A Different Cloak Approach

A place for pics and tutorials on making Soft Kit (clothing and accessories like buckles and cloak pins).

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Daerir
Amrod Rhandir
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A Different Cloak Approach

Post by Daerir »

So a very very long time ago somewhere I posted my very rough instruction sheet on how I made my cloak (made with MS Word shapes). And for the longest time the clasping system I was using was two buttons and a small chain wrapped around them holding it around my neck, though I never cared for it, and I care even less for the over the shoulder pinning. When I get hot I like to toss the cloak over my shoulders and not worry about gagging when I do so I tried my hand at a Game of Thrones styled cloak with the shoulder straps.

I ordered two cheapo leather belts from Wish.. yeah I know but it was a pinch, and I cut the buckles off. I stitched the leather to the shoulder portions on my cloak and replaced the normal belt buckle with one that uses tension as opposed to holes and a pin to hold it. My cloak rests on my back and shoulders much like a backpack, though the only issue I found was the straps would either have to be so ridiculously tight that I might as well have left the buttons on, or when I got them comfortable, I couldnt move or theyd fall down my arms. Solution? I run the straps through a small leather loop that holds the "X" in the correct spot and doesnt let the straps slide anywhere. Now I can throw my cloak over my shoulder and still have it be nice and flow-y on my back, nor am I being choked :D

Pics soon.

I also want to add a lining to it to liven it up a little but thats another project in itself.
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Scarxik
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Re: A Different Cloak Approach

Post by Scarxik »

I would like to see a pics..because Im also playing with this idea but right now I have only the light linen cloak and for this is not wery usefull but I can imagine comfort with something havier like wool.

But I have couple questions...
how it works with quiver or bedroll straps?
Do you use softer or thicker leather?
How did you make a clasp at the back because my biggest concern is the buckle digging in to my back when I use quiver or bedroll
“Home is behind, the world ahead, and there are many paths to tread through shadows to the edge of night,
until the stars are all alight.” JRR Tolkien
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Elleth
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Re: A Different Cloak Approach

Post by Elleth »

I'm curious to hear those answers to. :)

I do rather like the northerner's cloak fastening - it's just so iconically GoT that I've not tried one.

For what it's worth, aaaages ago I did a cloak that fastened in the back, roughly modeled on the Prologue Elven Army cloaks - the difference was that the cloak fastenings passed under the arms on the same side, rather than crossing across the check. It too was remarkably stable, and I don't think would have any more or less issues with a quiver than a regular cloak. That said, the way it left the front entirely open was great for a decorative costume element, but rather defeated the purpose of the coak as a clothing item - looks lke the GoT cloaks don't have that issue, yes?
Persona: Aerlinneth, Dúnedain of Amon Lendel c. TA 3010.
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Daerir
Amrod Rhandir
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Re: A Different Cloak Approach

Post by Daerir »

Scarxik wrote:
how it works with quiver or bedroll straps?
Do you use softer or thicker leather?
How did you make a clasp at the back because my biggest concern is the buckle digging in to my back when I use quiver or bedroll
As for a quiver, I have a little slot cut out of the cloak itself that I also attached a flap to cover it when I dont have my quiver on. I just take the strap from my quiver and pass it through my cloak then reclipping it in the front.

The belts like I said were like $5 leather belts from Wish so they are relatively soft but they can hold up pants so why not a cloak?

The clasp actually isnt in the back, it attaches at the side for easier access when Im alone. It rests just a little behind where my arm rests so for it to rub I dont even feel it.

Sorry in advance for the shit quality pics. I didn't have any helpers to get decent shots and my phone wouldnt focus right for some reason.

Just Standing http://prntscr.com/glnl5m
Fasteninghttp://prntscr.com/glnk4y
Cloak & Quiver 1http://prntscr.com/glnkfk 2http://prntscr.com/glnkp4
Thrown Completely Back http://prntscr.com/glnkvr
Hooded http://prntscr.com/glnl9z

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~Halt, Ranger's Apprentice
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Manveruon
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Re: A Different Cloak Approach

Post by Manveruon »

I dig it. I've been wanting to make a Jon Snow costume for quite a while, and I have all the stuff to make his Night's Watch cloak, but I haven't gotten to it just yet. I love the idea of the strap closures they use on the show, and having worn one a couple times before, I must say it's quite comfy. But like Elleth, I've shied away from doing it with Middle Earth gear because it sort of screams Westeros to my eye. Still, I think it can totally work if incorporated right. Yours turned out great!
Maerondir Perianseron, also called “Mickel,” Halfling Friend - Ranger of the Misty Mountains
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