Veiled Death Shroud

$20 – 25 (based on 2014 prices) 

Makes one garment 

I made this costume a few years ago for Fasching (see the mask that accompanied it). The idea was to create a ghostly figure that embodied elements of an abandoned house: moth-eaten textiles, tattered curtains, and peeling wallpaper. The former two components worked their way into the costume, where I used layers of ragged cloth and a dusting of brown spray paint to replicate the appearance of aged and discarded fabric. Although the garment – in comparison to the mask – was a quick project, it possessed the same visual appeal as its time-consuming counterpart.

• One hooded shroud
• One yard of white tulle cut into strips (optional)
• One pocket knife or other cutting device with serrated edges
• One 10 oz. can of interior/exterior, fast-drying spray paint in flat brown
• One sheer curtain panel (40” x 84”) in cream or yellow color
• One needle and thread to match the shroud’s fabric
  

1. To give the garment an ethereal appearance, sew strips of tulle around the collar and sleeves, building up layers and allowing some of the fabric to drape freely. Although this step is entirely optional, it adds a level of detail which greatly enhances the visual impact of the final product.

2. Use a knife or scissors to distress the shroud, creating holes, slits, and tears. I found that using a pocket knife with a serrated edge works best: the jagged blades are ideal for replicating moth holes and, when dragged across the fabric, producing runs. To make the project more manageable, employ a dressmaker’s dummy or old prop to support the shroud.

3. Undo the hemming on the sheer curtain with a seam ripper and repeat the distressing process. Don’t worry if the threads along the ends begin to unravel (it only adds to the disheveled appearance).

4. Hang the curtain and shroud in a well-ventilated area and mist their surfaces with the tan spray paint. You want the paint to look like a light dusting of dirt. To achieve this, stand a foot or two away from the items and make wide, sweeping strokes with the can. You may want to practice on a few scraps of fabric first, playing with the technique until you attain the desired appearance. 

5. After allowing the items to dry overnight (or for several days to give the smell of spray paint time to abate), sew the curtain to the shroud. Again, you may want to utilize a dressmaker’s dummy or old prop to make this procedure easier. You want the curtain to serve as more of a veil than a cape. I sewed mine into the top of the shroud’s hood and anchored it to both shoulders.