Clothing Examples Sorted by Difficulty

Click the below links to view clothing images sorted by the difficulty of creation. All cultures will be represented on each page. Click through the images to go to the entry page if you are interested in a particular garment.

he SCA. Use this sort to help you find a project at your perfect level. Choose level 1 for the most basic projects and level 5 for the most challenging.

Level 1 Difficulty
Level 2 Difficulty
Level 3 Difficulty
Level 4 Difficulty
Level 5 Difficulty

Certain Garments, like the Eura dress to the right, are represented in multiple categories based on embellishment and/or additional layers or accessories. Be sure to look through everything!

Eura Dress – Level 5 Difficulty (though there are versions at Level 2 difficulty, too!)

1 –A beginner who has very little or no sewing experience has a reasonable chance of being able to construct. These often have few decorative components, few individual pieces and can be completed in a short period of time.

2 – Few more decorative elements, take slightly longer to complete or require slightly more skill and knowledge in order to successfully finish.

3 – A moderate level of decoration or difficulty in its construction.  Within reach of someone new to the SCA if they also have previous experience in sewing modern clothing and following modern patterns.

4 – More complex decorative elements, require greater skill in patterning and have a slightly more complex method of construction. Greater number of layers or components. May be quite challenging even to a new member who has a lot of experience in sewing modern clothes.

5 – Highly decorative elements or extremely complex construction techniques as well as an extended length of time needed to complete construction. Many components or multiple layers. Challenging even to accomplished sewers.

The same style may have examples from different difficulties depending on level of decoration, amount of hand work or a more complex example.

This rating scale was primarily included to avoid people becoming frustrated when they attempted to recreate very complex garments for their first pieces.

 We again recommend allowing yourself the time to learn and grow as you continue to participate in our hobby.  Costuming is a complex subject that can take dedicated members many years to become proficient at.