’t necessary and typically can be added on later.
Who sews the tabards?
You are welcome to sew the tabard yourself or invite someone you know to do it. The Company of Broderers is also available to assist you in finding the help you need. Typically in the past, Terrasylvans who can sew the tabard seem to charge around $100-$150 for their labor. But who knows? Ask around. Perhaps some added charisma or exchange of services can help with the price if you need it.
Where is the pattern?
In the past, there have been multiple patterns floating around the group. However, we’re pleased to say the very talented Melonie Fitch created an official, formal pattern for the group to use. The masters of this pattern currently live at the Captain’s home. When you are ready for your pattern, you need to determine your measurements (see below) and then schedule a time with the captain to copy the pieces for the particular size you need. You don’t need to bring anything for it. Paper is provided.
What size am I?
You need to take four different measurements to determine the best sized tabard for you. These are best done with a soft measuring tape and an assistant. The Front and Back length is adjustable.
- Shoulder width – Poke the top outside edge of your shoulder, it should feel knobby. Measure the width of your shoulders across the back, from one knob to the other.
- Neck – Measure the circumference. Do not worry about wearing a gorget. The pattern already takes the width of them into account.
- Front length – If you finger below your neck, you’ll find a “horseshoe hole” nestled between your collar bones. Measure from that hole to just above the kneecap. Let the measuring tape drape down, just like the tabard would.
- Back length – Lean your head forward and feel the back of your neck. You should feel a small knobby bump close to the bottom of it, almost like a mini adam’s apple. Measure from that point to just above the knee. Again, make sure the measuring tape dangles and that you aren’t conforming it to your body on the way down.
Once you have your measurements, use this chart to find the pattern number that most closely fits your needs. This is the pattern you need to request to copy.
| Pattern # | Shoulder Width | Neck | Front Length | Back Length |
| 1 | 13″ | 15″ | 31″ | 32″ |
| 2 | 14″ | 16″ | 32″ | 33″ |
| 3 | 15″ | 17″ | 32″ | 33″ |
| 4 | 16″ | 18″ | 33″ | 34″ |
| 5 | 17″ | 19″ | 33″ | 34″ |
| 6 | 18″ | 20″ | 34″ | 35″ |
| 7 | 19″ | 21″ | 34″ | 35″ |
| 8 | 20″ | 22″ | 35″ | 36″ |
| 9 | 21″ | 23″ | 36″ | 37″ |
| 10 | 22″ | 24″ | 37″ | 38″ |
What materials do I need?
*fabric yardage will depend on pattern number
- Sewing instructions – will be provided when you copy your pattern
- Black fabric – cotton velveteen (or something close to it)
- Lining fabric – bridal satin is typical, but use whatever you want!
- 1-2 spools of thread
- Interfacing – “sew in” is best with the velveteen. You’ll want to get a ½ yard of interfacing
- Buttons – enough to place them probably 1 ½ – 2 inches apart down the front. I would get extras in case you lose a button in a fight
- Rose patch
How many yards of Fabric Do I Need?
You will likely need more velveteen than lining fabric. When cutting out your pattern on the velveteen, you will need to lay each piece in a certain direction to follow the “nap” of the fabric. Fabric that has a nap to it feels smooth in one direction and rough when you go the other way. If your lining doesn’t have a nap (most fabrics don’t), then it does not matter how you lay out the pattern. It is nice to have extra lining to use for coupon tabards, apprentice scarves, etc.
Velveteen
| Pattern # | Yards Needed (43″ Wide) | Yards Needed (60″ Wide) |
| 1 | 4 | 3 |
| 2 | 4 | 3 |
| 3 | 4 1/4 | 3 1/4 |
| 4 | 4 1/4 | 3 1/4 |
| 5 | 4 1/2 | 4 1/2 |
| 6 | 4 3/4 | 4 1/2 |
| 7 | 5 | 4 1/2 |
| 8 | 5 1/2 | 4 1/2 |
| 9 | 5 3/4 | 4 1/2 |
| 10 | 6 1/4 | 4 1/2 |
Lining
| Pattern # | Yards Needed (43″ Wide) | Yards Needed (60″ Wide) |
| 1 | 3 3/4 | 2 3/4 |
| 5 | 4 | 2 3/4 |
| 10 | 4 3/4 | 3 3/4 |
Some THINGS TO CONSIDER
There is no wrong way to make a tabard. Every tabard is unique like every Swordsman. But here are some things to consider before making your tabard to make it the way you want it.
- Do you want the cap sleeves to be stiff or floppy? – If you want the cap sleeves to stick out, you’ll want stiffer interfacing. It you want them floppy, you’ll want less stiff interfacing.
- Do you want the buttons to be functional or faked? – We don’t unbutton our tabards all the way down. At most, the top 5 buttons are all we unbutton to get it over our heads. That being said, you can make the top 5 buttons functional and just sew the rest of the buttons on instead of creating button holes for all of them.
- Where do you want the shoulder width to end? – Some have the seam on the edge of their shoulder like on a shirt. Some have it an inch below their shoulder.
- Do you want a slit in the back? – There is a seam running down the back of the tabards. Some like to have sewn all the way down. Some like to have a slit that goes from a few inches open from the bottom, or all the way up to their waist.
- Trim or no trim?
When you finish your tabard:
- Let the Captain know so you can schedule your Fight of the Tabard
- Give a sample of your lining to Rhiannon to add to the Swordsman Bunting
- Send a color sample or picture of your lining to Evanlyn to update the Swordsman Tabard Color List
