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Closet Core Patterns
Closet Core Patterns Charlie Caftan
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Buy the Charlie Caftan sewing pattern from Closet Core Patterns. Nothing says summer elegance quite as well as a dramatic caftan. Charlie is a fresh take on this warm weather staple.
All versions feature a deep V neckline, short dolman sleeves, inset centre panel and roomy pockets. View A is modern and architectural with striking pleats beneath the bust. For a softer, more romantic dress, Views B and C feature a gently gathered bodice with an optional waist tie for a figure-skimming silhouette in two skirt lengths. You may also choose between a dramatically wide sleeve or one slightly higher cut for more coverage.
This sewing pattern is available to buy in the following format:
- PAPER (next working day dispatch on orders and FREE UK delivery over £50)
What we think: I (Kate) made this last summer and wore it to death. It really does look good on most body types, and I'm planning to make more this summer. I can't recommend it highly enough!
Suggested fabrics: Light to medium weight wovens such as linen, chambray, tencel, silk, chiffon, rayon challis, crepe de chine, batiste and voile.
Fabric requirements:
45" (1.14 m) wide fabric: View A: Sizes 0-6 = 2.25 yd (2 m) / Sizes 8-14 = 2.75 yd (2.5 m) / Sizes 16-20 = 3 yd (2.75 m) // View B: Sizes 0-6 = 2.5 yd (2.3 m) / Sizes 8-14 = 2.75 yd (2.5 m) / Sizes 16-20 = 3 yd (2.75 m) // View C: Sizes 0-6 = 3.5 yd (3.2 m) / Sizes 8-14 = 3.5 yd (3.2 m) / Sizes 16-20 = 4 yd (3.75 m).
58" (1.5 m) wide fabric: View A: Sizes 0-8 = 1.75 yd (1.6 m) / Sizes 10-14 = 2 yd (1.85 m) / Sizes 16-20 = 2.5 yd (2.25 m) // View B: Sizes 0-8 = 2.25 yd (2 m) / Sizes 10-20 = 2.5 yd (2.25 m) // View C: Sizes 0-6 = 3.25 yd (3 m) / Sizes 8-20 = 3.5 yd (3.2 m).
Sizing: 0 – 20 (approx. UK 6 – 20, based on our standardised size chart). Please also check the designer’s size chart and finished garment measurements.
This size range is based on a B cup bust and an average height of 5’6″. Please note that B cup does not refer to bra sizing, but rather to the difference in inches between high and full bust. A 2″ difference between those measurements is equivalent to a B cup.
Notions: Lightweight fusible interfacing.
Note: This pattern is available in an expanded size range on the designer’s website (PDF only).
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H
I made two Charlie Caftan's this summer, both in an indian handmade cloth from merchant and mills. I love both of my dresses, although neither have got much wear this year as we have not seen so much sun! I was looking for a dress that would be light and breezy and voluminous enough to show off a beautiful fabric, but still have some shaping so I don't look swamped. I spent quite a bit of time researching patterns as there are so so many options for summer dresses, but I really think this one fits my criteria pretty well. I love the deep v neck. The centre 'letter box' panel at the waist that contains the skirt gathering is a really nice feature and stops the dress being too oversized. I would recommend making the view with waist ties (I forgot on my first version and needed to unpick to fit them in reterospectively!).
I would say though that the instructions are not the absolutely clearest ever, I had quite a few head scratching moments and I'm glad I made a toile as an opportunity to practice the waist panel which is quite fiddly. I would like to thank and recommend Flying Bobbins on you tube who has a free sew along for this pattern and I honestly don't think I would have been able to successfully complete the dress without that support.
L
I love this dress! If I had more time before my holiday I would make more of these, both this version or the maxi version.
Mine is View A with the smaller sleeve. But to keep a clean silhouette, instead of the pleats beneath the bust, I treated the markings for the pleat as long darts.
The centre rectangular insert was a little fiddly but accuracy and perseverance paid off. Unfortunately you can hardly see it in this fabric!
I think the choice of view is very much down to the choice of fabric. A slightly structured cotton or linen is best for View A, a more drapey cotton or viscose for View B and definitely a viscose or similar for View C.
I did my usual research of other’s reviews and poured over the finished measurements. I went with the size 10 which was the size for half an inch less than my chest measurement. My waist and hip put me in the next size up but the finished measurements had plenty of ease in these areas.
There's more detail and photos on my blog.
B
I was really happy to see that Closet Core Patterns were testing extended sizes in the Charlie Caftan as I'd been all ready to make one for summer and it saved me making the FBA! :) I signed up to test the 16 D cup and it really fits me perfectly. Very true to size I'd say.
They added bust darts for the extended sizing, which adds a nice bit of shaping around the bust and also shaped the waist a little more. I made View B with the extended sleeve and waist ties and made it in this pretty bold Holli Zollinger print from Nerida Hansen. It was a fun make and I really fancy the longer version now.
There are more pics and construction details on my blog post here if you're interested :)
M
Considering the very high temperatures we've had the last years, I decided to complete my wardrobe with some heatwave compatible pieces... Hence the Charlie Caftan. In used a tencel fabric, quite fluid but also a bit plain to my taste.
That's why I decided to embroider the inset middle front panel.
The sewing was OK and the instructions + the video were put to good use to succeed with the insert.
More photos and zoom on the embroidery on my blog: https://miio.org/sofar/gb/aiguille-ciseaux/charlie-caftan-broderie-closet-case
N
The trickiest part of this pattern is the rectangular panel at the front with the gathers underneath. The pattern pieces seem a strange shape when cutting them out, but it all made sense as I worked my way through and it’s actually quite similar to making a welt pocket.
The rest of the pattern is an absolute doddle! There’s a neck facing, in-seam pockets, and side slits in the skirt, then just the hemming to finish it all off.
I made a a straight size 6, which is one size smaller than recommended by the chart, and I’m currently 37″,29″,39″, 28GG.
My fabric is a gorgeous cotton voile from Seasalt. I love these colours and it’s such a light and summery fabric. Oh and I just *had* to make a matching mask - it's become a bit of a 'thing'!
Lots more info about sewing the rectangular panel and LOTS of 'wafting' photos on my blog: https://norfolkdaphne.wordpress.com/2020/07/25/closet-core-patterns-charlie-caftan-sewalong-with-sara/
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