Two More Viking Hoods

In the previous posts, I picked a Herjolfsnes hood to share with you because the pattern was fairly simple, and did not seem to be available from another source. I know that many places sell e-patterns while others offer patterns and tutorials for free. I’m not here to step on anyone’s toes or take credit for their work. In case the Herjolfsnes hood isn’t to your taste, I am linking to two other hood types with free instructions.

The simplest Viking hood pattern out there is probably the Skjoldehamn Hood. There is some argument of whether the partial original garment is really part of a hood, or part of a child’s garment. It’s not like grave garments come neatly labeled out of the mud, after all. Here is a link to a PDF that a SCAdian has lovingly put together about the Skjoldehamn Hood with all the details you need to make one.

I have not made a Skjoldehamn hood yet, but I will share another SCA tutorial to my favorite hood. This style is often referred to as an open hood or a London hood. It has side gores, and is either open or buttons from under the chin to the collarbone. Buttons make it more difficult than the Herjolfnes hood, but I like the fit of the over-the-shoulder gores. If lined with a contrasting fabric, the face edge can be turned back to show it off.

Here are two open hoods made for children from vintage suiting fabrics. The left one is dull purple might-be-wool lined with pink Irish linen. The right one is vintage grey not-wool lined with slubby red not-wool. They are made to be reversible, and believe me when I say they look adorable on the girls. I suggest open hoods for children, especially young ones, so the hood will come off if caught on something instead of becoming a choking hazard.

Here is my favorite London hood, which buttons up the front with cloth buttons. It is dinosaur green with a slubby weave that looks like burlap but is soft to the touch. The fabric is vintage but from the amount of wrinkling, the fiber is clearly in the linen-hemp-bast family.

Viking and medieval hoods are generally made from wool, and may optionally be lined with linen. If you dislike wool, are allergic to wool, or live in a hot climate, medium to heavy weight linen is a good alternative. A synthetic wool-like fabric is an acceptable choice so long as it doesn’t catch fire. Lastly, if you are allergic to wool but have expensive tastes, see if cashmere, alpaca wool or camelhair tweed fabrics might suit you.