DIY: How to Sew A Long Duster

 

With warmer temperatures around the corner and hopefully some fun in the sun soon, I thought it would be fun to create a DIY Duster. This can be worn as a swimsuit cover up or even a part of your look. You can alter the length as you’d like and make in several fabrics. Get the details below and on how to sew a long duster or shrug.

Supplies:

• 2 yards of flowing fabric like chiffon or lace.
• Brother SE1900
• Safety pin
• Basic sewing and measuring tools
• String or strap for center waistline

The pattern is basically just a long rectangle of fabric folded in on the sides. You CAN create the dimensions to be however long or wide you’d like. I folded the fabric 2 different ways. The lace I did so the selvage was on the bottom and the printed chiffon I used the selvage as the center front.
*You can also make 3 separate pieces: 2 Front and 1 Back like the template above. Alter the length and width however you’d like, these were just standard measurements I used.
Fold the fabric in half and mark the center. Lay the fabric flat so right side is up and fold both sides in towards the center of the fabric. You will want to leave a 4” gap for the back neckline. Fold in about 18” on both sides toward the center.
Next pin the top edges and sew (these are the shoulder seams) a 1/2” seam allowance on both sides.

Finished the neckline by folding it ¼” down, press, and another ¼” down, press and sew.
Cut the arm openings. I just snipped 11” down. You can make this wider if necessary.
Finish the arm openings by either folding under and sewing or add a facing. I did the facing for the print and a basic hem for the lace. The facing was a 4” strip of the fabric folded in half and sewn right sides together around the arm opening.
Place project wrong side up, mark a line at the waist or about 4” from under arm using a fabric marking pen.
Cut a strip of mesh fabric that is 1 ¼” wide and measures the as garment waistline. If you’re using a sheer material you will want to use a mesh type fabric for this. If the fabric is not sheer you can use bias tape… Pin along the waistline making sure the strip is between the line you traced.
Stitch on both the bottom and top to create a casing. (leave about an inch in between).
Use a safety pin and weave a string through to tie in the center that fits your waist x 4. I used a 1” strip of knit I cut and pulled it to create string. Finish bottom edge if necessary. Hope this gives you all the Spring Break feels even if it’s worn just on the patio.