Wilde Realms

Soft-Kit Basics — Budget LARP (UK)

Foundations you can reuse across any heritage: shapes, fabrics, fast finishes, and UK-friendly sourcing.

Contents

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Principles

  • Silhouette first: long tunic + belt + cloak/hood beats “fancy fabric, modern cut”.
  • Layers hide sins: base (tunic/shirt), mid (vest/tabard), outer (cloak/hood/mantle).
  • Natural-leaning textures: cotton, wool blends, linen-look beat shiny synthetics.
  • Edge discipline: hem, bind with bias, or fold-tape-stitch. Crisp beats complex.
  • Comfort & safety: soft closures, no sharp hardware, secure loose cords.

Sourcing (UK)

  • Charity shops/car boots: sheets/duvets (tunic/tabard), curtains (cloak), shirts (vest base).
  • Dunelm / Abakhan: poly-cotton, cotton drill, wool-blend; bias, interfacing.
  • eBay UK: button mixes, toggles, cotton tape, D-rings.
  • The Works/Hobbycraft: fabric glue, snaps, textile paints.

Colour & Weathering

  • Pick a limited palette (2–3 colours) to read coherent.
  • Weather gently: thin acrylic wash at hems/cuffs; heat-set when dry.
  • Avoid modern prints/logos; favour plain or subtle texture.

General Guides & Measurements

Neckholes (size & placement)

  • Rule of thumb: for round/oval neck openings, start from (neck circumference + 2") / 2 (add ~5 cm, then halve). Cut smaller than this and enlarge gradually until it’s comfortable.
  • Off-centre for comfort: when a garment has a front and back, place about one third of the neck opening behind the shoulder line and two thirds in front. This gives space for the chest and stops the neckline riding up under the throat.
  • Test first: if you’re unsure, try the neck shape on paper or scrap fabric before cutting your main cloth.

Keyhole neckline (easy option)

  • Instead of a full circle, cut a small round or oval at the base of the throat with a short vertical slit to the front.
  • Stay-stitch around the circle, clip towards the stitching every 1–2 cm, then turn the edge in or bind with bias. The straight slit is simple to hem or face.
  • You can use a keyhole neckline on any pattern here that shows a circular or oval neckhole.

Hemming basics

  • Straight hems: press up 1 cm, then another 1 cm; stitch close to the inner fold.
  • Curved hems & necklines: stay-stitch just inside the seam allowance, clip into the curve every 1–2 cm, then press and fold in small sections. Using bias binding is often faster and neater than fighting the curve.

Gussets & gores

  • Gusset: usually a square or diamond inserted into a right-angle corner (underarm or crotch) to give movement. Sew one side, stop with the needle down at the corner, pivot, and sew the next side.
  • Gore: a triangle added into a straight seam to add flare (skirts/tunics). Snip a small slit where the point sits, sew the point in first, then sew down each side so it blends into the seam.

Cloak fullness: ¼, ½, ¾, full circle

  • ¼ circle: short cape or mantle; covers shoulders and upper arms.
  • ½ circle: classic adventurer cloak (what most guides here use); good coverage without too much bulk.
  • ¾ circle: very full cloak that wraps far around the front; heavier but very dramatic.
  • Full circle: maximum swirl and coverage; beautiful in thin fabrics but can be heavy in wool/blanket.

How-Tos (with printable SVGs & step tracking)

Make a Simple Tunic (T-tunic)

  • Time: ~2–3 h
  • Cost: £
  • Difficulty: Easy

Materials & tools

  • 2–3 m cotton/linen-look (sheet works)
  • Thread
  • Bias/facing for neck (optional)
T-Tunic Layout Two body rectangles; two sleeves; optional triangular gores; off-centre neckhole with keyhole option. Body ×2 Sleeve ×2 Gore ×2 (opt.) Neck: ⅓ back / ⅔ front

Process

  1. 1. Cut two body rectangles (shoulder-to-hem; chest/hips + ease).
  2. 2. Join shoulders. Mark a small neck opening slightly forward of the shoulder line (about ⅓ on the back, ⅔ on the front); use the neck rule-of-thumb in the General Guides and cut small. Bind, face, or use a keyhole neckline.
  3. 3. Cut two sleeve rectangles; attach to body edges (straight).
  4. 4. Close sides from cuff to hem (add triangular gores if desired).
  5. 5. Hem sleeves and bottom; press.

Make a Tabard

  • Time: ~1–2 h
  • Cost: £
  • Difficulty: Easy

Materials & tools

  • 2–2.5 m medium-weight cotton/polycotton
  • Bias tape (optional)
  • Cotton tape for side ties (optional)
  • Thread
Tabard Rectangle Front/back rectangles with off-centre neck opening and optional tie points. Add 2 cm hem

Process

  1. 1. Cut two rectangles (knee-ish length; width = shoulder span + ease).
  2. 2. Sew shoulder seams. Mark a small, off-centre neck opening (about ⅓ on the back, ⅔ on the front) using the neck rule-of-thumb; cut a small oval or keyhole and test fit before enlarging.
  3. 3. Finish edges (double-turn hem or bias).
  4. 4. Optional: Add side ties; add simple heraldry/appliqué.

Make a Surcote / Surcoat (sleeveless over-gown)

  • Time: ~2–3 h
  • Cost: £
  • Difficulty: Easy

Materials & tools

  • 2–3 m heavier cotton/brocade/curtain
  • Thread
  • Bias for edges
Surcote Pieces Front and back with deep armholes; optional centre split. Front (split optional) Back

Process

  1. 1. Start from the T-tunic body: lengthen the hem and widen at the sides for extra flare.
  2. 2. Mark and cut the neckline as for the tunic (off-centre, small to start), then cut deeper armholes; keep shoulders wide for a knightly line.
  3. 3. Bind neck/armholes/hem or double-turn hem.
  4. 4. Optional: split front/back for riding; add contrast panels.

Make a Wizard’s / Monk’s Robe

  • Time: ~3–5 h
  • Cost: ££
  • Difficulty: Easy

Materials & tools

  • 4–5 m fabric (drape)
  • Thread
  • Cord belt
Robe Layout Long body rectangles, wide sleeves, large hood. Sleeves ×2 Long body ×2

Process

  1. 1. Scale up the T-tunic body for a looser, ankle-length fit, using the same off-centre neckhole method.
  2. 2. Add a large hood (rectangle hood or 3-piece cowl).
  3. 3. Add wide sleeves (rectangle); optionally add sleeve gores.
  4. 4. Hem long; belt with cord; add stole/scarf if desired.

Make a Cloak (rectangle or half-circle)

  • Time: ~2–3 h
  • Cost: ££
  • Difficulty: Easy

Materials & tools

  • 2–3 m wool/blanket/curtain
  • Toggle/cord
  • Bias (optional)
Cloak Options Rectangle with neck slit; half-circle from two quarters.

Process

  1. 1. Rectangle cloak: cut a large rectangle. Mark a small neck opening set slightly forward of centre (more to the front) using the neck rule-of-thumb; cut a slit or keyhole.
  2. 2. Half-circle cloak: cut two quarter-circles; join straight edges; mark a small, off-centre neck circle and cut.
  3. 3. Finish edges; add ties/toggle; optional hood.

Make a Cape / Mantle (short)

  • Time: ~1–2 h
  • Cost: £
  • Difficulty: Easy

Materials & tools

  • 1–1.5 m wool/blanket
  • Toggle/cord
  • Bias (optional)
Short Cape Small half-circle with neck; simple closure.

Process

  1. 1. Use a smaller half-circle radius (shoulder to mid-upper arm).
  2. 2. Cut a small, off-centre neck opening; finish edges; add closure.
  3. 3. Optional: add simple collar or hood.

Make a Furred Mantle (ethical faux recommended)

  • Time: ~2–3 h
  • Cost: ££
  • Difficulty: Easy

Materials & tools

  • Faux fur outer
  • Lining (cotton)
  • Hook/loop or ties
  • Thread
Mantle Shape Short half-circle; lined. Neck

Process

  1. 1. Cut a short half-circle or rectangle to shoulder length.
  2. 2. Line the fur (fur-to-lining, stitch, turn); brush pile out of seams.
  3. 3. Cut and finish a small, off-centre neck opening; add closures; optionally add trim around edge.

Make a Felt Hat (felt yardage method)

  • Time: ~1.5–2.5 h
  • Cost: ££
  • Difficulty: Medium

Materials & tools

  • Wool felt yardage or thick craft felt
  • Headband strip
  • Thread
Felt Hat Pieces Headband strip, crown circle, optional brim donut.

Process

  1. 1. Cut a headband to head circumference + seam; join into a ring.
  2. 2. Cut a circle crown (diameter ~ head ÷ π + ease).
  3. 3. Sew crown to headband; add brim as a donut ring if desired.
  4. 4. Steam/press to shape; add band/trim.

Make a Fur Hat (tube + crown)

  • Time: ~60–90 min
  • Cost: ££
  • Difficulty: Easy

Materials & tools

  • Faux fur outer
  • Lining
  • Interfacing (optional)
  • Thread
Fur Hat Pieces Band rectangle + circular crown.

Process

  1. 1. Cut a long rectangle (head circumference + seam) for the band.
  2. 2. Join short ends to form a ring; attach a circular crown (outer and lining).
  3. 3. Turn/press; stitch in the ditch; comb pile out of seams.

A Few Trouser Variants

  • Time: ~2–4 h
  • Cost: £
  • Difficulty: Easy

Materials & tools

  • 2–3 m fabric (sturdy)
  • Elastic or cord for waist
  • Thread
Basic Trouser Pieces Two mirrored legs with optional gusset; waist channel. Gusset

Process

  1. 1. <strong>Drawstring:</strong> Two mirrored leg pieces; gusset (optional); channel at waist; cord.
  2. 2. <strong>Elastic waist:</strong> Same as above; insert elastic in waistband.
  3. 3. <strong>Wrap pants:</strong> Two large panels with ties; overlap at front/back; tie at waist/hips.

Make a Wrap Skirt (adjustable, no zip)

  • Time: ~60–90 min
  • Cost: £
  • Difficulty: Easy

Materials & tools

  • 1.5–2.5 m fabric (drape friendly)
  • Ribbon/ties (2× 50–70 cm)
  • Thread
Wrap Skirt Layout Tapered rectangle; ties fixed at both ends. Waist edge (turn for waistband) Hem

Process

  1. 1. Cut a long rectangle (waist to mid-calf) and slightly taper the waist edge.
  2. 2. Hem the long edges; turn a waistband channel along the tapered top.
  3. 3. Attach ties at both ends of the waistband; wrap and tie at side or back.

Make a Gored / Panel Skirt (6 panels)

  • Time: ~2–3 h
  • Cost: £
  • Difficulty: Easy

Materials & tools

  • 2–3 m fabric
  • Elastic or drawstring
  • Thread
6-Panel Skirt One tapered gore shape repeated six times. One panel ×6 Hem

Process

  1. 1. Draft one tapered panel (waist small, hem wide); cut 6 panels.
  2. 2. Join panels; insert elastic/drawstring at waistband.
  3. 3. Hem the bottom; press all seams.

Make a Full Circle Skirt (waistband)

  • Time: ~2–3 h
  • Cost: ££
  • Difficulty: Easy

Materials & tools

  • 2.5–3 m fabric (wide)
  • Elastic or fitted waistband
  • Thread
Circle Skirt Quarter fold; cut waist radius; hem circle. Waist radius r

Process

  1. 1. Fold fabric into quarters; mark waist radius r = √(waist ÷ π).
  2. 2. Cut circle (waist) and desired length; open one seam if adding zip/elastic.
  3. 3. Attach waistband (elastic or fitted); hem wide.

Make Undead Kit (“Raggies”)

  • Time: ~1–2 h
  • Cost: £
  • Difficulty: Easy

Materials & tools

  • Old garments/sheets
  • Scissors
  • Acrylic paints (wash)
  • Thread/needle
Weathering Zones Concentrate dark wash at hems, cuffs, seams; lighter toward body centre. Heavy wash Light wash

Process

  1. 1. Layer multiple thin garments; rip/cut irregular hems and slashes (stop well short of seams).
  2. 2. Stitch or glue strips on top for depth; leave some loose ends (not long enough to snag).
  3. 3. Weather with diluted acrylic washes (brown/black/green); heat-set.
  4. 4. Dust with talc/charcoal (optional); seal lightly with hairspray outdoors.