This hood represents the hooded mantle style that developed into the liripipe style of the mid-to-late middle ages. Knitted mantles have yet to be effectively documented, even though knitting was a known technique at the time. A fulled (felted) mantle would probably be the most appropriate for historic re-enactors or living history buffs, but a plain knitted mantle can be quite comfortable, warm, and attractive.

There are options included to make a closed or open front, knitted flat or in the round, and instructions and charts to include colorwork bands or borders. If you want just the mantle, follow the instructions from the neck down, casting on the given number of stitches instead of picking them up at the neck edge of the hood. If you don’t want the ‘tail’ of the hood, stop knitting at the beginning of the decreases, fold the hood in half, and graft the stitches together.

Different size options are given in the notes at the beginning of the pattern. Using different weights of yarn and appropriate size needles can get you anything from baby to super large, using the same number of stitches given in the directions.
If you want to add pizzazz, graph your own designs to knit in and make your hood truly individual. Gauge how much extra yarn in the colors you need by the percentage of contrasting color you plan for your hooded mantle. As always, Happy Knitting!