Looking for a kaftan dress pattern that’s as comfy as it is pretty? Meet the Aurora Dress, a flowy dress pattern with a loose fit, a front placket with soft gathers, pockets, and a few fun options so you can make it your own. Wear it to run errands, to brunch, or out to dinner. It works for all of it.
In this post, we’ll walk you through what makes the Aurora Dress Sewing Pattern special, which fabrics to choose, how to style your kaftan dress, and what you need to get started.
The Aurora Dress at a glance:
-
Style: loose, flowy kaftan dress with a front placket and inseam pockets
-
Options: two collars, two sleeve lengths, and an optional ruffle hem
-
Skill level: 2 out of 4, a great project for adventurous beginners
-
Sizes: women’s US 0 to 24 (Euro 30 to 54)
-
Fabric: light to medium-weight wovens, like cotton, linen, viscose, or silk sateen
-
Format: PDF pattern in US Letter and A4, A0 copy shop file, and projector file
What is a kaftan dress?
A kaftan dress (also spelled caftan) is a long, loose dress that skims the body instead of hugging it. It’s easy to wear, lets the air flow on hot days, and looks effortless without much styling. That’s exactly the feeling we wanted for the Aurora Dress: relaxed and comfortable, but still put together.
About the Aurora kaftan dress pattern
This kaftan sewing pattern has a roomy silhouette that looks just as good with sneakers as it does with heels. A front placket with light gathers gives the dress shape at the front, and the inseam pockets make it practical for everyday wear (who doesn’t love pockets?).
Two collar options
Choose a simple band collar for a clean, minimal look, or a band collar with front ties for a softer, more romantic feel.
Short or long sleeves
Go with short sleeves for hot summer days, or long sleeves if you want a dress you can wear into spring and fall.
With or without the ruffle hem
Add the ruffle at the hem for a playful, dreamy look. Prefer something simpler? Leave it off and you’ve got an easy, casual closet staple.
Is the Aurora Dress a good beginner dress sewing pattern?
Yes, if you’ve already sewn a few simple projects. The pattern is rated 2 out of 4, which makes it a great next step for adventurous beginners. The placket, the gathers, and the ruffle are a nice way to build new skills, and every step is guided by fully illustrated instructions.
Brand new to sewing? Start with our guide on how to start sewing, or browse our easy sewing patterns for beginners.
How to make a kaftan dress with the Aurora pattern
Here’s what you need and how to get started.
What you’ll need to sew this dress
- The Aurora Dress Sewing Pattern
- Woven fabric, like cotton, linen, viscose, or silk sateen
- Fusible interfacing
- Sewing thread
You’ll find the exact fabric requirements and measurements for each size in the pattern.
Step 1: Find your size
Take your body measurements and compare them with the size chart. Our size guide shows you how. For reference, the model in our photos is 5’8” (172 cm) and wears a size 6.
Step 2: Choose your options
Decide on your collar, your sleeve length, and whether you want the ruffle hem.
Step 3: Print your pattern
Print at home on US Letter or A4 paper, use the projector file, or send the A0 file to a copy shop. The pattern has layers, so you can print just your size, and seam allowances are already included. Need a printer? Here's how to find a print shop near you.
Step 4: Sew your dress
Follow the fully illustrated instructions, step by step. The pattern comes with both metric and imperial measurements.
The best fabric for a kaftan dress
The Aurora Dress works with any light to medium-weight woven fabric, and your choice of kaftan fabric changes the whole look of the dress:
-
Light and flowy: silk, double gauze, voile, satin, or viscose give you a soft, dreamy drape. New to double gauze? Read our post on sewing with double gauze.
-
Casual and everyday: linen or woven cotton, like cotton lawn or poplin, is easy to wear and easy to care for.
-
A little more structure: medium-weight wovens like denim or baby corduroy make the dress less flowy and great for cooler days.
The dress in our photos is sewn in smooth cotton silk sateen. Looking for somewhere to shop? Check out our list of top fabric webshops for sewing projects.
How to style a kaftan dress
One of the best things about a kaftan dress is how easy it is to dress up or down.
-
Everyday: pair it with white sneakers and a bag for your essentials, and you're ready for a day on the go.
-
Brunch or date night: add strappy heeled sandals and a delicate necklace.
-
Evening: sew it in a drapey silk, satin, or viscose and wear it with heels, a necklace, and earrings.
-
Fall: made in denim, cotton twill, or corduroy, it works with ankle boots and a jacket when the weather cools down.
Want a shorter version? Try to sew the Aurora Tunic
Love the details but want a top or a shorter dress? The Aurora Tunic Sewing Pattern has the same front placket and gathers, plus four body lengths, two sleeve options, and two collar options. It's rated 3 out of 4, so it's a good choice once you feel comfortable with collars and plackets.
Frequently asked questions about the Kaftan dress pattern
What is the difference between a kaftan and a caftan?
There's no difference. Kaftan and caftan are two spellings of the same word, so a caftan dress pattern and a kaftan dress pattern describe the same loose, long style.
Can you wear a kaftan as a dress?
Absolutely. The Aurora is designed as a dress, so you can wear it on its own with sneakers, sandals, or boots, depending on the season.
What fabric is best for a kaftan dress?
Choose a light to medium-weight woven fabric. Viscose, silk, voile, and double gauze give a flowy look, while linen, cotton lawn, and poplin are great for everyday wear.
Is the Aurora kaftan pattern good for beginners?
It’s rated 2 out of 4, so it’s best for adventurous beginners who have sewn a few projects before. The illustrated instructions take you through every step.
What sizes does the Aurora dress pattern come in?
The pattern comes in women’s US sizes 0 to 24 (Euro 30 to 54).
Does the Aurora dress from Wardrobe by Me have pockets?
Yes. If you’ve been looking for a dress pattern with pockets, the Aurora has inseam pockets in the side seams.
Ready to sew your Aurora kaftan dress?
If you want a summer dress sewing pattern you’ll come back to again and again, this is it. Get the Aurora Dress Sewing Pattern, pick a fabric you love, and start sewing. Looking for more? Try the Moira Dress Sewing Pattern for another easy-to-wear dress, or browse all our dress sewing patterns.
