I love kaftans - there’s something so effortlessly glamorous about them. They’re also one of the most comfortable garments a girl can wear. Even on your laziest day, lounging in a kaftan makes you feel fabulous!

Whether you’re in your living room, by the pool, or entertaining guests, there’s a kaftan for every occasion. So why not customize yours by sewing them yourself? It’s actually pretty simple: on the scale of difficulty, if hemming a pair of jeans is a “one” and sewing a couture dress is a “ten,” making your own kaftan is about a two or three. 
 
So, here’s how to get started!

How to Make A Basic Kaftan
 
What You’ll Need

• 2-3 yards of fabric (cotton or satin are good choices)
• Measuring tape
• Scissors
• Straight pins
• Sewing machine (you can hand-sew if you prefer)
• Sequins, a belt, or embellishments of your choice

What To Do

1. Select a fabric that is between 45 – 60 inches wide (if you are petite, 30 – 40 inches).
2. Fold the length of the fabric in half and put it on a hard surface to smooth out any wrinkles in the fabric
3. Measure your neck loosely (remember that your head needs to fit through the neck hole), and decide what kind of neckline you want (V-shaped, square, boat neck etc…)
4. Based on your neck measurement, measure, then cut out the neckline from the center of the folded side of the fabric (be sure you cut it out in the exact center of the folded edge, or the sleeves of your caftan will be different lengths).
5. Once your neckline is cut out, smooth out the fabric again, and, starting at the edge opposite the folded side, pin the sides of the fabric together, placing a pin about every inch until you are 4-6 inches away from the fold at the top (the 4-6 inches at the top will be the sleeves)
6. Once you’ve pinned the sides of the kaftan, sew each side with your sewing machine, or by hand if you’re feeling patient!
7. Add sequins, beads, a belt, or whatever embellishments you’d like!

Now, try on your new kaftan! You can crop the bottom if you think it would look better as a tunic, or leave it long.
 
Where would you show off your handmade kaftan?