How to Make Your Own Ritual Robe

Even if you don't think you have a sewing bone in your body, you can put together this ritual robe in an afternoon. The beauty of this pattern is that it can also be used to make tunics for events such as Renaissance faires and Pagan festivals without depleting your bank account.



For the length, measure yourself from head to toe and double this amount. Then measure from wrist to wrist. I am 5 feet 6 inches tall and amply built, and 3-4 yards of fabric has always been plenty for me with some left over. I've found that 45-inch wide fabric is good for sleeves just above the elbow and 60-inch fabric is good for long sleeves. You will be cutting some off the length, so you should have plenty to add to the sleeves if you need to.

Choose your colors and fabric type wisely. Cotton is a very washable, breathable fabric and will keep you cool if you are doing ceremony or going to events in the summer. Darker colors draw more heat, so save black for cooler temperatures. It's really up to you. If you belong to a coven or grove, there may be specific colors they want you to use.

Pre-wash the fabric according to its type to prevent shrinkage. If it has a right side, put the right sides together. Fold it in half lengthwise (figure 1). Then fold the sides together like you were making a paper heart (figure 1a).



Use a loose-fitting T-shirt, dress, or similar garment as your pattern. Fold the sides together like you did the fabric in figure 1a and pin it to your tunic fabric (see figure below). Cut out the pattern including a neck hole. It's a good idea to leave a larger allowance in the underarm area so it's not too snug for you to move around in.

Unfold the fabric sides but not the length. Pin the side selvage (cut) edges together. Trim the bottom selvage edges to the length you want your robe to be plus enough to fold over if you don't want a raw edge. Sew the side selvage edges together leaving at least a 1/4 inch seam allowance. Turn it inside out and you have your tunic. Cords, belts, or sashes made from left over fabric can be used around your waist.

As I'm not a seamstress, I usually just finish off the sleeves, hem and neck edges by sewing on double-fold quilt binding. This is only limited by your imagination however. You can use ribbon, embroidered designs, or simply turn over the edges and sew them in place.

You can try different sleeve shapes to make it more witchy looking (think Morticia Addams from the Addams family) or sew a decorative band in the middle of the sleeves. It's really up to you how fancy you want to make it.

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Picture credits: Maeve & Druid: Wikimedia Commons. Pattern illustrations: P.J. Deneen.