Short Kaftans are a favorite among sewists because they are comfortable, versatile, and quick to make. Their loose silhouette offers ease of movement, while adjustable waist details allow you to create shape when desired. Whether worn as a beach cover-up, vacation outfit, or casual warm-weather garment, a kaftan is a practical and stylish addition to any handmade wardrobe.
The Cora Short Kaftan Sewing Pattern from Winslet's is a great project for beginner and intermediate sewists. With its boat neckline, short sleeves, loose fit, and adjustable drawstring waist, it combines comfort with an easy sewing experience, making it a rewarding project for anyone looking to sew a lightweight woven garment.
Why Sew a Short Kaftan?
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Loose-fit silhouette offers comfort and ease of movement.
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Adjustable waist drawstrings allow you to customize the fit.
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Lightweight woven fabrics create beautiful drape and airflow.
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Ideal for warm weather, vacations, and casual wear.
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Quick construction makes it a satisfying sewing project.
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Suitable for a variety of fabric prints and colors.
Why Choose the Winslet's Cora Short Kaftan Sewing Pattern?
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Skill Level: Easy.
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Features a short, loose-fit silhouette.
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Boat neckline for a clean and comfortable finish.
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Short sleeves with relaxed shaping.
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Narrow drawstring at the waist for adjustable fit.
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Available Sizes: US 02 - US 32 | UK 06 - UK 36 | EU 36 - EU 64
Supplies & Notions
You will need:
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Tape measure
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Shears
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Iron
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3-ply polyester thread
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Chalk
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Thread cutter
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Pins
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Sewing machine
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Sewing needles
Fabric Recommendations
Use lightweight woven fabrics such as:
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Crepe
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Lawn
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Georgette
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Chiffon
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Silk
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Satin
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Cotton poly poplin
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Viscose poplin
The sample garment is sewn in poly chiffon fabric, which is recommended for the following characteristics:
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Light and sheer
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Fluid and airy drape
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Best for warm weather
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Easy to sew when pinned
Size Charts
Check the size charts and measure yourself to select the correct size, using the garment and body measurement tables in the guide.
Verify how much fabric you need by referencing the fabric yield table in the guide.
Pattern Inventory: What Pieces to Prepare
Prepare the following pattern pieces:
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A. Front – cut x1 fabric
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B. Back – cut x1 fabric
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C. Waist tie – cut x2 fabric
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D. Neck binding – cut x2 fabric
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E. Waist casing – cut x2 fabric
Pattern Marking
The pattern includes the following markings:
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Grainline
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Neckline
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Shoulder
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Side seam
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Waist casing marking
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Hem
These markings help position the waist casing accurately and ensure proper alignment during garment construction.
Cutting Layout
Arrange your pattern pieces according to the cutting layout diagrams provided in the guide.
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Ensure the grainline arrow runs parallel to the selvage.
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Pin pattern pieces securely before cutting.
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The layouts are non-directional.
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Purchase extra fabric if using fabrics with nap or directional prints.
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Separate layouts are provided for 45-inch and 60-inch fabric widths.
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The illustrated layouts use a Large size for reference.
Fabric Cutting and Preparation
Lay Out Your Pattern Pieces
Arrange the pattern pieces according to the cutting layout diagrams. Begin by positioning the pieces on the fabric, ensuring that the grainline arrow runs parallel to the selvage.
Cut Your Fabric
If you are using fabric shears, trace the pattern pieces and then cut them out, cutting away any pen, pencil, or chalk lines. Remember to cut out any notches that appear on the edges. These markings help line up the pieces when you assemble the garment.
Transfer Pattern Markings
Use your marking pen, pencil, or chalk to transfer the markings (such as circles, buttonholes, and fold lines) to the wrong side of the fabric. Mark the center front of pieces cut on the fold, as this will help you to align pieces accurately.
Seam Allowance
Please follow the seam allowances as indicated on the pattern file layers. These are provided specifically for each piece to ensure accurate construction.
This pattern uses a 1.3 cm (1/2” inch) seam allowance all around, a 0.6 cm (1/4” inch) at the neck, and a 1 cm (3/8” inch) at the short edges and 2 cm (3/4”) at the long edges of the waist casing.
Step-by-Step Sewing Instructions
1. Finish the Side Seams and Hem
1a. Double fold the side seam allowances of the front and back pieces on the wrong side—first by 0.25 cm, then again along the seamline. Sew along the folded edge to finish the raw edges.
1b. Repeat Step 1a for the hem of both the front and back pieces.
2. Prepare the Waist Casings
2a. Finish the shorter edges of each waist casing strip by folding twice—first by 0.25 cm, then again along the seamline. Sew along the folded edge to finish the raw edges.
2b. Fold along the seamline of both longer edges to create a sharp crease.
You should now have two prepared waist casing strips.
3. Attach the Waist Casings
3a. Place one prepared waist casing strip over the marked guideline on the back piece, ensuring the folded edges face toward the right side of the front.
3b. Sew along both long edges of the casing to secure it in place.
3c. Repeat the same process to attach the second waist casing strip to the front piece.
4. Join the Front and Back
Place the prepared front and back pieces with their right sides together.
4a. Align the shoulder seams.
Sew along the shoulder seamlines to join the pieces.
5. Finish the Neckline
5a. Spread the kaftan open at the shoulder seams and lay it flat with the right side facing up.
Fold 3/8 inch at both short edges of the neck binding strip toward the wrong side. Place the binding on the neckline of the back piece with right sides together and align the edges with the shoulder seams.
5b. Place the second neck binding strip on the front neckline with right sides together. Ensure both ends of the binding overlap the folded edges of the back neckline binding strip.
5c. Sew along the neckline 1/4 inch away from the inner edge.
5d. Fold the neck binding from the stitch line toward the inner neckline and press.
5e. Fold the binding completely to the wrong side of the fabric so it wraps around and encloses the neckline seam allowance. Stitch in the ditch along the neckline seam to secure the binding.
5f. Turn the kaftan wrong side up and trim any excess raw edge of the binding.
5g. Fold the entire neck binding strip from the stitch line on the wrong side so that it covers the trimmed binding inside. Sew along the outer edge of the binding to secure it to the wrong side of the neckline.
5h. The neckline is now fully finished.
6. Create the Waist Ties
6a. Fold each waist tie in half lengthwise with the wrong sides facing out.
Press to create a crease.
6b. Sew 1/4 inch away from the raw edge along the long side of each tie.
6c. Use a loop turner to turn each tie right side out.
Repeat the steps to create a total of two waist ties.
7. Insert the Waist Ties
Insert one drawstring into the casing on the front side of the kaftan and the other into the casing on the back side.
Tip: Use a safety pin attached to the end of the tie to help guide it through the casing.
Ready to Sew Your Own Short Kaftan?
The Cora Short Kaftan combines a relaxed silhouette, lightweight woven fabrics, and an adjustable drawstring waist to create a garment that is both comfortable and versatile. Its simple construction and beginner-friendly techniques make it an enjoyable project that can be completed in just a few sewing sessions.
Whether you're sewing a breezy vacation cover-up, a comfortable warm-weather top, or a casual everyday garment, the Cora Short Kaftan offers plenty of styling possibilities. Download the Cora Short Kaftan Sewing Pattern and start sewing your own version today.
Join the Community & Get Support
Share your finished Cora Short Kaftan on social media with #MadeWithWinslets. If you have questions, feedback, or customization requests, contact the Winslet's team at support@winslets.com.
