We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again — Free People, we love you, but your prices are sometimes too much for our wallets. (Check out all of our DIY copycats here!) We came across this Spell Jagger Kimono and were obsessed — the fringe and floral patterns are just perfect for summer. But with a $185 price tag — no thank you! We headed to our local fabric store and bought all the materials for about $75. (The knotted fringe was a huge part of the final price, so if you are looking to save on cost, go for a longer basic fringe.) Layer this kimono on top of a summer sundress and get ready to hit the town.
Materials + Tools:
— 40 x 80-inch rectangle of a light weight fabric
— 1 1/2 yards of fringe
— sewing machine
— fabric scissors
— sewing pins
— marking chalk
— measuring tape
Instructions:
1. Fold the rectangle in half to create a 40 x 40-inch square. With the fold at the top, measure and mark six inches from either side and 27 inches from the bottom. Cut on your marked lines.
2. Pin and sew the cut edges.
3. Cut up the center of the top layer of your garment until you reach the fold.
4. Fold the garment in half so the side seams match up and cut the bottom edge on a diagonal.
5. Hem the sleeves and opening of the garment.
6. Pin and sew the fringe on the bottom edge of the garment.
Fold the fabric in half (good sides facing inward) to create a 40 x 40-inch square. With the fold on the top, measure in six inches from the right- and left-hand sides and 27 inches up from the bottom. Mark these upside down L shapes with chalk and then cut out.
Pin the L edges in place and then sew.
Cut up the center of the top layer of the garment until you reach the fold.
Refold the piece so the seams line up. Cut the bottom edge on a diagonal to create a handkerchief edge.
Hem all raw edges of the garment — sleeves and front opening.
Pin the fringe to the bottom edge of the kimono. When you get to the point, fold the top edge of the fringe over to create a point.
Sew fringe in place.
Free People knock off FTW!
We took to the streets in our new kimono and favorite DIY sandals!
Show us your project by tagging us on Instagram + using the hashtag #iamcreative!
More From DIY Style
Fall is right around the corner, and we're getting amped up for our next session of Selfmade, Brit + Co's 10-week interactive startup school. Designed to help you create a new business or grow your existing one, this course is personally led by Brit + Co founder Brit Morin and co-founder Anjelika Temple, and supported by more than a dozen of the top female entrepreneurs, creatives, and investors in the country. Students receive personalized coaching on everything from how to get out of your comfort zone to how to scale your business, and everything in between. And now, thanks to Office Depot, even more of you can join the course!
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To nominate yourself or someone you know for a scholarship, head to our nomination form right here. The deadline for scholarship nominations is September 27th — it's time to take the leap!
Beyond the scholarship, Office Depot is all about helping you accomplish more. Whether it be the start phase, growth phase or keep businesses going phase, Office Depot offers a full suite of business solutions, including services and products, to help you work from anywhere, organize and save time and help build your brand.
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