How to Make a Kaftan

This costume idea is the easiest way to create a belly dance cover up. You can add some style flare to it by adding sequins, coins, or anything your heart desires.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 2 to 3 yards fabric
• Notions
• Sewing machine
• Basic sewing supplies (scissors, straight pins, measuring tape)

1. 

   You want to get fabric that is 45 to 60 inches in width. If you are petite then it doesn't matter as much. The most important thing about selecting a fabric is that the fabric be the right width for your body frame. If you are petite you can get away with having 30- to 40-inch width fabric, but if your a large lady then having the width of 45 to 60 inches is a must. If you're planning to use notions, then make sure you have enough for the sleeves, neck area and hem of Kaftan, or where you want it to go.

2. Start out by folding the length of the fabric in half. You must lay it out; making sure that the fabric has no crinkles in the fabric before cutting it. Once you have the fabric ready to be cut, you will measure the width and cut a V-shape pattern in the middle of the width measurement. So if the width measures 60 inches you would then cut a V- shape at 30 inches. The V will be the neck line so it's important not to cut it too deep. You can measure your neck, and then cut the V to that measurement. Remember that if you cut it to your neck measurement it would be only half of that measurement to compensate for the double effect. You can cut any shape you want to, but keep in mind the V shape is the least difficult to do.

3. Once you have a V shape, you would then pin down the sides of the fabric allowing a 4- to 6-inch sleeve allowance. You will then machine sew the two sides to form into a Kaftan. You must leave 4 to 6 inches unsewn for your sleeves. You now have a basic Kaftan.

4. After you have a basic Kaftan, you want to try it on. If it is too long you can cut the length down to fit your height. If the width is too big you can just sew the width down more to fit you better. After fixing minor details such has length or width you are then ready to add your notions!

5. 

   If you use single strand sequins you must sew them on with a "zigzag" stitch, if you don't they will fall off! Another way is to just hand sew them, but this is very time consuming. You can add anything you want to the Kaftan. I've used ribbon, sequins, jewels, ab crystals, old kuchi pieces, etc.

Tips & Warnings

• "Zigzag" all sequins you plan to sew onto Kaftan. This will ensure they don't fall off.
• Be creative, nothing is too much!
• Be weary of horizontal stripes and shapes. They make you look wider.
• Don't wear a silk Kaftan over a velvet costume.

[janet4738]

on 5/29/2009 my first time at doing a kaftan as they are so expensive to buy this looks easy so here goes whish me luck from janet

[Sorceress29]

on 10/22/2008 THIS IS A VERY INFORMATIVE ARTICLE - I HAVE BEEN MAKING KAFTANS SINCE THE 70'S BUT ALWAYS USED A PATTERN. I SHALL DEFINATELY BE HAVING A GO AT MAKING ONE THIS WAY IT SOUND SO MUCH SIMPLER. MANY THANKS.
ANNA