The tunic evolved from the earliest recorded shapes and eventually evolved into the modern jacket. History books show a huge range of different tunics but when examined they nearly all evolved from one of three basic patterns.

The three following patterns will fit a person with a 38 in chest who is 5 ft 8 in to 5 ft 10 in in height. To adapt to other sizes it is probably best to measure up wearing a T-shirt as this will give a good approximation to the size of tunic you require. Remember to add seam allowances. If in doubt always cut things out bigger than needed as you can always cut a bit off later but it is much harder to add bits if things are too small. I always tend to make costume on the large side and always leave plenty of room round the shoulders as there's nothing worse that having your arm movements restricted when fighting. Don't cut the neck too wide. The neck hole will look impossibly small at first but should be okay. If it does turn out to be too small it is a simple matter to enlarge it later on.

These patterns are very basic and should only take a beginner a couple of hours. Once you get more confidant you can start adding detail and decoration.