Next to maxi skirts, kaftans are one of the easiest outfits to make. You can make a kaftan top from left over fabric, fabric quarters, or even two silk scarves.
Items Needed
Fabric/ Silk Scarves
Sewing machine
Scissors
Cutting Table
Pins
Chalk
Measuring tape
Directions
Lay two equal length pieces of fabric flat on the table, with wrong sides together. Unlike most sewing projects where you sew right sides together then turn fabric out, you want to sew a kaftan on the right side, so that the left over flaps on both sides remain outside.
Measure out your bust and waist, then mark on the fabric and secure with pins
Draw a vertical line from the bust measurement down to the fabric hem. Draw another line on the other side. So, you have two lines on either sides of your bust measurement. Pin the fabric where you have drawn the line.
Take your fabric and fold lengthwise, from left to right.
Mark a curve where the neck should be and cut off. The neck measurement is totally dependent on your personal preference.
Take your fabric to the machine. Fold down the neck hole by half an inch and sew. Sew a straight line along both lines that you drew from bust to hem.
Fold the hemlines and sew a straight line all around. If you are using already made silk scarves, there is no need to sew the hemlines.
Try on your fabric to ensure that your arms can come out of the space between the bust and shoulders.
Kaftan tops are easy and fun. This is a beginner sewing project that, once you get a hang of it, will have you whipping up different styles of kaftans in no time.
About the author: Amina Salau is a writer and editor running The Illuminated Pen. You can find her online at www.theilluminatedpen.com and on Twitter (@_Aminah)
