A trip to the beach isn’t complete without a piece of sarong. This rectangular piece of clothing hides your skin from the harsh reach of the sun. And the best part? They are breathable and light, and readily available. Although sarongs are mostly available at swimwear stores, sewing your own sarong allows you to create a unique design to suit your specific needs and preferences. This article will answer the question; can you sew a sarong?
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Yes, you can sew sarong if you have the right fabric and a sewing machine. Sewing sarong is not as complicated as it appears. The first step to getting it right is to get the right type of fabric in the right length. Of course, you also need a sewing machine to stitch the fabric together.
In this article, I will answer all the burning questions on how to sew a sarong in the comfort of your house by yourself.
Materials and Supplies Needed
The beauty of sewing a sarong is that you don’t need a lot of materials to get started. Here’s what you’ll need:
- The fabric of your choice (make sure it’s lightweight and breathable for summer)
- Sewing machine (or you can hand-sew if you prefer)
- Thread in a color that matches your fabric
- Scissors
- Ruler or measuring tape
- Pins
6 Steps to Sew A Sarong
Sewing a sarong is a fun and simple project that can be done by anyone, regardless of their sewing experience. With my step-by-step instructions, you’ll be able to create a beautiful and functional sarong in no time. So let’s get started.
1. Prepare your fabric
Before you start sewing, you’ll need to measure and cut your fabric to the desired size, pre-wash it, and iron it to eliminate any wrinkles. After getting the wrinkles off, ensure your material is nice and flat so that you can get accurate measurements. Just unroll it on a flat surface and grab a fabric marker.
Now, mark off the dimensions you need. Once that’s done, it’s time to grab those scissors and cut out the two rectangles. By the end of this step, you’ll have two perfectly cut rectangles ready.
2. Cut the front edge into a curve
Now it’s time to add some curves to our straight rectangles. Take each one and give it a nice fold down the middle, width-wise. This should create a smaller rectangle around 32 by 40 inches (or 81 by 102 cm, if you prefer).
Add some excitement to your design by cutting a curve into the front edge. To do this, sketch a steep and lovely curved line next to the outer edge but on the opposite side of the fold. Grab scissors and follow the line to cut out a beautiful curve. Repeat this whole process with the other piece of fabric, so you end up with two curvy rectangles ready for the next step.
3. Align the sides of the fabric
The next step is to bring the two curvy rectangles together. Stack them up with the right sides touching, so we can get them all aligned and ready to sew.
To make sure everything stays in place, grab some pins, and stick them all the way around the edge, so the fabric doesn’t move around while sewing. With that done, we’re ready for the next step.
4. Create the seam
In this step, you will sew the edges of the curvy rectangles together using a 3/8 inch (0.95 cm) seam allowance. To get started, place the pinned edges of the fabric under the foot of your sewing machine. Then, sew slowly and steadily around the perimeter of the fabric. You want to make sure that you are creating a straight and consistent row of stitches as you go.
When getting close to where you started, stop sewing about 6 inches (or 15 cm) before your starting point. This will leave us with a large, unstitched gap that we’ll use later.
5. Turn the fabric right-side-out
To do this, you will use that handy gap you left earlier. Just reach through the gap, slowly pull out, and untuck the fabric. Voila, your seams should now be completely hidden, with the right side of the fabric facing out.
6. Hem the edges
The last step is to stitch that 6-inch (15 cm) gap closed. To do this, grab a needle and thread in the same color that you used in your sewing machine. Then, use a simple slip-stitch to bring the two edges of the gap together. This will create a neat and tidy seam that will keep your sarong secure and ready to wear. And with that, you are done; you have just made yourself a beautiful sarong.
Tips for Successfully Sewing a Sarong
- Choose a lightweight, flowing fabric. Choose a lightweight, flowing fabric that will drape nicely and be comfortable to wear.
- Make sure to measure accurately. Accurate measurements are key to a successful sarong. Make sure to measure your waist and hips correctly and double-check your measurements before cutting the fabric.
- Use a straight stitch for hems. Use a straight stitch for hems to prevent fraying and create a clean finish.
- Test the draping of the fabric before hemming the sides. Before you hem the sides, test the draping of the fabric to make sure it is to your liking.
- Experiment with different hemming techniques to create a unique look. You can experiment with other hemming techniques, such as a rolled hem or fringe, to create a unique look for your sarong.
What Type of Fabric Should I Use for My Sarong?
When it comes to choosing the perfect fabric for your sarong, the options are endless. But, with some guidance, you can select a fabric that fits your style and needs perfectly. To stay cool and comfortable on hot summer days, it’s important to choose a lightweight and breathable fabric, like cotton, rayon, voile, or chiffon.
Cotton is a soft and durable option, while rayon has a silky feel. Voile and chiffon are great choices if you’re looking for a dressier sarong with a delicate, romantic look. Overall, avoid fabrics like organza and heavy linen as they are stiff and difficult to drape.
How Many Yards of Fabric Do I Need for Sarong?
As a general rule, you’ll need about 1.5 to 2 yards of 66 by 45 wide fabric for a standard-sized sarong. If you’re taller or want a longer sarong, you may need a little more fabric. If you’re using fabric that is narrower than 45 inches, you’ll need to purchase more yards to make up for the difference.
Final Thought
Sewing a sarong is a relatively easy and fulfilling process that can lead to a unique and personalized piece of clothing. With the right materials and a basic understanding of sewing techniques, anyone can create a beautiful and functional sarong.
Whether you want to create a special piece for yourself or a unique gift for someone else, sewing a sarong can be a fun and creative experience. Sewing a sarong allows for the opportunity to experiment with different fabrics, patterns, and designs to create a one-of-a-kind garment that truly reflects your individual style.
