[Swordmaker]

I've been thinking more about the tuck/pleat mentioned. Depending on how it looks, it could very well indicate an intent by a later sewer to make use of the fabric for some purpose--starting to make a shirt/chemise, for instance, and stopping for whatever reason.

Doubtful, Mamzelle. The pleat/tuck in question runs the entire 14 foot length of the shroud. The current theory is that it was added at a later date than its creation to strengthen or spread the force as the Shroud was displayed or carried. Early depictions of the Shroud being carried show it being carried by six Bishops, all holding it by the side with the "side strip" and sewn down "pleat".

Use the following link to examine the shroud in detail:/

Barrie Schworz's website Shroud.Com

It has some photographs of the full shroud and you can see the "side strip" plainly.

[Mamzelle]

How to make a tucked (ornamental/functional tucks were very, very common through the Dark Ages, Renaissance--I could explain the reason and function, but I tend to get long-winded anyway on the subject of textiles) chemise--you make several rows of tucks (staring with one) using a warp thread as a guide. Once the tucks are all finished, you impose your shirt pattern on the already tucked fabric and cut out your fabric pieces. You tuck before you sew.

Just one possibility. Wonder if this tuck/pleat functioned as a means to insert a stick or ribbon for hanging--modern textile artists employ a similar thing. However, they'd do this from the top, not the side.