Viking Winningas, Herringbone Pattern, 7 m Length, var. colours

Winningas / Leg Wraps Fabric, Herringbone Pattern, 7 m Length

This 7 m long piece of cotton fabric with herringbone pattern was woven on an extra narrow loom and thus has particularly neat selvedges. It is 10 cm wide and can be used to craft leg wraps, belts or ornamental braids on garments. The 7 m band length is just right for a pair of leg wraps.

Textile bands with woven-in patterns were quite popular throughout the Middle Ages and even before. They were a status symbol and at times very elaborately crafted. The ornamental braids that adorned the hems and neckline of outer garments were often woven on so-called tablets. Leg wraps, also known as winningas or puttees, were woven on narrow looms. A staple piece of Germanic clothing, winningas were wound over the trousers from the ankle to below the knee and served as a substitute for socks. However, they were much more than a means to keep warm, as they also protected the legs from injury. They were worn by both men and women.

Herringbone (also called broken twill weave) is characterized by a small V-shaped pattern resembling ears of wheat or fish bones. This weave becomes particularly apparent when contrasting colours are used in warp and weft. As it gives the fabric good crossways elasticity, herringbone-patterned leg wraps are particularly easy to put on and comfortable to wear.

This weave was often used, for example in Hedeby and Birka.

Details:
- Material: 100% cotton
- Dimensions: approx. 700 cm long, 10 cm wide
- Available colours: mustard/red, blue-grey/blue
- Care instructions: We recommend hand wash.

As authentic as possible, as modern as necessary!
This piece of fabric is part of Battle-Merchant's line of period clothing and medieval garments for men, women and children. From the first sketch to the last stitch, this garment was planned, designed and handcrafted with particular attention to detail. Our clothes are modeled (sometimes accurately, sometimes less so) on historical examples, grave finds and original museum pieces where they exist. We always endeavour to keep the necessary adjustments to today's standards, e.g. in terms of size and manufacturing process, to a minimum. Just see for yourself!