How to make a tunic

1. Materials & tools

Materials (adult M)

• Fabric (double gauze, linen, or jersey/interlock knit) — about 150 cm wide × 180 cm
• Bias binding or ribbing for the neckline — the neckline length

Tools

• Sewing machine (or needle and thread)
• Fabric marker or pencil
• Ruler and scissors
• Iron
• Pins or clips

2. Make the pattern (auto-generated in Katagami)

With the Katagami pattern tool, you just enter the finished size and it drafts a seam-allowance-included pattern, tiled to print at actual size on Letter or A4.

1. Open the tool
   Open the pattern tool and choose “Adult clothes” → “Tunic” from the tabs at the top.
2. Enter the size
   Enter bust, shoulder, length and sleeve length. Make the length and sleeves longer than a tee.
3. Set the seam allowance
   Use the slider at the bottom (beginners: 1.0–1.5 cm / about 3/8–5/8 in).
4. Print
   Press “Print (actual size)”, then in the print dialog set Scale = 100% and turn “Fit to page” OFF. Check the 50 mm calibration box on the first guide sheet with a ruler.

3. Cutting the fabric

1. Front and back
   Place the center edge on the fold and cut one of each, for symmetrical pieces.
2. Sleeves
   Cut 2 sleeves and mark the sleeve-cap notch.
3. Finish the edges
   Zigzag or serge the seam-allowance edges.

4. Sewing

4-1. Sew the shoulders

1. Place front and back right sides together and sew the straight shoulder seams; press toward the back.

4-2. Finish the neckline

1. Cut bias binding or ribbing to about 90% of the neckline length and join into a loop.
2. Sew it on, gently stretching to fit, then press the seam toward the body.

4-3. Set in the sleeves

1. Match the sleeve-cap notch to the shoulder seam, pin and sew, clipping the curve before pressing toward the body.

4-4. Sew underarms and sides

1. Sew each sleeve underarm and side in one continuous line from cuff to hem.
2. Press the seams.

4-5. Hem the bottom and cuffs

1. Double-fold and press the hem and cuffs, then topstitch 2–3 mm from the edge.

5. Tips & variations

• Woven or knit: double gauze and linen give a soft drape; knit makes a cozy version.
• Sleeve length: anywhere from three-quarter to full.
• Side slits: leave the lower side seams open for slits.