How To Cut Yoruba Dashiki Style

If you are looking for an easy and stylish way to make your own African-inspired clothing, a Yoruba Dashiki could be the perfect choice.

This style of dress is comfortable, vibrant, and perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual day out or a special event.

In this tutorial article, I will walk you through the steps to cut a Yoruba Dashiki style dress.

What is Yoruba Dashiki Style?

Yoruba Dashiki is a popular style of African clothing that originated from the Yoruba tribe of Nigeria.

It is characterized by its loose, comfortable fit, and the vibrant patterns and colors that are often used in the fabric.

The Dashiki dress is typically knee-length and has a round neckline, short or long sleeves, and a loose, billowing skirt.

It is perfect for hot weather, and it can be made from a variety of different fabrics, including cotton, silk, and rayon.

Materials Needed

Before we get started, here are some materials that you will need to make your own Yoruba Dashiki dress:

  • 4-6 yards of fabric, depending on your size and desired length
  • Fabric scissors
  • Measuring tape
  • Pins
  • Sewing machine
  • Thread
  • Iron
  • Pattern paper or newspaper
  • Chalk or fabric marker

Step-by-Step Guide to Cutting Your Yoruba Dashiki

Now that you have gathered all of the necessary materials, let’s get started on cutting your own Yoruba Dashiki.

Step 1: Create a Pattern

The first thing you need to do is create a pattern for your Dashiki dress. You can either use a pre-existing pattern or create your own.

If you are creating your own pattern, you can use a large sheet of pattern paper or even newspaper. Simply fold the paper in half and draw half of the dress shape.

Cut it out, and then unfold it to reveal the full pattern.

Step 2: Choose Your Fabric

Once you have your pattern, it’s time to choose your fabric. As mentioned earlier, you can use a variety of different fabrics for your Yoruba Dashiki.

Choose a fabric that is comfortable and breathable, especially if you live in a hot climate. Make sure that the fabric you choose is at least 4-6 yards long, depending on your size and desired length of the dress.

Step 3: Fold Your Fabric

Fold your fabric in half, with the right sides facing each other. Make sure that the selvage edges are aligned.

Step 4: Pin the Pattern

Place your pattern on top of your folded fabric and pin it in place. Make sure that you pin through both layers of fabric, so that you can cut out both the front and back pieces of the dress at the same time.

Step 5: Cut the Fabric

Using fabric scissors, carefully cut around the pattern, following the lines you have drawn. Make sure that you cut through both layers of fabric.

Step 6: Cut Out Neckline and Armholes

Once you have cut out the dress, it’s time to cut out the neckline and armholes.

You can either use your pattern as a guide or create your own design.

Use chalk or a fabric marker to draw the shape of the neckline and armholes onto your fabric. Then, carefully cut them out using your fabric scissors.

Step 7: Sew the Dress

Now that you have cut out your Yoruba Dashiki dress, it’s time to sew it together. Start by sewing the front and back pieces together at the shoulder seams. Then, sew the side seams together,

leaving enough room for armholes. You can use a sewing machine or hand-sew the dress if you prefer.

Step 8: Hem the Dress

Once you have sewn the main seams of the dress, it’s time to hem it. Fold the bottom edge of the dress up by about half an inch and press it with an iron.

Then, fold it up again by another half an inch and press it again. Pin the hem in place and sew it using a straight stitch or a blind hem stitch.

Step 9: Finish the Neckline and Armholes

To finish the neckline and armholes of your Yoruba Dashiki, you can either hem them or add bias binding. Hemming is the easiest method, but bias binding can add a pop of color and texture to your dress. If you choose to hem the neckline and armholes, simply fold the edges over by about half an inch and sew them in place using a straight stitch or a zigzag stitch.

If you choose to use bias binding, cut strips of bias tape from a contrasting or coordinating fabric. Fold the tape in half lengthwise and press it with an iron. Then, pin the tape around the edge of the neckline or armhole, making sure that the raw edges are enclosed. Sew the tape in place using a straight stitch or a zigzag stitch.

Step 10: Try on Your New Yoruba Dashiki Dress!

Congratulations, you have just cut and sewn your very own Yoruba Dashiki dress! Try it on and make any necessary adjustments to the fit. You can accessorize your new dress with jewelry, a headwrap, or a pair of sandals.

Tips and Tricks for Cutting Your Yoruba Dashiki

When cutting out your pattern, make sure that you add seam allowances. A half-inch seam allowance is a good standard for most dressmaking projects.

If you are using a fabric with a directional print, make sure that you cut all of the pieces in the same direction.

Use a rotary cutter and a cutting mat to make the cutting process faster and more accurate.

Experiment with different fabrics and prints to create unique and personalized Yoruba Dashiki dresses.


Conclusion

Cutting a Yoruba Dashiki dress is a fun and easy project that can be done by anyone, regardless of their sewing experience. With just a few materials and some basic sewing skills, you can create a comfortable and stylish dress that reflects your personal style and celebrates African culture.

Whether you wear it to a party, a wedding, or just around town, your Yoruba Dashiki dress is sure to turn heads and make you feel confident and beautiful.

So why not give it a try and start cutting your own Yoruba Dashiki dress today?

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2023