Supplies

Fabric (see "Fabric Tips" for notes)

Sewing machine

Thread

Scissors

Chalk

Iron

Fabric Tips

When selecting fabric, it is best to avoid man made materials, such as nylon, as these become easily charged with static electricity.

Also, a material that is easy to wash and requires minimal ironing is also an advantage. Most importantly, the fabric should be a free flowing fabric that will hang nicely. An assistant at the shop can help find an appropriate fabric, if need be.

The fabric will need to be approximately 5 feet (150 cm) wide. For a better fitting robe and if the fabric comes in a larger width, measure the distance from wrist to wrist across the chest and purchase fabric of that size.

The length of fabric required is double the shoulder height, plus a few extra inches (centimeters) for a hem.

Instructions

Folding the fabric

It is recommended that the folding and cutting out be done on the floor, as this gives plenty of room to work.

Flatten the fabric and fold it in half, making it slightly taller than shoulder height (see Figure A).

Figure A

Now fold the fabric in half lengthwise (see Figure B).

Figure B

The fabric will now consist of four layers. It should be as tall as shoulder height, and half the length of the arm span.

At this stage, ensure that the fabric is flat, and pin around the edges to hold the layers in place.

Taking measurements

Before going any further, take the following measurements using the image below, and write them down:

Figure C

Neck: neck size (the diameter of the neck), divided by 4, minus 0.79" (2 cm)

Measurement e-g (see Figure C): chest/bust plus 9.84" (25 cm), divided by 4

Base: width of folded fabric multiplied by 0.66

Marking and cutting

Using the measurements and Figure C above, use a piece of chalk to mark the following:

d: 17.7" (45 cm) from the top left corner

g: 11.8" (30 cm) from the top right corner

using e-g measurement above mark e from g

join d to e

f: mark base measurements from the bottom right corner

join f to e

mark a neckline (top right corner) starting and finishing the neck measurements from each side

Cutting it out

Pin along the inside of the marked lines.

Now, remove the pins from around the outside of the fabric layers.

Using a sharp pair of scissors, cut along the line d-e-f and the neckline.

Figure D shows what the fabric should look like after unfolding.

Figure D

Sewing

Fold back edges h-i and j-k and press with a hot iron.

If the material is two-sided, ensure that the desired outside of the finished product is facing outwards.

Sew along both h-i and j-k to hem the ends of the sleeves.

Now, fold the material vertically in half again, making sure that the desired outside of the finished product is facing outwards.

Using Figure E, sew along p-q-r and repeat on the other side of the robe.

Figure E

Neckline

Turn the robe right side out and try it on.

Don't use force at the neck hole, because at this stage it isn't going to fit. This step requires a bit of trial and error.

It is best that the neckline comes down lower at the front than the back, so trim 2.5" to 5" (6.35 cm to 12.7 cm) from the front neckline, and a smaller amount from the back.

Try the robe again.

Repeat this until the head slips through the neck hole easily. After hemming the neckline, it will be even easier.

Hem

Adjust the length of the robe by putting it on with shoes and asking someone to pin it at the correct length.

Press the hem with an iron and sew it along l-m and n-o.

Alterations to this basic pattern such as a pockets and different colored hems on the base and sleeves may be made.

Credit

This tutorial was taken with permission from Harry Potter Haven and is based on Meditation Robe pattern of the Servants of the Light.





The Leaky Cauldron is not associated with J.K. Rowling, Warner Bros., or any of the individuals or companies associated with producing and publishing Harry Potter books and films.