Tramping About with Trapunto

The Tristan Quilt on display at
the Victoria & Albert Museum

Recently I had an interesting concept introduced to me by a friend. The technique of trapunto being used to create a decorative relief in the collar and cuffs of under tunics in both men and women's garments. While there are no physical garments to confirm this, there is plenty of art to compound the possibility.

 

Trapunto was used primary in bed linens and armor, layering and stuffing channels for gambisons. The first three images are just of that, Italian.

 

Look at cuffs and necklines of the Chartes cathedrial figures presented.

Now, if a seamstress were willing to apply the craft to armor, bedding, and accessories, then why not to the clothing as well?  Sculptors and illustrators seemed to think it a good idea, and not just in one region.  Though, the bulk of them seemed to be in France. 

 

Looking at the cuffs, I began to doubt that they were gathered as they all have the effect only on one side. 

There was another image of a man in bed and he had a similar effect, but also with buttons.

I was able to find a bag that was done using the technique. A rather elaborate piece.