This 7 m long piece of cotton fabric in diamond twill weave was woven on an extra narrow loom and thus has particularly neat edges. It is 10 cm wide and can be used to craft leg wraps, belts or ornamental braids on garments.
The 7 m band length is just right for a pair of leg wraps.
Textile bands with woven-in patterns were quite popular throughout the Middle Ages and even before. They were a status symbol and at times very elaborately crafted. The ornamental braids that adorned the hems and neckline of outer garments were often woven on so-called tablets. Leg wraps, also known as winningas or puttees, were woven on narrow looms. A staple piece of Viking clothing, winningas were wound over the trousers from the ankle to below the knee and served as a substitute for socks. However, they were much more than a means to keep warm, as they also protected the legs from injury. They were worn by both men and women.
Diamond twill is characterized by a small pattern of lozenges, arranged in offset rows, which becomes particularly apparent when contrasting colours are used in warp and weft. As this weave gives the fabric good crossways elasticity, diamond twill leg wraps are particularly easy to put on and comfortable to wear.
Surviving examples of this twill weave, which was quite common, are e.g. the Thorsberg trousers (3rd c.) or the apron dress from Birka, grave 973 (9th-10th c.).