Tuesday, July 8, 2014

Tutorial: Kaftan Throwover

Good afternoon!  Today I'm going to share with you how to make your own kaftan throw-over.  A kaftan is such an easy garment to make, and you don't even need a lot of sewing experience to make one.  If you can sew a few inches, then this will be such a fun, short project to make!
Step 1.  
First you'll want to choose a fabric that's lightweight and has good drape.  Some awesome choices would be chiffon, silk, or a jersey knit.  Also, be sure to check out the scarf section at thrift stores!  Sometimes you can find some beautiful vintage silk scarves that are wide enough for this project.

Once you've chosen your fabric, cut it into a rectangle.  My fabric measured 38x45inches.

Step 2.
Find the center of the top edge of your fabric.  This will be your neckline.  With a piece of chalk or something you can see, mark the center.  Measure 5 inches down from the center and mark again.
Step 3.
With chalk, mark 4.5inches into the side of the top edge of the fabric.
Step 4. 
Now connect the two marks so that it makes a neckline that looks like a boat.
Step 5.
If you're using a fabric that frays easily finish the raw edges by either sewing a 1/4 inch hem, or take a cigarette lighter and burn the edges.
 or
Step 6.
Now make a new mark that is 22inches down from the top side.  Next line up the top mark (4.5in at the top) with the side mark (22inches down). 

Pin and sew a line that is 1 inch in length to connect the two pieces together.
And look at that, you're finished!
Try experimenting in different fabrics like jersey knit, or for the chillier months, try using a lightweight wool with a good drape.  Maybe add some lace or fringe trims to the bottom edges.  Experiment and make it completely your own vision!  And if you do, be sure to post photos somewhere and send the link to me.  I'd love to see what you come up with!

23 comments:

  1. Oh wow that is so pretty! Love the outfit picture you took too :)

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  2. What a great tutorial. I made a couple and linked to you:

    http://icandy-handmade.com/2014/07/diy-faux-kimono-cardigan.html

    Thanks again!

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    1. Hi Jen! Oh I'm so happy that you made a throw-over! And they both look beautiful on you! The floral one is my favorite :)

      I'm so excited that you tired out the tutorial!! Thank you so much for taking the time to share it with me, and for the kind words that you wrote about my blog as well!

      Thanks again and much warmth!
      Esther

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  3. Hi! This looks really great but i didn't quite get step 6:( do you mind explaining it again? so sorry! and thanks!:)

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    Replies
    1. Hi Dew! Thank you so much for letting me know about your confusion - I apologize I should have worded that step a little better! Ok let's try this:

      Step 6: Make a new mark - measure 22inches down from the top neckline. Next take the mark that you made from step 3, and line it up with the mark that you just created. Pin the marks together, and sew a line that is 1 inch in length to connect the two pieces. This will make the fold for your arms to go through.

      I hope that helped! Please let me know if there's still any bit of confusion! Thanks again :)

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    2. Hello! Thank you, it did help:) I've managed to make one for myself heh though the measurements are slightly (quite) off haha. thanks so much again!:) Continue making great things!!

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  4. Your sewing and photography never stop amazing me! Seriously. I don't blog anymore so I generally catch up on things all at once, and I'm so happy to see that you're still sharing the things you create.

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  5. Love these. How much fabric do I need to purchase? Thank you.

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  6. Nice pject :) it look very great ! love it <3

    xoxo,
    Anna

    annsthing.blogspot.com

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  7. Hello from Greece!!!
    I found your blog very interesting!
    I'd like to make this kaftan, but I don't understand the steps that much.
    Except of the neckline, do I have to make any other curve on the fabric?

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  8. Very nice and looks very comfy but it looks like it wouldn't stay on your shoulders very well and be slipping down all the time. Is that the case?

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  9. C'est magnifique, il faut que j'essaie Many thanks de France ! :))

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  10. This is excellent! I really like how the kimono trend looks, but have been concerned about using it myself due to feelings about cultural misappropriation. Kaftans, though, are pretty universal. Thanks for providing me with this option! I need to unpack my sewing machine.

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  11. Is it possible to make a longer version... say... knee length? Thanks!

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  12. so great caftan and i will try it soon

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  13. Your sewing and photography so amazing. So nice to have ideas for different fabrics. I am excited to try this using your tutorial. I found almost the same dress fabrics online. Thanks for sharing. If you interested to see kaftans or other collections I suggest to visit umaandleopold.com as your reference in the future.

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