How to Make a Celtic Robe

Making your own Celtic robe can be very rewarding. Here's how...

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Fabric
• Sewing Machine
• Measuring Tape

1. First you are going to want to take your measurements before you buy your fabric.
   *Measure the length of your arms when outstretched. This is going to be the width of fabric you will need.

2. *Measure the height starting from the top of your shoulder to the desired length. To your ankle would be a good length. Double this number. This is the length of fabric you will need.

3. * Fold the fabric width wise and lay it flat on the floor. Make sure the 'right side' of the fabric is facing the inside.

4. * Lay on the fabric with your shoulders at the fold and feet slightly apart, but not too far apart. Have someone trace around you about 6 inches or more from your body. This will allow the robe to flow freely when assembled.

5. *Mark the halfway point between the shoulders and mark a small 6 inch circular shape.

6. *Pin the fabric along the trace line.

7. * Cut the shape out about an inch from the trace line. Cut the neck line on the circular shape.

8. *Using a straight stitch on your sewing machine, stitch the 2 sides together. DO NOT stitch the bottom, the ends of the sleeves or the neck area.

9. * Now turn your robe right side out. Cut a line straight up the front of the robe. Try it on to see if the neck line needs to be adjusted.

10. * Finish the edges of your robe by either hemming or using extra wide double fold bias tape.

11. * Next comes the hood. Cut a 1x2 foot piece of fabric. fold in half, inside out, to make a 1 foot square.

12. * Sew one of the open edges from the fold to the end.

13. *Turn the hood right side out and hem the edges.

14. * Align the open end of the seam to the back center if the neck line on your robe. Pin the hood to the robe and determine if you will need to pleat your hood at the back. You will know if the edge of the hood is too big for the neck hole. If you do need to make any pleats simply make a couple of small folds at the back of the hood on the neck line until the edges of the hood no longer hand over too far.

15. * Finally. This is the time to add your own personal touches. You can ad decorative edging to your sleeves, hook and eye closure at the neck, trim the hood, it's all up to you. Most importantly don't get discouraged and have fun!

[sunbirdshaman]

on 10/28/2009 Nice article, helpful :)