F.A.Q.

Of course! I know how tricky it can be to choose fabrics online. That’s why each product listing includes detailed information:
the season it's suitable for, the type of garments it’s best used for, weight
per square meter, width, and historical period relevance. You’ll also find
additional historical context on the “Historical Info” page. Still unsure?
Don’t hesitate to reach out via maiden.minne@gmail.com — I’ll be happy to help you find the perfect match for your project.

That can be difficult to determine. If you're using a
commercial pattern, the required yardage is usually listed. When choosing a
fabric from my deadstock selection, I
recommend ordering at least half a meter extra. These fabrics are no longer
produced, so once they’re sold out, they can’t be restocked.

For basic historical garments, here are some general
guidelines:

• Long gown with sleeves (e.g. medieval dress):
  
  3 to 4 meters. For fabrics narrower than 140 cm, order 4.5 to 5 meters.
  
  Bust over 100 cm? Choose
  at least 4 meters for proper fullness.

• Fitted vest with sleeves (e.g. medieval doublet):
  
  1.5 to 2.5 meters. For narrow fabrics, order 2 to 2.5 meters.
  
  For slim builds and wider fabrics, 1.5 meters may be enough.

• Trousers or hose (e.g. joined hosen):
  
  2.5 to 3 meters. Hosen are cut on the bias, which requires extra fabric.
  
  For taller people, go with 3 meters. Leftover fabric is perfect for hoods, hats, or bags.

• Simple shirt:
  
  1.5 to 2 meters.

• Women’s chemise (underdress):
  
  2.5 to 3 meters. For larger bust sizes, you may need up to 3.5 meters.

• Houppelande:
  
  6 to 8 meters. These gowns need generous volume to create the iconic
  silhouette.
  
  Want a train? Choose 8 meters.
  
  For simpler versions or bust sizes under 120 cm, 6 meters can be enough.
  
  Shorter houppelandes (e.g. for men) usually require 6 meters.
  
  For larger waistlines or wide sleeves, go with at least 7 meters.

• Knee-high women’s stockings:
  
  1 to 1.5 meters.

If you’re unsure, feel free to contact me — I’m happy
to help you estimate how much fabric you’ll need based on your design, body
measurements, and fabric width.

To help you make historically informed choices, I’ve
listed the suitable time periods for each fabric in the product descriptions.
These references are based on historical research and archaeological findings.

Here are a few general guidelines:

●     
Woven
wool fabrics appear in archaeological records starting in the Bronze Age.

●     
Linen
has been in use for thousands of years and was already being bleached as early as 1000 BCE,
especially in ancient Egypt and later throughout Europe.

●     
Worsted
wool
– smooth, tightly spun wool – only began production in the late Middle Ages.

●     
Wool
fabrics with woven patterns like herringbone
or checks were widely used in earlier periods, but fell out of fashion by the late 13th century.

●     
Black
or very dark colours became more common from the late medieval period onward, thanks to
improved dyeing techniques and the availability of imported dye materials.

If you're unsure whether a fabric suits your chosen
time period, feel free to get in touch. I'm happy to advise you based on the
historical context, intended garment, and social class you're aiming to
portray.

Natural fabrics require a bit of extra care when it
comes to washing and drying. To help you handle each fabric properly, I’ve
included care instructions in every product description.

Always pre-wash your
fabric before cutting, as natural fibers will shrink —
typically between 1% and 6%,
depending on the material.

Here are some general care tips:

●      Wool fabrics should be washed by hand in cold water only. Never use
hot water or agitation, as this can cause felting.

Let wool air dry flat and iron on medium heat if needed.

●      Linen fabrics can be machine washed
at 30–40°C (86–104°F).

You may tumble dry on low heat, but this often
leads to more wrinkles.

For best results, iron linen while it’s
still slightly damp or use a spray bottle to help smooth out creases. Use medium heat when ironing.

With proper care, your garments should last a
lifetime.

Please note that Maiden Minne is not responsible for any
damage caused by improper use or washing.

If you’re unsure how to treat a specific fabric, feel
free to contact me — I’m happy to advise!

I source my fabrics with great care. My selection includes:

●     
Deadstock
fabrics
from European fashion houses – these are leftover rolls that would otherwise go
to waste, offering excellent quality at fair prices.

●     
Recycled
fibers
– a budget-friendly and eco-conscious option.

●     
Premium
fabrics
produced in Europe, with a focus on sustainability and historical accuracy.

Whenever possible, I choose natural fibers and avoid
synthetic blends. If you’re looking for eco-friendly options for your costume
project, I’ll gladly help you choose a fabric that fits both your budget and
your values.

Some of my fabrics — especially deadstock or
limited-edition weaves — are only available in small quantities. If you’d like
to reserve fabric or place a pre-order for an upcoming restock, feel free to
contact me. I’m happy to set fabric aside for a short period, or keep you
informed when new stock arrives.

It’s possible! Not all fabrics from my market stall are listed online right away — especially deadstock fabrics, one-off pieces, or
items I’m still measuring and photographing.

If you saw something at my market stall that you liked, feel free to email me at maiden.minne@gmail.com with a short description (or, even better: a photo with the product code!).

 I’ll gladly check whether the fabric is
still in stock and can be added to your order.