Instructions on how to easily make a coif (historical cap)

When I saw some ivory coloured damask arm chair arm covers at a car boot fayre - I just couldn't resist getting them to adapt into coifs. I love finding old items and converting them into costume pieces... The arm cover below has a contemporary pattern (far too modern!) - but mine were a lovely damask, ideal for 15th/16th/17th Century period coifs.

Here's how:

1. Turn under the long semi-cylinder top so that you have a bonnet shape with the curved section at the back of the head. Stich in place.

2. Cut a half metre length of ribbon to thread through the holes of the lace. Start at the centre back - go out to the sides (meeting the seams).

3. Gather and tie back under at the middle.

4. Place the coif/cap on your head and fold back the front for a Vermeer style Amsterdam/Holland/Dutch look.