How to Make A Kaftan
July 20, 2011 8:38 amYou say caftan, I say Kaftan. I still don’t know which way to spell it.
One of my favorite summer essentials, a breezy kaftan. This is EASY! It’s just a giant, loose robe so follow along! I used this golden yellow RIT dye.
I knew I wanted something transparent for my kaftan, so against advice I used a polyester sheer material. I knew in my dying experience that it would still dye, just very light which was fine by me. So for the record, if you use a polyester it will barely pick up the dye. I got a large pieces and folded in it half over at the head. Here it is pinned on my mannequin so you can see what I did. (notice there’s no head hole yet)
I cut a slight shape out of the sides. After unfolding it, sew the sides together.
Next, fold it in half again and at the top folded corner, cut a little hole out for the head.
Now slip it over your mannequin or lay it on the floor.
Now I cut a diagonal slit across the front. I wanted the opening to be across and open at the leg.
Then I took some pins and opened it up the way I wanted it to lye on the front. Notice how it’s taking shape?
Repeat that on the other side.
Then from there you can cut off the excess and sew the openings, along with the hem and it’s complete! I love the way it covers and flows in the beachy wind!
For an optional belt I got two extra strips of the fabric along with some teal grosgrain that matched my scarf perfectly. I braided them all together.
For the ends I got a small piece of grosgrain and glued them closed.
Here’s the belted kaftan.
I have some more summer inspired tutorials coming so stay tuned!
Tags: beach ocverup, caftan, DIY, kaftan, tutorial, women's clothing
Posted in Original Designs, other, Uncategorized, women's clothing | 14 Comments »
By V on Jul 20, 2011 | Reply
The weight and flow of the fabric is phenomenal.
By rachel on Jul 20, 2011 | Reply
there are dyes for polyester that work better than Rit.
They still don’t work well, but it is better. I do a lot of cosplay
and always end up using poly fabrics. I’ve been using iDye and it
works pretty well.
By Vanessa on Jul 20, 2011 | Reply
Gorgeous! I never look that awesome at the beach. Such
great pictures!
By Anne on Jul 21, 2011 | Reply
That’s gorgeous!! I linked to your tutorial on Craft Gossip
Sewing:
http://sewing.craftgossip.com/tutorial-easy-belted-kaftan/2011/07/21/
(post like go live tonight) –Anne
By Amber on Jul 23, 2011 | Reply
You are positively brilliant! Thank you for the inspiration!
By Amber on Jul 23, 2011 | Reply
oops sorry, I cut myself off. Just wanted to say I will be following your blog from now on, thanks so much!
By Linda Mc on Aug 5, 2011 | Reply
I loved what you did for this project. Another variation might be to not cut down the front so the Kaftan pulls over your head. I don’t like the boat neck style on me so I would cut out a V-neck opening.
I have several store bought Kaftans. They are made of bright colored poly. They are not sheer. They were wonderful when I had an extended hospital stay. They were much better than hospital gowns, Ha!
By danielle on Aug 6, 2011 | Reply
very nice ido not think it maders how u say it but i whould love to make this but i cant because i am not that good yet with my sewing
By Marilyn on Aug 13, 2011 | Reply
I used to make something similar to what Linda Mc is talking about. A dashiki. First saw a dashiki top in St Croix in the late 80′s.
I have made them as tops, even for knee length dresses. Almost no work at all, just a facing for the neckline. Sleeves more defined however.
By Michele C. on Jan 20, 2012 | Reply
This looks wonderful and very easy. I think I’ll use colored poly though, since I don’t look that good at the beach! And a v-neck will be easy to do rather than the boat neck. I agree with Linda, this would be great for a hospital stay. You could slash the sleeves and use ribbons for ties for easy access to the arms in case of IV use. I’m going to keep my eye on this site, it looks great and really useful!!
By Tanya on Jan 26, 2012 | Reply
Oh my gosh. You look so much like my daughter I can’t believe it. I emailed the picture from Pinterest to show her that she has a twin!
By Lisa on Mar 11, 2012 | Reply
I love this!!!! Now that summer is just around the corner I can’t wait to make this. I agree with the poly, nice and sheer….ooooo
By Claudia on Mar 19, 2012 | Reply
Hi! Where did you get that bag? I also am obessed with your website
By cherie on Mar 19, 2012 | Reply
Oh my gosh I had to look twice …at first I thought you had pics of my daughter!!! You look so much like her!!! I sent her the link she’ll be laughing tonight! They say everyone has a twin I found hers here!