Decide on a male or female costume. Men's costumes consist of a tunic, coat and linen shirt. Women's costumes include a headdress or hairnet, skirt and blouse.
Choose a pattern. Consider a basic silhouette; it is the easiest pattern to use. Find one on the Internet or in a specialty store or costume shop.
Decide on a color for your costume. A primary color is an accurate and beautiful selection unless you desire the look of a peasant or servant.
Find the right fabrics. 13th-century European costumes are typically made of simple materials. Some are silk and others are a combination of colored or plain wool and white linen.
Gather your thread to stitch the costume by hand. Use linen or silk thread for authentic stitching.
Sew your costume. Use the linen for a shirt and the wool for the rest of the costume. It may take you several times to get it to look just right.