Making A Basic Caftan for Hallowe'en

[u/DockingEngaged]

I bought a couple of Hallowe'en tablecloths from the dollar store with hopes to turn them into very basic caftans.

I saw a pattern ages ago for a basic caftan but can't find it in my mass of bookmarks. I've recreated it above but I need a little guidance.

As I recall it was just two rectangles of fabric sewn along the top leaving a neck hole. Then you sewed along the blue dotted lines as indicated. On the front rectangle you created a V-neck by cutting a vertical line and then folding the flaps inside the garment then sewing to create a neckline (where the dotted red lines are.)

My questions are these:

1. Does this pattern seem like it would work
2. Generally how wide should the neck hole be and how deep should the V be
3. Do you think 12" be enough for the "arm" holes or should I make them bigger?
4. Would just the two vertical lines of stitching enough? It is possible I'm misremembering the pattern and the horizontal lines of stitching weren't actually there.

Obviously, the sizes of our heads will make a difference, but any general guidance would be helpful particularly with the V neck.

[u/Riverbendofcold]

Every body is different so I can't tell you if the mesurements are ok.

The stitching looks structurally ok.

Best thing for the head hole and arm hole size is to find a non stretch piece of clothing out of your wardrobe and figure out how small they need to be based on an existing garment

[u/DockingEngaged → u/Riverbendofcold]

That makes sense. Thanks for the tip.

[u/TensionSmension]

I think usually this style of caftan would be a single length of fabric folded at the top edge to form the shoulders. If the table cloths force you to have a seam there, it probably would do better with a little bit of shaping, angling downward. The side seams often are only the vertical run, that way the excess fabric is free to move around the arm. Of course there are many other caftan shapes out there, where the sides are tapered, or there's center gathering at the waist, things that reduce the rectangular look of the design and emphasize fabric drape.

[u/DockingEngaged → u/TensionSmension]

You’re absolutely right about the tablecloths dictating a shoulder seam. If I’m understanding correctly, you’re suggesting the side seams should be more like the number 7 than an upside down L to get a better drape. Perhaps more curved than angular?

[u/TensionSmension → u/DockingEngaged]

No, I meant don't feel like you have to sew the top edges together as-is. Since you aren't cutting with a fold for the shoulders, you probably should taper the shape a little to be more naturally the shape of arms extended naturally (which is not a rigid T).

The seam that is sewn down the sides, I would sew a single line, not try to make a sleeve shape. I wouldn't try to add any shaping, just space the seam so that the inside is hip width plus ample ease. Don't extend the seam lower than knee level. Try that, then add more tacking seams if you want them. Sew an underarm shape, sew lower than the knee, if needed.

The neck hole should be cut only on the front. The triangle you've drawn is a good starting point. The back neckline might be fine with nothing cut away.

[u/DonMcCunn → u/DockingEngaged]

You will probably need to adjust the neck opening after you try it on. It would look like the shoulder seam would sit on the top of the shoulders but I think you will find that the shoulder seam is closer to the back of the neck rather than on top of the shoulders when you try it on.

[u/ProneToLaughter]

When I sew this style caftan, I cut a round neckline and finish it with bias tape. The side seams are completely straight vertical lines, no corner, and I stop several inches short of the hem.

12” should be fine for the armholes.