How to Make an Organza Wrap

Organza is a light, dreamy fabric that is perfect for an evening wrap.

Organza is a fabric that is traditionally made from silk threads. Lightweight and sheer, organza is commonly used in party dresses and formal wear. It was a very popular fabric in the 1950s and 1960s and can be seen commonly in vintage examples of prom and bridesmaid dresses of the era. These days, organza is most often made from synthetic materials. Even with the change of material, synthetic organza is still floaty and as elegant as its silk counterpart. This makes it an ideal choice for making a simple evening wrap to top off a cocktail or formal dress.

Things You'll Need

• 2 yards of 33-inch-wide organza with clean selvedge edges
• 66 inches of matching fringe
• Embroidery floss to match fringe
• Scissors
• Straight pins
• Sewing machine

Instructions

1. Fold the fringe in half lengthwise and cut it into two pieces. Finish the short raw, cut edges of the fringe with matching embroidery floss using a whip stitch.

2. Fold the left raw edge of the organza under by 1/4 inch and pin it to one piece of fringe. The edge of the fringe should be on the "right side" of the wrap with the folded edge of the organza under it.

3. Repeat Step 2 with the right side of the organza.

4. Use a sewing machine to sew the fringe to the organza. Make sure to use a back stitch at the beginning and end of each stitch pass so that the material and fringe are securely sewn.

5. Remove the straight pins, and the wrap is ready to wear.

Tips & Warnings

• A "selvedge edge" is the edge of the material that is woven by the manufacturer so it will not fray or unravel. If you cannot find material with a selvedge edge at the appropriate width for the wrap, you will need to create a 1/4-inch hem on each long edge to prevent the wrap from fraying.

• Use a special pin or brooch to secure the wrap around your shoulders.

• You can use this same pattern with a cotton jersey or wool to make a warm, pashmina-like wrap to wear in the crisp, fall weather.

References

• Sewing4Dummies: Ladies Evening Wrap (or Day Wrap)