'Sheep colour' Tudor style woollen frieze cloth - fabric sold by the half yard

• 100% British wool
• Natural, undyed colour
• 50 inches/127cm wide
• 35 oz/yd (1000g/m)
• Double cloth, raised on both sides
• Made in the United Kingdom 

This 100% British wool fabric has been specially commissioned by The Tudor Tailor from a Yorkshire mill to represent 16th century frieze.

Frieze was a very thick, heavy, plain weave, well-fulled cloth, with a raised hairy surface on both sides. It was the warmest woollen cloth available, making it perfect for outer garments such as gowns, cassocks, cloaks and coats. The fabric also does not fray when cut, meaning that it does not necessarily have to be hemmed.

The 'pie' chart in the photos illustrates that 895 items from a survey of 57,000 garments described in wills, inventories and accounts written between 1485 and 1603 were specifically described as being made of frieze. This chart gives a good indication of the kinds of garments that were commonly made of frieze for lower-class and middle-class Tudors.

Both shades of this cloth might be described in the sixteenth century as 'Sheep colour', meaning that it was the natural, undyed colour of the fleece. The black was also known as 'Poor Black'. Black was highly fashionable and worn by men and women throughout the century, especially for outer layers such as coats and gowns. A ‘true black’ or ‘good black’ was the ideal but it was expensive as it required a great deal of over-dyeing. Naturally pigmented, or cheaply dyed ‘Poor black’ was what was worn by the masses, and was more like a dark chocolate brown in colour. 
 
PLEASE NOTE, this fabric is sold by the half yard (46cm). To order the exact amount required simply select multiple quantities before adding it to your cart. For example, if you need 3 1/2 yards, select 7 in the 'quantity' box and we'll cut the 3 1/2 yards as one continuous length of cloth. 

For our customers in the US, we've been told US Customs and Border Control might charge an import duty of 7% on our woollen fabric. The charge is based on the value of the fabric (excluding shipping), and there may also be some small fees in addition. While we cannot guarantee the amount that will be charged, it's likely to be something along those lines.

Any photos showing garments are intended for illustrative purposes only. No garments are included in this listing.