
Leg Wraps
Also known as winingas, puttees, or winkelbander
Legwraps are common in the medieval period. Examples exist in art, as well as in Anglo-Saxon and "Viking" grave finds.
Researching legwraps for my partner's medieval clothing, I came across an website by Peter Beatson that had done most of the research for me (http://www.miklagard.nvg.org.au/articles/legwraps1.htm)
The information I used to design my legwraps is summarized here:
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Primarily 2/2 chevron twill/herringbone (Beatson reports that the twill is uneven, but my modern sensibility likes the symmetry too much!)
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Warp: average 10-18 threads/cm (25-46 epi)
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Colour: contrasting warp and weft (examples of undyed as well as lichen purple, woad blue, and red and yellow dyes)
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Size: 7.5-10cm (3"-4") wide x 2.5-3m (~9') long


2/2 chevron twill in 2/16 wool at 36 epi. Blue warp, white weft.

2/2 twill in 2/16 wool at 36 epi. Yellow and burgundy in the warp, burgundy weft
Weaving process
![]() Winding the warp in 2/16 wool | ![]() Dressing the loom |
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![]() Experimenting with patterns | ![]() Weaving |
![]() Off the loom |