Charlie Caftan Pattern
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 center panel and roomy pockets. View A is modern and architectural with striking pleats beneath the bust. For a softer, more romantic dress, Views B & 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.
Sizes: 0-20 (print and PDF) and 14-30 (PDF)
See our guide to printing & assembling PDF files here.
Fabric and Supplies
SUGGESTED FABRIC
Light to medium weight wovens such as linen, chambray, tencel, linen, silk, chiffon, rayon challis, crepe de chine, batiste and voile.
YARDAGE REQUIREMENTS (SIZES 0-20)
View A (Short with pleats)
45" / 1.15m: 0-6 = 2.25yd/2m, 8-14 = 2.75 yd/2.5m, 16-20 = 3 yd/2.75m
58" / 1.5m: 0-8 = 1.75yd/1.6m, 10-14 = 2yd/1.85m, 16-20 = 2.5yd/2.25m
View B (Short with gathers)
45" / 1.15m: 0-6 = 2.5yd/2.3m, 8-14 = 2.75yd/2.5m, 16-20 = 3 yd/2.75m
58" / 1.5m: 0-8 = 2.25yd/2m, 10-20 = 2.5yd / 2.25m
View C (Long with gathers)
45" / 1.15m: 0-6 = 3.5yd/3.2m, 8-14 = 3.5yd/3.2m, 16-20 = 4yd/3.75m
58" / 1.5m: 0-6 = 3.25yd / 3m, 8-20 = 3.5yd / 3.2m
YARDAGE REQUIREMENTS (SIZES 14-30)
View A (Short with pleats)
45" / 1.15m: 14-20= 3.25yd/3m, 22-30= 3.5yd/3.2m
58" / 1.5m: 14-16 = 2.25yd/2m, 18-30= 2.5yd/2.25m
View B (Short with gathers)
45" / 1.15m: n/a
58" / 1.5m: 14-30 = 2.5yd/2.25m
View C (Long with gathers)
45" / 1.15m: n/a
58" / 1.5m: 14-30 = 3.5yd/3.2m
ADDITIONAL SUPPLIES
- Lightweight fusible interfacing
- Marking tool
- Polyester thread
Details
Sewing level: Advanced beginner
Sizes: 0 - 20 and 14 - 30 (see our sizing chart here)
Finished measurements: Sizes 0-20 here and Sizes 14-30 here
Instructions: English & French (French instructions available as PDF only)
Print at Home File (Letter & A4): Sizes 0-20: 48 pages, Sizes 14-30 : 63 pages, sizes are layered.
Copy Shop (36"x48" / A0): 3 pages, sizes are layered.
Helpful Resources
Related Sewing Tutorials
- Tips for Sewing a V-Neckline
- Pattern Adjustments
- Sewing the Inset Center Panel
- Finishing the Center Panel
Pattern Hacks & Inspiration
Great pattern, once I worked out the sizing. To make in my normal size it was huge, I went down 2 sizes and much preferred the fit. I have not yet mastered that inset panel, like a few others I just cut the front panel in two and had a seam Going under the bust. I will keep trying, as this a very comfortable dress and easy to make apart from that panel!!
I saw the Charlie Caftan as an example display at Five Eighth Seams Fabric store when I was visiting Charleston, SC USA. It was in a beautiful drapey print and I wanted one too! I found out it was a Closet Core Pattern, and knew I had to have it. Closet Core always does a wonderful job drafting beautiful patterns with unique design touches. This was no exception. That being said, I totally chickened out trying to sew the panel the way it was intended. I ended up top stitching and while it turned out great, the original design is so elegant and with my next Charlie I will definitely do it properly with help from the blog. I think it will be an excellent skill to accomplish. All in all, it may be one of my favorite makes, it's a really lovely pattern!
I made my Charlie Caftan in the long version from Liberty Lawn and I'm very pleased with it. It's floaty and comfortable and I didn't have any fitting issues (Size 16 with D cup). The dart in the revised version wasn't mentioned in the instructions, which was initially a bit confusing.
I'm a pretty confident beginner ( have made about 10 garments before this)
I was rather outfaced by the instructions for the gathered front and the panel, I didn't think I would get a good result so I "cheated" - I cut the front into 2 pieces across where the gather was, did the gather and then joined in back together. Made the panel with the ties and then top stitched it to the front. That was very easy and I would do it like that again. From then on it was dead easy.
The only difference is there is a seam across the front, which in the patterned fabric I used is pretty unnoticeable.
I'm really happy with the garment, it looks lovely and I will make it again.
Love this pattern and know I will be making more 2021 winter-early spring so I can enjoy them throughout the 2021 season.
J'ai adoré faire ce patron cet été
Il est très bien expliqué.
J'ai choisi un tissu bleu et blanc et j'ai réalisé également un autre dans une cotonnade verte et blanche.
Je vais certainement refaire cette robe car elle convient parfaitement à ma morphologie
I made the version with the pleats. The only difficulty was the center panel !!!! I ended by sewing it in another way... oops
