207 Kinsale Cloak - Sewing Pattern

One size for men and women (finished length from center back neckline to hemline is 55"/139cm). Rural Irish Folk costume for centuries wore voluminous full-length woolen cloaks of ancient origins.  Handwoven in a straight twill tweed, these heavy cloaks took their color from the native black sheep, whose wool provides a natural water repellent.  The social changes wrought by the Potato Famine of 1846 saw a decline in the cloak's popularity; however, lined with black linen, silk, or satin, it may still be seen in West County Cork today. Our Kinsale Cloak sewing pattern is ankle length on a 5'7" person.  Lined and hand gathered into a wide collar, it falls in small unpressed pleats to a gracefully curved hem.