Bubu Top Tutorial: How to Sew a Kaftan Top Quickly & Easily at Home
In this tutorial, I'll be showing you how to sew a kaftan top, also known as a bubu top! There is some sewing involved, but it’s a great project even if you’re a total beginner.
This super-simple top doesn’t have darts or zippers and is a beautiful kaftan style. Here’s how to make a kaftan top at home without a pattern. Let’s get started!
Tools and materials:
- 1½ yards of chiffon style fabric
- Scissors
- Marking or tailor’s chalk
- Measuring tape
- Sewing machine
- Bias tape
- Sequined fabric strip (optional)
- Fabric glue (optional)
I’ve added a 3-inch sequined strip to my top because I love the way sequins catch the light. This step is totally optional. If you want to add sequins to your top, add fabric glue to your sequined strip and lay it in the center of the fabric.
1. Make the pattern
Fold the fabric in half. Pin one side of the fabric so the fabric doesn’t move when you’re cutting it.
Then fold the fabric again. If you’ve glued the sequins in, make sure when you fold the fabric, the sequins are in the middle of the fabric. Cut the fabric so it is in a nice square.
Mark the length of the top at 21 inches.
Then mark the bust point at about 10 inches down from the top of the fabric. Mark 13 inches down from the top for the under the bust or rib cage measurement.
Measure your bust size. Divide your bust size by 4. Mark the bust measurement at the bust point and add 1 inch for seam allowance.
Measure your waist. Divide your waist size by 4. Mark this measurement at the bottom.
Draw a line to connect the waist and bust measurement points.
At the top, mark down 9 inches to serve as the armhole line. Draw a curve to meet that point. Add 1-inch seam allowance.
Measure your shoulder measurement. Divide it by 2. Mark on the fabric at the very top from the center fold outward.
Measure your sleeve length and mark it on the fabric. Draw a curve to the end of the fabric.
2. Cut the pattern
Once you’ve measured and marked the fabric, it’s time to cut!
Cut along the curves.
Measure the neckline to be 3½ inches down and 3 inches deep. Mark the points on a curve and cut. You want it wide and deep enough so you can pull it off and on easily.
3. Sew up the shirt
Once everything has been cut, open up the folded fabric.
Place the fabric right sides together. Sew up the sides using a straight stitch, with a ½-inch seam allowance. Follow the curves while sewing.
4. Strengthen the neckline
Add bias tape to the neckline. Place the bias tape and sew it on the right side. Sew all along the neckline. Then, fold the bias tape over into the wrong side and sew it down all along the neckline.
5. Add more sequins
If you haven’t added sequins to the center of the top, you may want to add sequins at the ends of the sleeves. Glue the sequin strips to the sleeve edges for a dramatic finish.
How to sew a kaftan top tutorial
How lovely is this top? So cute and easy to make as well. Let me know in the comments what you think about this tutorial on how to make kaftan top at home and if you’ve made it.
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Love the sequin stripe down the front and around the cuffs!