There are many articles and extant examples of medieval and Byzantine clothing that used the simplest of patterns to produce. Yet, for the simplicity of the cut, depending upon the cultural and social status of the wearer, decorations added to these garments would have been commonplace. One example of garment decoration is the addition of decorative ribbons found at the edges, such as the arm and neck holes and around the lower edges. However, this was not the limit of decoration, as there are many examples that show even more decoration by these strips of cloth. While one may find places that sell decorative ribbon, such as jacquard, an enterprising individual may decide to produce their own decorative ribbon in these historic styles. Cardweaving is a process that is several millennia old and this article is a set of instructions found on the Earth Guild website, reproduced with permission. 

There is no evidence that the Ring Belts in common use amongst medieval reenactors are historically correct or were ever in use by the people whom they portray. What the evidence does show, either in painting or archeology, is that buckled belts were the norm even throughout the Roman Empire. What this article is to show is how to make your own medieval buckles to help complete your garb. While there are many techniques available that can be used to create a buckle, it is also the intent of this article on how to create one with the minimum amount of metalsmithing experience and minimal amount of tools.