Well, here I am at 9:49pm on day 3 of my So Celebrate Sewing extravaganze …whew, getting this post in in the nick of time! Which is fitting because today I am celebrating that in sewing, all you need is a few minutes to create something super cool.
As in this CAFTAN!
Believe it or not, you can make this dress in about 30 minutes… you need about 3 1/4 yards of fabric. It takes 4 seams, 4 buttonholes, and one long tube to use as a sash. That’s it!
Start with your fabric. I used 100% light weight polyester. Next time, however, I think I'll switch to a breathable fabric - 100% cotton for sure.
First, if your fabric has a factory fold that run along the length of the fabric, open it up so that you are facing the entire width of the fabric. Then, fold the fabric in half, right sides together, keeping the fold at the top. This means you'll have two equal halves measuring about 1 5/8 yards with the fold at the top.
To create your sleeves and side seams, measure down along the selvages on each side about 12". Place a pin. Sew all the way down from the pin to the end of the fabric. (Be sure to reverse stitch at the beginning since this opening is your sleeve.)
Now that you've created your side seams and your sleeves, you need to create your neckline. I pinned my fabric right to my ironing board, and then I started guessing how big the opening should be. Start small on this guess - you can always go bigger but you can't go smaller! After trying to pull it over my head the first time, I had to go back and make it a bit bigger.
Next, you'll need to add bias binding along your neckline. If you have enough fabric, create bias tape from the dress fabric. Otherwise, use storebought or coordinating bias tape. I have neither tonight, so I'll grab some later...you can still get the idea!
Now you need to add 4 buttonholes at the waist - front and back right side, front and back left side. To decide where, I held the dress up to me and went to a mirror. I located my waist and put a pin at the very right side and the very left side. Then, back at the ironing board (where I do all my pinning), I used those pins to also mark the identical spots on the back left and back right. (These button holes are used to hold your belt in place ... see photo below!) Also - when opening up your buttonhole with a seam ripper, please be sure it's not too dull. OR ELSE< you'll end up with puckered buttonholes like I did!
Finally - hem the bottom and create a quick tube for the sash. Thread the sash to the front from the back buttonholes. You've got yourself a fabulous caftan, maxi dress, billowy dress!
If you're wondering about hemming the sleeves - you use the selvege so there's no need! This truly is a 4 seam, 4 buttonhole, 1 sash piece - easy peasy!
My friend Erin Tyrrell and I were talking a few weeks ago about Caftans … whether or not we’d ever try to pull one off. I think I just might try this one out in public! The fabric definitely feels like flimsy plastic, so I’m not sure 107 degree weather is the best option for this fabric, but maybe something in a nice seersucker or something else light weight. We’ll see!
Cost: I got this fabric for about $2/yd, so $6.50. yay!
Time: Again, you really can do this in 30 minutes if you know how to use the buttonhole function on your machine!
Okay ya’ll….I’m hoping you’re getting the hankering to Celebrate Sewing. Share your thoughts with me if you like!
I absolutely l-o-v-e this! Wish I had it for the summer:)
Love the ease of this style and the simplicity of yout tutorial. I will definately make 2 or 3 of these for Christmas gifts this year. It’s easy to sew, comfy to wear and pretty to look at. Great lounge wear for sure!
Christmas presents! nice idea
So cute. Would make great lounge wear, too.
i like the concept and I am going to try it myself. Thank you
this will be great for my dancers after a bit of modification.. thanks!
EXACTLY what I’ve been looking for! Thank you. Debra
I love this pattern and cannot wait to make it.
Thank you,
Kathleen
I love this pattern. I can’t wait to make it!!!
Simple language with simple concept. I am excited about trying this pattern. Would have liked to seen it on a “real” women, size 10-14ish. Wonder if it is realistic for medium to larger sized women.
I’m going to use it to make a top. Love the sleeves!!!
I’m thinking of trying this in a linen/cotton blend. I’ve got a great print that I was going to make a dress out of but this looks great!!!
I was thinking the same thing Helen. I like the pattern for a comfortable top. I’ll probably add elastic to the bottom seam instead of using the tying sash.
This could easily be made for plus-sized women or (even average sized woman), using a vintage sheet from a thrift store. I just saw this kind of caftan at WalMart, made from flimsy,polyester fabric for $29.96. Not going to happen! Can’t wait to make one just to wear around the house. They are so comfy!
Exactly what I’ve had in mind for my plus-sized figure; using an old sheet, too. Also, like you, just to wear around the house.
I forgot to add that with my shape in mind, mine will be worn sans belt…lol.
Same here, Susie; sans belt, too!
love pattern!!!my machine has button hole foot, so I’m not using thatoption. i’ll leave it loose and add a simple gold chain instead, just let it hang .thanks again….
Great idea! Thanks for the tutorial. I’m defnitely pulling out some cotton and will first, wash it to get shrinkage out, and then I’ll make some of these for myself. I think I could live in these as long as I use a breathable type fabric. Thanks again.
A lady in my office made a shorter one and wears it with leggings and boots. She calls it a da’shiki.
you’ve got me just about convinced to cut mine short!
I think I need this in several fabrics. It makes me feel pretty looking at it. Thank you very much.
Going to make it as a maternity dress for my daughter, I think just making a longer belt to adjust over the baby bump just might do it.
Yes, you can do that OR you can just raise the buttonholes up a bit higher so ensure that the belt goes around her underbust. Either way, it will be SOOOOO stinking cute!
Instead of button holes (which I hate to make) could you make loops out of fabric and sew into seam at waist on both sides? Just slide belt through the loops will keep belt in place (sort of like bath robe loops)
You can do that for sure, but the dress will fit differently – the belt will be going around the entire width of the fabric rather than just around the waist … so, itbe i will be bulkier and probably less flattering. Maybe you can find a friend who enjoys buttonholes and trade her a cookie for buttonholes. =)
this is awesome! thank you.
ahh now that just might work,cookies I can do. or just let it flow with a baby bump you do not want it fitted. She is only 20 weeks but already has a big time bump they checked there is only one but it is going to be good sized if it keeps growing at this rate, she is actually losing weight.
THANKS, my mom used to make these in the ’70s, but she didn’t use this cool buttonhole method for the sash…great!!
Hi Robbie! I love your blog and actually found you through Etsy. I made this dress today (it took me longer then 30 minutes though
) It turned out really cute! Thanks for posting this tutorial 
I sooooo want to print out your instructions for the beautiful “I am Mrs. Roper”, caftan. Do you have it in a format that I could print? I just have to make this caftan! So gorgeous as are you, little Missy! Sincerely, Doris
Hi Doris … you know, I’ve never thought about that … you’ve given me an idea though. for now though, I’m sorry but I don’t have it in a printable form. Merry christmas anyway!
This would be great in flannel for a winter lounging gown!! But then I live in California.
I LOVE this! I used to do something sorta like this when my kids were little with terrycloth or beach towels and we called them “cover-ups”. You have taken this to a whole new level and you KNOW I will be doing this again for myself. Meanwhile, if I can help with that neck opening, I used to fold the towel or material lengthwise and then crosswise so I had the exact center of the garment. Put a pin there. Then measure with a tape measure as I would for a hat. Divide that measurement by 4 and cut from the pin in the center out toward both shoulders. This is to be sure you keep the slit neckline centered. Then I would place a washcloth on the right side of the toweling, sew around the opening and recut the slit. Turn that “washcloth” inside to make a facing. Tack at the corners if necessary. Thanks! You’ve got my imagination spinning all over again about how this idea can be used!!
I absolutely love this pattern and found it sooooo easy to duplicate. Thanks for sharing I can’t wait for more ideas from you. Thanks again
This is truly an awesome pattern. I have problems with tight clothes due to fibromyalgia. Love the loose clothes for home. Have just the right fabric waiting in my room. Going to sew this week-end!. Thanks so much for the tute.
A nice variation is to put the buttonholes only in the front. The sash goes underneath the caftan in the back, and is tied throught the buttonholes in the front, leaving the back full. Kind of a 50′s Hollywood glam look.
Can this work if you wear a 2X?
Hi Shirley! Yes, this method can work for any size! Depending upon your bust and hip measurement and the width of the fabric you choose – you might need to double the width of the fabric to be sure it’s billowy … if you need help understanding what I mean by that, just email me directly! I think it will look awesome on you!
Hi there,
Can you tell me how wide the fabric was that you used? I absolutely love the idea and love caftans also. I intend to make some in bothe the short and the longer lengths. Thanks for a wonderful idea to start the new year. Will be making these in everyday fabrics as well as dressy ones!!!
Hi diane! I’m excited to here about all your plans for this fun dress – send photos! As for the width of my fabric, I didn’t measure it but there was nothing out of the ordinary so I’ confident it was between 40″-45″. i hope this helps!
Just wanted to let you know that I found this at the best time possible, thank you so much. My favourite caftan of all time is just about to fall apart. It is knitted satin-like fabric which has laddered beyond saving it is also about 30 years old.
It has cotton lace down the sides which I will remove and add to my new one. It gets sewn in along with the side seams and continues around the sleeves. The billowing effect is very flattering for larger sizes which I am.
I am not great with buttonholes so I am going to cheat and use snaps with the buttons on top so it looks like it is buttoned.
Going to check what fabric I already have or I may go shopping.
Thanks again
Ooops, I made a mistake there – the buttonholes are for the sash so I will have to do buttonholes then…sigh. It will be worth it though. Thanks again.
Good catch sylvia! don’t be afraid – buttonholes are only hard in your mind – you’ll be SO glad you learned. Buttonholes = freedom!!!
Fantastic tutorial. I am 87 and did these years ago when I was thin but without the button holes. Now I want to try another with wider fabric. I love reading what you young gals are doing. The same as I did 50 years ago but with pen and paper and stamps.
I would love to note, that you’d have to be careful about fabric with a nap or any one way designs. I think I’ll hit my stash and see what I can come up with. thanks, for the instructions.
Mary Hill
I love this dress! As a christian, modesty is important to me. I love maxi dresses but they are often too revealing. This is perfect. I am going to make this for sure. Thanks for sharing (^_^)
i am a hard to fit person and this looks like the perfect answer for me . im glad i stumbled onto this site. thanks
Wow! So glad I found your site and found this idea. This is simple enough that I think even I could do this one! I am short and round and hard to fit. And I am on a diet. I could make this and wear it and not have to change sizes as I lose weight! It would be comfortable for our hot, humid weather here in FL, if made in light weight cotton. I like the idea someone had of making it shorter for a top. It could be made any length and with different trim! I am so excited!
Thank you!
Denise M
how far in do i put the buttone holes?? i’m confused, do i put them on the very edge or closer to my body??
Hey Abigail! Every body is different so I can give exact measurements, but you want to put the buttonholes right around your waist so that the belt cinches nicely. I held my left arm up parrallel to the floor, reached over with my right hand and located where the fabric my side waist line met. I put a pin there, then mirrored that for the other side. I hope this helps!
ok great! I’m 6 months pregnant and I’m really excited about this dress!! This is the first time I’ve done buttonholes, and its killing me. I worked with my machine for about an hour last night trying to figure it out! So frustrating! But once I get that figured out I’ll be done! Thanks for the response!!
I like this. I need A small or extra small pattern? Inez Ratcliff
I’m 75…I made many of these dresses in my younger years, I admirer you all ,this is the way to save $$$ and be dressed differently from others.Continue to be UNIC.. You gave me energy to start sewing again…
Made a couple of these for a friend going through chemo. She said it was the easiest thing to put on when she was so very tired. Great project for any sewing group who donates time and projects to hospice organizations!!
I am defiantly going to try this. IF I can find some 60 inch with fabrics to go around my big butt.. This would be something I will wear at the cabin.. I think this may even be cute using two different fabrics on the front and back ..
Thanks for the idea. !!!
It’s spelled K-A-F-T-A-N NOT C-A-F-T-A-N! That aside, this is such a cool project!!
Just looked at one in Walmart… I have been wanting one of these for a long time to lounge in didn’t want to spend the money. I like this idea, but I don’t like anything around my waist so I am going to let is just flow… The 40-45″ fabric would make what size? I am a 10-12, would this be enough?
It will be approximately 88″ in circumference – a little narrower depending upon how wide you make your seam allowance. So yes, it will easily fit you!
that would make the cutest top! I might try that
Amazing! Nd hu could have thought it could be as simple as this.. Thankyou for a lovely tutorial… I look forward to many more..
It’s time to start making myself some nice cloths. This easy dress look’s like a good spot to jump right in there and get too sewing for me. I sew all the time but it’s always for others. Think I may dedicate all of 2013 as sew for me year. Lol thanks for this cute dress pattern.
GREAT idea Carolyn!! send me photos of what you come up with!
Love it! I was wondering though. Can this be made with an empire waist? Would I just need to mark the button holes a little higher up? Thanks so much for sharing your creativity! I’m looking forward to making this. I love maxim dresses!
Love this! I would like to make it with an empire waist though. Being a plus size I tend not to like clothes that tie at the waist. And I love the idea of making it a tunic to wear with leggings! Thanks for sharing your creativity! Can’t wait to get to the fabric store or maybe even the thrift store to find a fun sheet! So many possibilities!
Tracy
Made two this past summer, one jut like the one pictured, the other I placed thread loops on each side and wore a matching belt.
Kathryn
Thank you for sharing your pattern. I am a very large and out of shape mid 50′s lady who looks revolting in shorts in summer. Black slacks even though slimming!! are too hot. Having this dress in different lengths & colours, tie-die , matching necklace, braclet & shoes & bag makes me feel like I’ve made an effort. I take solice in the fact that some very famous models & larger women wore Kaftans.They are especially usefull in the morning when someone unexpectedly turns up at the door. Cheers
I have been looking for a caftan pattern just like this for a while. I will shorten it to make a top. Thanks so much.
Great looking..Do you have step by step pics taken from a distance showing the cutting ? I have never sewed and I really like this..Thanks hope you can!
Hi Anita! I’m just about to make another one – I’ll try to take more photos … but there’s really not much cutting since you use the full width of the fabric. I’ll see what I can come up with though. Welcome to the world of sewing!
I made these years ago. Instead of buttonholes just leave an opening in each side seam for the belt to slip through. Leaves the back free and sexy looking.
That’s a super cool idea, Barbara … think I’ll try that – maybe even tonight!
This idea matches well with a great fabric deal I recently obtained. Each 5 yd of fabric is a bright floral. Originally planned on using in my quilt stash, but as each is so close in color, didn’t seem this would work well. The box arrived and I am left with 10 5yd. pieces. Thank you for sharing this cute idea with us. Suddenly my purchase of 50 yrds of quality fabric for under $200 again excites me!
This is so cute and easy. This will be my “go to” gift for Mother’s Day. Thanks for the inspiration!
I really love this and will make one this weekend!!!
Reblogged this on Designs by Hebrew Hands and commented:
I’m trying this one this week…