Folkwear 107 Afghan Dress

Buy the 107 Afghan Dress sewing pattern from Folkwear. This traditional dress worn by nomadic women in Afghanistan is ideal for mixing fabrics and embellishments. This dress has an extremely full skirt and sleeves. It is traditionally worn ankle length, but can be adapted to a shorter variation. The raised bodice is fitted and connects to the skirt by the front waist band and underarm gussets. The neck opening can be placed at the front or back, although it is traditionally worn to the back. The skirt is gathered by a double line of even stitches, forming tiny, unpressed pleats. The back of the skirt has two tiers and the fabric can be mixed or one kind.

There are three optional authentic embroidery treatments for the bodice using chain stitch, mirror cloth, and satin stitch. Instructions are included for embroidery stitches and techniques.

This sewing pattern is available to buy in the following formats:

– PDF (available to download immediately after purchase). What is a PDF?

– PDF pattern + Printed A0 copy shop (We print out the A0 pattern sheets, but you’ll need to download the digital instructions, as we don’t print these. The PDF files will be emailed immediately after purchase, and the A0 pattern sheets will be dispatched next working day). What is Copy Shop?

Suggested fabrics: Soft, medium-weight fabrics such as cotton sateen, cotton or rayon challis, or silk in brilliant solid colours or floral or paisley prints. The upper sleeve and/or skirt may be soft rayon or silk velvet. This dress is often made in many prints -  a wonderful opportunity to clean out your sewing stash and use bits and pieces!

Fabric requirements: 

Authentic version: 36" (91 cm) wide fabric: 9 1/2 - 9 5/8 yd (8.7 - 8.75 m) // 45" (115 cm) wide fabric: 8 1/3 - 9 1/8 yd (7.63 - 8.35 m).

Narrower version: 36" (91 cm) wide fabric: 6 1/4 - 6 1/3 yd (5.73 - 5.8 m) // 45" (115 cm) wide fabric: 5 1/2 - 6 1/3 yd (5.04 - 5.8 m).

See image gallery for fabric requirements broken down by pattern piece.

Sizing: S - L / US 6 – 16 (approx. UK 6 – 12, based on our standardised size chart). Please also check the designer's size chart (for sizes US 6 - 16 only) and finished garment measurements.

Note: Because this pattern is constructed primarily of rectangles, it can be sized up. Click here for more information from the designer about how to size up this pattern.

Notions: Wide bias tape for neck binding // Authentic version only: extra strong button and carpet thread for gathering skirt; one or two extra layers of fabric for bodice, waistband, and gusset. Scraps of medium-weight soft fabric can be used.

PDF pattern includes: Instructions; print-at-home pattern (63 pages); 36″ wide copy shop pattern (1 sheet); A0 copy shop pattern (4 sheets).

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