CAFTAN

COVERUP
project sheet

PS RS5004
DETERMINING YARDAGE Top short edges of pieces will form shoulder seams. Pin sets of 2
pieces RST along top short edges with print running same direction
Decide how long you want your caftan by measuring from top on each. Stitch along pinned edge, then zig zag at 3 8". Trim excess
of shoulder to front hem at knee. Double this number. Then, for fabric. Do not press yet.
directional fabrics add 5", and for non directional fabrics, add 4".
This is your total caftan fabric. Divide by 36" and round up to the
nearest increment to get yardage requirement.

For example: desired caftan measurement from shoulder to front

*Tip: if you're unsure of length, opt for a few inches longer rather
than shorter. You will have an opportunity to trim the length as you
sew.

instructions
NON-DIRECTIONAL FABRICS
Trim yardage to total caftan length measurement. (This was the
number before you rounded up to a yardage increment. In the Fold one short end of fabric in half to find center. Snip at center,
example above, it's 79".) Measure 1" in from each cut edge and then tear yardage in half lengthwise at snip.
snip selvage. Tear fabric across width at the snip, quickly and Fold each piece in half with short ends together. Put a small snip in
sharply. (This will give you a straight hem on front and back.) Trim one edge at the fold to mark center. This is the shoulder mark.
off selvages.
tear
DIRECTIONAL FABRICS

Fold yardage in half, short end to short end. Snip at fold, then tear
fabric in half at snip.

Fold each side in half again, this time aligning trimmed selvage snip at edge to mark
edges. Snip at fold, then tear fabric in half at snip.

. tear

tear
ALL FABRICS Press front and back seams open. Press neckline 5 8" towards
wrong side. On seams and neckline, tuck raw edge under and
From this point forward, instructions are the same for both directional
press again. Stitch each side of seam and neckline down along
and non-directional fabrics unless otherwise stated.
folded edge on inside, starting at one bottom hem, stitching up and
Place fabric units/pieces RST, lining up one long edge and aligning across the neckline and down the other side.
shoulder seams/marks. Mark edge 9" away from shoulder on one
side (this is the front) and 6" away on the other side (this is the
back). Pin from each mark down to bottom hems. Try on caftan to fit
head opening and adjust front and back if desired.

Sew from each mark down to hem, backstitching a few times at the
mark for extra strength.

For directional fabrics, press shoulder seams towards back. At this point you can try on your caftan to adjust the sleeve and
hem length. Keeping in mind that all edges will be hemmed 1", trim
length from sides and/or front and back if desired.

On each side edge, fold 1/2" towards wrong side and press. Fold
another 1/2" and press again. Stitch along inner folded edge to hem.
Repeat process on front and back edges.

Lay caftan on a large flat surface, aligning side and bottom edges
and making sure layers are smooth and flat. Mark a line 6" in from
each side edge that starts 8" below the shoulder. Pin along line,
then try on and adjust if desired (move line out for roomier fit, start
it lower for roomier sleeve openings, and vice versa.) Stitch front
and back together along lines to create sleeves, backstitching at
beginning and end.

6"

9"

EXTRAS

For something extra, stitch pom pom or tassel trim to hem!

For more shaping, on each side just outside sleeve stitching, even
with natural waist, stitch a large vertical buttonhole through both
layers. Thread a belt, ribbon or waist tie through buttonholes.

You did it! You made a caftan coverup!!

@rubystarsociety
 CAFTAN
COVERUP
Everyone at Ruby Star Society loves a good
caftan, and this is an easy and fun one you
can whip up in a few hours! Throw it over your
bathing suit for a beach or pool day, or wear
it with leggings or tights for a relaxed but chic
look. You could even make a shorter version
to wear with jeans. Instructions are written so
that you can adjust fit as you go. You might just
need a rainbow of these in your closet!

fabric requirements
44" wide rayon fabric - see instructions for yardage calculation

Fabrics shown are Moon Cheetah by Sarah Watts and Steno Roses by Kimberly Kight for
Ruby Star Society.
Seam allowance is 5 8" unless otherwise stated.
RST = right sides together
Please read all instructions before beginning.

PS RS5004

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