Beach Caftan
Summer mode is still on! Today we have a tutorial for ourselves: a wonderfully cool and comfortable beach dress. It’s ideal for heading to the beach or pool—just slip it over your swimsuit or bikini, and you’ll look lovely and be ready to go. We used a lightweight pink Shandy plumeti voile…
Project preview
This video is for members
Join Lulu Ferris to watch the complete class and sew along at your own pace.
What you’ll make
Make a lightweight beach caftan with a V-neckline and gentle shaping beneath the bust and across the back. It is designed as an easy layer for the beach or pool.
Wear it over an open-back swimsuit or a bikini.
Pair it with the summer maxi tote for a coordinated beach set.
What you’ll learn in this class
- Follow the front and back neckline markings.
- Finish the V-neckline with a folded fabric strip.
- Make the back-neck facing and cord channel.
- Finish seams on fabric that frays.
- Gather with elastic thread or elastic tape.
- Shape the sides and finish the hem.
Fabric and trim
The sample uses lightweight plumeti voile for an airy result. Because it frays, the class shows seam finishing with a serger, zigzag, or overcasting stitch.
A braided cord runs through the neckline channel, and extra-long fringe trims the sample hem.
Make it your own
Replace the braided cord with a self-fabric tie, lace, or another cord, or omit it. Add parallel rows of gathering for more definition.
Fringe is optional. Shorten the fabric to account for deep trim, or leave the caftan at its full pattern length and finish the hem without fringe.
Try on the caftan before sewing the gathering and side seams so their position and length suit your body.
Pattern sizes
The downloadable pattern is provided in two size ranges: S–M and L–XL.
The video and pattern cover the neckline treatment, shaping choices, and optional trim.
Pattern & materials
Patterns are included with membership
Active members can download every available PDF and materials list.
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