Beach Kaftan

Beach Kaftan

I made this beach kaftan for a summer holiday in the south of France this year. Am not really a sun bunny. Nor do I care do get it all out with regards to my body. Just No! So this was great to wear over my swimming costume. It’s sheer but you can’t really see much. In France they are so relaxed and nudie beaches abound. No one actually cares. All sorts of bodies were out and about in various stages of undress. Which is so refreshing. No one would have batted an eyelind had I gone to the beach topless.

This kaftan – like everyting I share in this space – is really easy to make. The pattern below is to fit me – UK size 12. Make sure the width and length fit your body dimensions. If the neckline is too small. You can always adjust it later.

You need:-

• fabric
• matching colour thread
• sewing machine
• sewing scissors
• pins
• braid or trimming for the neckline

You do:-

Cut your pattern pieces. Place on top of each other right sides facing inwards.

Pin shouder and sides. Sew shouders together. Sew sides together leaving space for arms – about 30 centimetres.

Roll back the fabric around the neck area and pin it. Sew in place. Now press the entire garment – shoulder and side seams. Also press neck area flat.

This is when you fit your kaftan. Too wide? Take it in. Too long? Shorten it. Want a deeper neckline? Unpick and take a deeper rolled hem.

Next you want to pin the trim for your neck area in place. Make sure to fold in the edges so they are neat. Sew in place. Finally make a hem around the arm area and the bottom of this kaftan.

Job done just like that! You can really have fun and add tassels or fringing to this kaftan. Maybe use a pineapple or watermelon print to make it all summery. The choice is yours.

Have a great green week.

Greenie.