With more of us spending time at home at the moment we thought it was the perfect time to update our loungewear wardrobe with a lovely linen robe!
The beauty of this project is that you don’t need much – just some fabric and basic sewing equipment, and just a couple of hours to get lost in making… Which let’s face it, is our favourite way to pass the time at home! And the only way we’re staying sane. Our vision was a robe perfect for lounging but also one that can be styled for everyday- as a cute jacket, beach cover up or as a casual day to night dress. With its cute flared sleeves and oversized bow, we can’t wait to wear it out sometime soon, but for now you’ll find us making the most of it from the comfort of our couch – netflix, face mask and glass of wine optional but highly recommended!
You will need
- 1.5m fabric (2 yards)
- Matching thread
- Ruler/dressmaker’s measuring tape
- Dressmaker’s pins
- Chalk or pencil
- An iron and ironing board
Below is the pattern for the project, you should measure and cut your fabric based on your own personal measurements.
Sewing Tutorial
1
Cut out all pieces, making adjustments according to the size recommendations in our chart above. We made ours to a size S (Australian size 8), so we have included these measurements as a guide. Place the two front panels together with the right sides facing together. Measure the first point of your diagonal half way across the top short side, and mark the other point of your diagonal half way down the long side. Pin the fabric together to secure before tracing along this line and cut.
2
Lay your back panel flat with the right side facing up and place the front panels on top with the right side facing down, aligning the top edges in from the outer corners. Pin along the top edges and sew 1cm (½ in) in from the edge of the fabric using a straight stitch. For all seams in this DIY once you have sewn along the edge of the fabric, you can either use an overlocker to finish the edges, or simply sew a zigzag stitch using your machine just beside your straight stitch.
3
Take your 4 sleeve panels and pair them up, right sides facing together. Pin along one long side of each pair and sew along this side only (repeat with your overlocker / zigzag stitch to finish the edge). Open the seam and iron flat.
4
Open the body panel that you sewed together in Step 3, lay this flat with the right side facing up. Place one of the sleeve panels from step 4 on top with the right side facing down, ensuring that the seams you just sewed in step 3 and 4 line up. Pin along the outer edges and sew the sleeve panel to the body. Repeat this so that you have a sleeve panel attached to each side. Finish the edges with your overlocker/ zig zag stitch.
5
Fold your unfinished robe along the top (shoulder) seam, so that it looks inside out. Pin along the underside of the arm and down the long sides of the body section. Sew along these edges, then repeat with your overlocker/ zig zag stitch.
6
With your robe still facing inside out, take your long trim panel. Starting at the base of one of your front panels, pin this trim panel (right side facing down) along the front opening of the robe, around the back collar and down the opposite front side. Cut off any excess length, then sew with a straight stitch (no need to finish this edge as it will be covered in the next step).
7
Turn your robe the right way around and give it a quick iron. As you do so, fold and press 1cm (½ in) in from the raw edge of your trim, then fold it back on itself to create a neat collar around the front opening of your robe. Pin in place then sew a straight stitch 1-2mm (⅛ in) in from the folded edge of the trim to secure it in place.
8
Try on the robe to test the fit. You may need to add 2 small darts at the back of the collar so that it sits flat on the back of your neck. Align these with the top shoulder seam, we sewed ours at a 45 degree angle, 1.5cm (⅔ in) in from the fold.
9
Next we’re going to hem the sleeves. Turn the robe inside out, then create a fold 1cm (½ in) in from the raw ends of the sleeves and press with an iron. Fold the ends in over themselves once more, this time 4cm (1.5 in). Press and pin in place before sewing to secure with a straight stitch.
10
Repeat a similar process with your bottom hem - fold 1cm in (½ in), then 4cm (1.5 in), pin and sew to secure with a straight stitch.
11
Create your tie band by folding the 15cm x 2m (6 x 78 in) panel in half along the long side. Pin together then sew along the long side and one short side. Through the open short side, turn the panel inside out and iron flat. Tuck the raw edges in on the open edge and sew along the long and short edges with a straight stitch for a neat finish.
12
To create a little holder for your tie take your two small 4 x 12cm pieces (1.5 x 4.5 in). Carefully fold the short edges in by 1cm (½ in) and iron. Then repeat this with your long edges. Finally fold in half, pin along the long side and sew to secure.
13
The best way to determine the placement of the tabs is by trying on the robe. Add your tie where it feels comfortable and mark where the tie sits with pins. Remove the robe, curl the edges of the tabs under and pin in place next to the side seam. Sew to attach then repeat this for the other side of the robe.
Voila!
We hope you like guys! Naturally I made a few of these. Geneva and I have matching ones, and I’m also planning to give one to a friend who is about to have a baby. I think these make such a nice gift!
