Charlie Caftan Pattern
Fabric and Supplies
SUGGESTED FABRIC
Light to medium weight wovens such as linen, chambray, tencel, linen, silk, chiffon, rayon challis, crepe de chine, batiste and voile.
YARDAGE REQUIREMENTS (SIZES 0-20)
View A (Short with pleats)
45" / 1.15m: 0-6 = 2.25yd/2m, 8-14 = 2.75 yd/2.5m, 16-20 = 3 yd/2.75m
58" / 1.5m: 0-8 = 1.75yd/1.6m, 10-14 = 2yd/1.85m, 16-20 = 2.5yd/2.25m
View B (Short with gathers)
45" / 1.15m: 0-6 = 2.5yd/2.3m, 8-14 = 2.75yd/2.5m, 16-20 = 3 yd/2.75m
58" / 1.5m: 0-8 = 2.25yd/2m, 10-20 = 2.5yd / 2.25m
View C (Long with gathers)
45" / 1.15m: 0-6 = 3.5yd/3.2m, 8-14 = 3.5yd/3.2m, 16-20 = 4yd/3.75m
58" / 1.5m: 0-6 = 3.25yd / 3m, 8-20 = 3.5yd / 3.2m
YARDAGE REQUIREMENTS (SIZES 14-30)
View A (Short with pleats)
45" / 1.15m: 14-20= 3.25yd/3m, 22-30= 3.5yd/3.2m
58" / 1.5m: 14-16 = 2.25yd/2m, 18-30= 2.5yd/2.25m
View B (Short with gathers)
45" / 1.15m: n/a
58" / 1.5m: 14-30 = 2.5yd/2.25m
View C (Long with gathers)
45" / 1.15m: n/a
58" / 1.5m: 14-30 = 3.5yd/3.2m
ADDITIONAL SUPPLIES
- Lightweight fusible interfacing
- Marking tool
- Polyester thread
Details
Sewing level: Advanced beginner
Sizes: 0 - 20 and 14 - 30 (see our sizing chart here)
Finished measurements: Sizes 0-20 here and Sizes 14-30 here
Instructions: English & French (French instructions available as PDF only)
Print at Home File (Letter & A4): Sizes 0-20: 48 pages, Sizes 14-30 : 63 pages, sizes are layered.
Copy Shop (36"x48" / A0): 3 pages, sizes are layered.
Helpful Resources
Related Sewing Tutorials
- Tips for Sewing a V-Neckline
- Pattern Adjustments
- Sewing the Inset Center Panel
- Finishing the Center Panel
Pattern Hacks & Inspiration
Customer Reviews
I made this dress in a printed linen. the instructions were clear and it was a quick and easy make. this is one of my favourite cool summer dresses. I also made a top in the pattern. The frill on the sleeve is cleverly made using no extra sleeve piece.
I love this and have made two of them!! However, I will admit the inset panel drove me crazy. I used the sew along, I tried at least 3 times . . I'm sure it was user error, as I see many others have mastered it, but I failed. So, I cut it off in angry frustration, gathered the front skirt, and sewed the front skirt to the bodice. SO much easier, and I actually love how the waist line is higher than in the pattern! Highly recommend this pattern, even without the panel.
Apart from the panel which takes a bit of practice if you are not a very experienced sewer this pattern is so simple to make. No sleeve to insert, no bodice to be fitted to a skirt, minimal gathering and the finished garment is flattering and so comfortable to wear. I’ve had so many compliments. About to make my second shorter version.
Just finished the Charlie Caftan and it will be my comfy go to dress this summer. It’s true that the center panel is a bit fiddly/tricky. I wish I had tested it on scrap fabric first. But my mistake is happily hidden due to the print I used. Once you do it, you get it. I will definitely make more than one of these!
I love your look! Actually, I would love this pattern in paper. The PDF is great for some and I have passed it along to a friend who loves it but I need to reorder and get paper...terrific cut!
I'm not a beginner, but the instructions weren't easy for me to understand. That center panel! Turned out OK for a swim coverup out of linen, but will not use the pattern again. Over all, disappointed in a pattern that could have been versatile and I was planning on using multiple times. Not worth the hassle.
