Welcome to the first post in the Dressing Robe Sewalong! You can view all the posts in this series here.
Today we will be covering an alternative method for finishing the Dressing Robe front band. The Dressing Robe was designed with a classic front that is a nice detail, particularly if you are using contrasting fabrics for the bands. I really love this detail, but it can be a bit finicky to sew. There are several reasons why you may want to change the front band:
- You are a beginner sewist and are not comfortable with the instructions for the corner seam.
- You want to speed up this process and get your robe done faster!
- You are using a busy print and the front band detail won't be visible anyways.
- You plan to wear your robe as an everyday cover-up and want it to look less like a dressing robe.
You can easily do an alternative band that extends down to the hem of the Dressing Robe and I will show you how today!
As you can see from the illustrations above, extending the band doesn't change too much about the overall design. You can still have the inner ties and you still get a luxurious robe that will be your go-to morning loungewear!
Let's get started!
Trim off the pattern front from the 'L' shape down to the hem.
Lengthen the front band. I like to lengthen mine more than I need and trim the excess off later, but you can determine the amount to lengthen it by measuring down from the 'L' shape and adding that much to your band piece. You do not need to make the 'L' markings on the band or pattern front anymore.
Construct the band as indicated in the instructions, only your new band will be longer.
Once the robe is assembled, pin the front band to the robe and check the length. You want the raw edge of the front band to sit 1/2" up from the bottom of the robe. You may need to trim off the end of the front band.
Unpin the bottom of the front band and fold it together with right sides facing. Sew the end closed using a 1/2" seam allowance. Clip the corner and turn the band right side out again.
Once you have finished the ends of the front band, it will sit 1" up from the bottom of the robe. Sew the front band to the robe, finish the edge, and optionally edgestitch it to secure it in place. Sew the band in place using a 1/2" seam allowance.
Sew the inner tie to the underside of the seam allowance of your new front band. Fold the hem up 1/2" and then 1/2" again and sew to complete your alternative Dressing Robe!
I made a similar alteration for a Dressing Robe cover-up last summer. I also shortened the length and straightened out the front angle. You can check out more pics and instructions for this alteration here.
Next up in this sewalong we will be starting the construction of the Dressing Robe! Get all your pieces cut out and ready and I will see you on Thursday.
Happy sewing!
Note: This pattern has been discontinued.
The use of the Japanese word ‘Suki’ for this pattern is cultural appropriation. We apologize for using the name and will continue to strive to do better. You can read more about this decision here.
