Thorsbjerg leggings

Background

The earlier (first to fifth century) leggings found at Thorsbjerg Mose in the 19th century have been used by museums and reenactors as a pattern for Viking age leg coverings, not least due to the paucity of other evidence.

These trousers are of very strong construction, and tend not to split up the crutch in battle.

Materials

Like other types of trousers, leggings can be made of wool or linen. When picking your fabric, consider whether your character is higher status or lower status, how comfortable it'll be (will thinner linen be drafty on a windy day; will wool itch?), and how hard wearing it is.

Construction

The simplest way to obtain a pattern for these trousers is again to use an old pair of trousers that still fit you. Mark on them the panels shown below.

Cut out the panels and transfer them to material of approved weave and colour, remembering to add about ½" or l cm. all round for seams and hems. Start by laying out the panels as above.

Sew the trouser hems to the bottom of each trouser leg, and sew each leg to the waist band, sandwiching the back panel between the two. Next, sew up the front of the crutch, by adding the two small triangular panels, and finally sewing the two legs together.

The finished trousers should look like those illustrated here.

Belt loops or a draw cord can be added. The fly can be sewn up or left open. Alternatively, a flap can be inserted and fastened by thonging or, by clothing hooks.