Instructions
 

‘Helga’ Breast Plate

Note: This design is a copy of a copy and is closer to a “historic ISH” sports kit. 

 

This can be constructed for multiple body shapes and for both men and women. I have now constructed at least 4 others for women of various sizes and the pattern can be made longer or larger depending on the needs of an individual. 

 

I am 5’5” and approx 190 lbs - bust is a 36 DD 

 

Construction materials:

• Plates: Metal, Kydex Plastic (¼ in or ⅗in) , Picklebarrel 

• Outer Layer: Can be many things - I have done this construction with buffalo hide, suede, heavy canvas, and heavy linen. 

 

Fitting/Construction:

 

• Size: when increasing or decreasing the size of the bread plate make sure the top of the front plates fit in the space from your collarbone to just above the last rib. For width, increase coverage of the breast tissue till about ¾ of the way around the breast (yes this leaves some breast tissue exposed but the fit works better for our fight mechanics). When fitting around the ribs the bottom of the plate should not extend further than the leading edge of your shoulder blade at rest (draw a line straight down). If more coverage is needed add in more floating plates (cut to desired size).

 

• Plates: This will focus on plastic fitting/construction.

  • The breastplate(s) is the hardest to fit as it is a compound curve, while it can be done solo it is WAY easier to do with 1 to 2 people to help. 

  • Preheat an oven to 250 degrees and place ONE piece in at a time (trust me), it takes from 10 to 25 min to have the plastic malleable enough to handle. 

    • WARNING HOT

  • If you have a gambeson put it on, if not a thick bath towel will provide heat blocking for fitting.

  • Mark the person's centerline and then place the top of the plate at the collarbone and down the center of the body. Fit as needed to the chest. Let cool and then repeat

    • Please note some times the plates will warp and not meet cleanly in the center, just sand to fit instead of fighting it. 

    • Make sure your center curve is as matched as possible.

    • All other plates are heat and fit as needed (likely only the kidney plates)

 

• Outer Layer:  The base outer layer (canvas or leather) construction is based on a cotehardie pattern (8 panel). The pattern was then sized up and manipulated to accommodate the plates. 

  • I have always made these snug in fit with deeper arms eyes to allow for the motion of the arm and shoulder during the fight. This armor should be close fitting.

  • I HIGHLY suggest building this out of canvas fist so that you can cut and create a pattern that will fit how YOU move. 

 

Design changes: 

• We have cut the outer layer longer to create coverage of the hips and to create a "girl shape" or sleek 14c look. 

• Additional hip plates - I added a couple of the smaller rectangular plates to the hip skirts to help reduce impact - 2 per side.
  
   

FAQ​

This is a living document and as questions are asked and answered they will go here to help future builds. 

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