How to Make a Sarong

A sarong is a large piece of fabric that you can wrap around yourself in different ways to create a skirt, dress, jacket or shawl. It is a traditional garment for both men and women in many parts of the world and its popularity continues to grow. With a little time and imagination, you can make your own hand-crafted sarong.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Very light fabric, approximately 5 by 7 feet
• Sewing machine or 1/2 inch wide iron-on or fabric adhesive tape

1. Wash the fabric before proceeding, to allow any shrinkage to occur.

2. Turn the rough edges of the fabric under 1/2 inch to create a hem.

3. Press the underside of the hem with a warm iron.

4. Secure the hemmed rough edges with a regular sewing machine or serger. If you don't sew, create a "hem" on rough edges with iron-on or fabric adhesive tape.

Tips & Warnings

• If you use iron-on tape, read the directions carefully to determine the temperature of iron and length of time needed for successful bonding of the fabric.
• To learn how to tie your new sarong refer to the related eHow article titled "How to Tie a Sarong." http://www.ehow.com/how_14411_tie-sarong.html
• A sarong is very versatile and can also be used as a tablecloth or a beach blanket.
• It is important to choose light fabric. Heavier fabric will cause an awkward-looking lump instead of a soft drape.
• Be careful of filmy fabrics such as silk, which can be very difficult to work with. A light cotton is a very cool, comfortable and practical fabric to use for your first handmade sarong.