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How to Sew a Roman Toga

Traditional Roman togas are easy to make and do not have to be made from a bed sheet. In fact, fabric purchased from a store is ideal to make a toga. Bed sheets do not have the correct fabric weave for a traditional toga. Using fabric with the correct weave allows the toga to hang better and provides more garment security.

Things You'll Need

  • Measuring tape
  • Pencil
  • Paper
  • Fabric
  • Chalk
  • Scissors
  • Safety pins
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Instructions

  1. Making Your Toga

    • 1

      Measure the wearer’s midsection at the largest part and record this measurement.

    • 2

      Select a piece of fabric. Traditional togas were made from wool. Unfortunately, wool is hot and expensive so it is not really the best option. The most feasible fabric option for a traditional style toga is muslin or flannel. However, it is important to note that flannel is much more expensive than muslin.

    • 3

      Purchase at least six yards of your chosen fabric. Use the wearer’s measurements to determine if six yards is long enough. Note that the toga will go around the girth of the body twice. If needed, or for extra drapery and length, you may purchase more fabric.

    • 4

      Lay the fabric on a flat workspace. With chalk, draw a semicircle starting from the top right corner of the material and ending at the bottom right corner. The fabric outline should look similar to a protractor.

    • 5

      Cut the fabric following the chalk lines.

    Wearing Your Toga

    • 6

      Wrap the toga fabric twice around your waist. Secure it in place with a safety pin.

    • 7

      Drape the toga so that it hangs at least to your knees. It can touch the floor if desired.

    • 8

      Bring the remaining fabric back up towards your left shoulder. It should rest on your left shoulder. Pin the toga at your waist again to adjust and pin at the front of the left shoulder.

    • 9

      Drape the toga over the left shoulder and pin it to the back at the waist.

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