Making a REALLY big Gambeson

[JeanryChandler]

Ok, I need to get a Gambeson for myself so I can occasionally fight with some of these folks who refuse to use padded weapons. My problem is, I'm poor, and cannot afford even a regular gambeson of the type offered by various retailers, (let alone getting them to custom make a super duper sized version for me). I need therefore to make my own.

I had decided on making one out of moving blanket, but rumors and finally experimentation proved that these common and cheap items, while suitible in most ways, are way way to hot to wear let alone fight in due to their artificial fiber construction.

So I'm back to square one. Does anyone know where a worthy lad such as myself could find some suitible quilted fabric, preferably natural fiber, thick enough to be made into an effective gambeson? Preferably anything relatively cheap and available online!

Anye help would be appreciated.

Jr

[Brian Hunt]

Since heat is an issue for you, your going to want to use natural materials. One possability would be using linen canvas for your shell, and getting some army surplus wool blankets, fulling them for your batting and quilting it yourself. The linen will allow air to get to your skin and the wool will move the sweat from your skin.

source for linen
http://www.fabrics-store.com/first.php?menu=h

hope this helps.

Brian Hunt
GFS

[JeanryChandler]

Yeah, that sounds interesting, thanks for the link. I was hoping not to have to do the quilting myself since thats one more thing for me to mess up, but linen could be useful for a lot of things. And who knows, maybe I can get my girlfriend to help me....

Jr

[Matthew_Anderson]

Well, there's always quilted moving pads. They're easy to find and inexpensive. I've seen some gambesons made from them and they work OK, although I'm sure they will be hotter than something made from 100% natural fibers.

[GaryGrzybek]

I recently picked up a slightly used Revival gambeson. It's the heavy cotton duck one so it's suited best for cooler weather. I really couldn't afford it but for $150 it was hard to pass up. My wife will soon be making me an arming jacket. She found a fabric website for the materials. The padding will be double thick cotton batting and the shell will be linen. This should be a lighter contrast to my Revival and better suited for later period dress. If you know someone who can make it for you then all you need is a pattern and materials.

[david welch]

UHaul sells moving pads made from recycled blue jeans, which is close to 100% cotton. They are not woven, but are a thick felt. I am using some to make my gambeson. Double thick, with an extra layer on the outside of the arms should be enough, I think.

68" x 85" - $6.95

http://store.uhaul.com/product_detail.aspx?id=2670

[JeanryChandler]

Thanks that's exactly what the Doctor ordered. Couldn't tell from the photos, is that material quilted I hope?
Jr

[Brian Hunt]

Hi Jeanry,

you might also want to check out this webpage, specifically Dragon #3 and #5 for info on making gambesons and padded jacks. http://www.companie-of-st-george.ch/dragons_1.phtml

hope this helps.

Brian Hunt
GFS

[david welch]

No, its not quilted. It's really just a big piece of felt.