How to Make a Short Sarong

Short sarongs are a beachwear item that can be easy to construct.

The sarong hails from the Polynesian Islands and countries of Southeast Asia, according to "Academic Dictionary of Textiles." A piece of fabric wrapped and worn around the body, the sarong gained popularity in the United States in the mid 1930s, when it was slung around the hips of movie star Dorothy Lamour. The ethnic wrap-around skirt became a staple in beachwear and even in ready-to-wear collections, as designers fashioned it out of luxurious fabric, such as linens and silks. Easy to construct, the short sarong can be made out of any length of fabric that is less than the traditional 2 yards.

Things You'll Need

• Woven fabric
• Scissors
• Sewing machine
• Complementary thread
• Contrast thread (optional)

Instructions

1. Select the right woven fabric for the sarong. Traditionally, sarongs are made out of colorful printed fabric, which is normally woven cotton and is a light and comfortable accoutrement for beach attire. Because designers have created sarongs out of many types of materials, it is common to select a different fiber, such as linen or silk. But make sure that the fabric is a woven fabric, as jerseys and knits can stretch out of shape with time. Additionally, pick a lightweight fabric, as a thick cloth can be difficult to tie and tuck.

2. Measure the fabric 2 yards in length. The length of the fabric can be measured and cut at the store, but buyers should be aware of the width. Most woven fabrics come in two widths: 45 and 60 inches. If a short wrap-around sarong is wanted, then a width of 45 inches would provide ample length. Longer skirts, for example, mid-calf or ankle length, could require 60 inches.

3. Tailor the sarong to the desired length, taking into account body measurements. Some might want the sarong to fall longer or shorter than others, thus trimming may be required. Take the measurement from the waistline to the desired length of the skirt (natural waistline starts at the belly button, dropped waistline falls approximately 2 inches below). Apply that measurement to the fabric's width, adding 2 inches to allow for hemlines. Make a notch of that measurement onto the fabric's width by clipping with the scissors, then rip the excess fabric off. Clipping and ripping the fabric is an easy technique used to trim woven fabric, as the fabric tends to rip on the grain --- resulting in a more accurate hemline than cutting it with a scissors.

4. Fold and iron 1/2 inch around the circumference of the remaining fabric. The sarong has four sides that require a finished hem, so that it appears to have a more polished look. After ironing the first fold, fold again another 1/2 inch and repeat ironing all four sides. Folding the fabric twice ensures a clean hem and also makes it easier to sew.

5. Sew each side of the sarong using the ironed hems as a guide. A complementary thread or contrasting thread can be used, depending on the desired style. Same-color thread can be traditional, while contrasting stitching will result in a more trendy sarong. Once the hem is sewn on all four sides, the sarong is ready to be styled, tied and worn.

Tips & Warnings

• The clipping and ripping technique only works on woven fabrics, not jerseys or knits.

References

• "Los Angeles Times": Dorothy Lamour, 'Sarong' Films Star, Dies; Times Staff Writer; Sept. 23, 1996
• All About You: Sew a Stylish Sarong; Nov. 5, 2009
• Altered Cloth: How to Make a No-Sew Sarong; June 13, 2007
• "Academic Dictionary of Textiles"; Par Vinay Kumar; 2005