Folkwear 158 Unisex Ghanaian Smock

Buy the 158 Unisex Ghanaian Smock sewing pattern from Folkwear. This loose-fitting top originated in northern Ghana, but is now worn in many areas of West Africa, and has become popular around the world. It is called fugu or batakari, among other terms, in Ghana, and is generally made from hand-woven strips of fabric with wedge-shaped godets inserted below the chest to give it a flared shape. This pattern is great for fabric artists, weavers, and fabric lovers, as almost any fabric will do, from your own woven strips to regular yardage - just tear or cut it into strips and sew the strips together.

A striking top, the Ghanaian Smock is worn by men and women (the women's version has elastic at the waist). Men often wear the smock over trousers or shorts, and it can be worn by women over trousers, leggings, or when made longer, as a dress on its own. Long or short sleeved shirts can be worn underneath the smock.

A kufi cap completes the outfit and is included in the pattern. Embroidery motifs for the smock are also included.

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: Medium weight cottons, cotton blends, wool, rayon, and silk. Weight of facing fabric should be similar to or slightly lighter than garment fabric.

Fabric requirements: 45" (115 cm) wide fabric: 2 1/4 - 6 yd (2.1 - 5.5 m) // 60" (150 cm) wide fabric: 2 1/4 - 3 1/8 yd (2.1 - 2.9 m) // Facings (all fabric widths): 1 1/8 yd (1 m) // Note: Requirements are for fabric without nap, pile, or a one-way design.

Sizing: S - XL. Please check the finished garment measurements.

Notions: Thread; stabiliser if your wish to embroider your garment.

PDF pattern includes: Instructions; embroidery motifs; US letter/A4 print-at-home pattern; 36″ wide copy shop pattern; A0 copy shop pattern.

If you’re looking for more maker inspiration, check out the latest sewing pattern reviews from the sewing community. We also have a sewing blog to keep you up to date with all the news from the world of sewing.