Transform Your Wardrobe: DIY a Chic Summer Caftan

Today, we’re talking all about caftans—learn how to draft and sew your own DIY custom-fit pattern and exploring some ready-to-sew pattern options for summer and beyond.

I'm sharing some of my favorite handmade makes and some fabulous sewing pattern ideas. Whether you’re lounging by the pool, strolling on the beach, or just lounging at home with a good book, a caftan is your go-to piece for chic effortless style.

Read the Full Blog Post & Get my FREE Caftan Block Download:

Pinterest Board:

Caftans shown in the Video:

🪡 Purple Caftan- Crinkle Yoryu – Plum from Stonemountain & Daughter- Self Drafted (short sleeve version from Caftan Block)

🪡 Muslin Version (long sleeve from Caftan Block)- fabric from Organic Cottons Plus

🪡 Nice Inspired Eyelet Mini Dress Caftan (self-drafted)- Designer Deadstock - Cotton Eyelet - Floral Arches - White, Stonemountain & Daughter

🪡 Palm Springs Vintage Simplicity 5366 Caftan, Rayon Poplin Fractured Flora Aqua Stonemountain & Daughter

🪡 60's Inspired Floral Burda Caftan in Greece (Polyester Tunic Top 115 | Burda Style 07/22 ) - Graphic 60s Inspired Floral Rayon Print – Red Core Fabrics (shown in beach video intro)

🪡 Palm Fronds Orange Self Drafted Caftan (self-drafted) -Designer Deadstock - Rayon Challis - Palm Fronds - Orange Stonemountain & Daughter

🪡 Self Drafted Elisa Large Flower Viscose Crepe - Purple from The Fabric Godmother

🪡 Panel Print Caftan, Butterick 3916 Sew & Go, Summer Double Border Rayon Challis, L'Etoffe Fabrics

🪡 Purple Paisley McCall's Marina M8090- Leigh Italian Cotton Woven Marcy Tilton

🪡 Block Print Tosca Tunic, Tessuti Fabrics- Chakrika Hand Block Print Cotton - Blue & White
Fabric Godmother

Patterns from my Stash:

McCall’s Marina M8090
Zandra Rhodes Vogue V1617
Zandra Rhodes Vogue V1627
Simplicity 7650 One Size (reprint vintage)
Vogue 1886
Simplicity 5366 (vintage)
Charlie Caftan, Closet Core
Butterick 3916 Sew & Go (vintage)
Viscose Maxi dress 105 | Burda Style 07/23
Polyester Tunic Top 115 | Burda Style 07/22
Self-Drafted Versions off my bodice and sleeve blocks
Tosca Tunic, Tessuti Fabrics

Timestamps:

0:00 Intro
0:30 All About Caftans
1:33 Short Sleeve Caftan
2:52 My Handmade Caftans
10:50 Long Sleeve Muslin Caftan
11:58 Mood Board
13:05 My Pattern Stash
17:13 Caftan PDF
18:30 Drafting Supplies
19:58 Taking your Measurements
24:26 Drafting The Caftan Block
37:25 What are you sewing?
38:20 Outro

[lisart]

I love this, thanks Rebecca. I will definitely try your instructions. I made a caftan last year for a trip to Malta and it was lovely and breezy to wear in the heat. I used the Envelope dress by Cris Wood which worked well in a lightweight viscose.

[cindywinkler]

Rebecca that caftan is so nice, purple looks great on you💜, lots og great suggestions thanks

[janetlink]

Did you go to college for drafting and fashion design?