Poloshirt Tunic

[Torix]

Im about to make a polo shirt tunic, and i am wondering if it will fray once i cut off the hemmed parts (neck, the ends of the arms, and the bottom). If so, is there a preferred method to prevent this?

Also, should i cut a slit in the front and back, or the sides for mobility/authenticity?

Thanks!

[Jay HellHammer]

A polo tunic should be temporary for new garb so if it frays or isn't authentic, don't be concerned. One way to stop fraying is to use bias tape but if you are getting that into it, build a regular tunic.

[Arrakis]

No, it shouldn't fray significantly; the fabric is a knit, like T-shirt material, and doesn't naturally ravel.

How to make a good Polo tunic for your first ever event/first few months of practice:

Buy a Polo from a goodwill or someplace in a natural color and AT LEAST 2 sizes bigger than you normally wear. If you can get bigger, get bigger.
Cut off the collar, the cuffs, and the buttons.
lace the holes at the neck loosely with cord/jute/twine/leather thong/etc.
belt the tunic and blouse it up over the belt a little ways.

Now, wear it to your first event, then get someone to help you sew a real tunic.

[Iorek]

Another cheap and easy solution to the tunic is a bedsheet tunic. get a twin sized flat sheet and fold it in half (in what we used to call "hamburger style" when we were kids). Get a loose fitting t-shirt and center it with the neckline on the fold. Add a couple inches to each side of the t-shirt and cut a rectangle out of each side. Your sheet should look like a giant "T". cut a hole for the head in the middle of your fold and then hem or trim up the raw edges of your tunic. the sleeves and bottom should still have the original hem from the sheet.

As a side note I would hem/trim the sleeves first slide the tunic on and mark off where your hip is. then sew the sides together to that point then leave the rest of the sides split, making it easier to get on and off as well as leaving you more room to move.

and Voila! You've made a comfy tunic that was cheap and easy but doesn't have that fresh fighter glow.

P>S> pics for instructions coming soon! (If I ever get off my * and make 'em)