Bali Beach Coverup

We’re headed to Bali with Sulky in October! During this fantastic Craftours trip, we will head to a Batik Expo and learn to make our own Batik fabric. Batik fabric is a great choice for this coverup project, which sews up in no time with minimal materials! You can also use the same method to make an easy robe or lounge cardigan, using different fabrics for different looks. (My featured fabric shown in this post is regrettably NOT Batik fabric! I will need to get some in Bali this October and make a second one!)

Join us in Bali this October 2024 and bring YOUR Bali Beach Coverup! CHECK OUT THE TOUR & PRICING PLANS: https://www.craftours.com/tourcat/sulky/ For those of you joining us in Ireland in a couple of short weeks, this may be a great addition to your travel wardrobe, too! This garment would also be lovely on our trip to INDIA in March 2025! Check it out: https://www.craftours.com/tour/exploring-the-crafts-textiles-colors-of-india-with-sulky/

BEACH COVERUP SUPPLIES

• 2 yards of 44″-wide woven Batik/rayon fabric (more is needed if adding optional pockets)
• 1-2 yards of trim (optional)
• Sulky 40 wt. Poly Deco™ Thread
• Size 80/12 Universal Needles
• Sulky Multipurpose Turning Tool

FABRIC CUTTING

From the fabric, cut two 36” H x 20” W rectangles for the fronts. Also, cut two 2” x 18” piece for the ties. The remaining fabric rectangle is the back (36” H x 44″ W). Note: If the fabric is wider than 44″, either cut the yardage into two equal 1-yard pieces and plan to use the whole width to create a larger coverup (for sizes 3x and above) or cut the fabric to the indicated width and use the leftover to create patch pockets or a matching head scarf.

Fold each tie in half lengthwise with right sides together. Stitch one short end and the long edge. (Use a serger or standard sewing machine.)

Turn each tie right side out using a Multipurpose Turning Tool. Then, set aside the ties.

BEACH COVERUP FRONT

Hem each long side of both fronts by double-folding 3/8” toward the wrong side; stitch. Then, press the edge flat.

Then, choose one short edge as the lower edge. Hem the lower edge by double-folding 1” toward the wrong side; stitch. Then, press the edge flat.

BEACH COVERUP BACK

Hem each 36″-long side by double-folding 3/8” toward the wrong side; stitch.

Then, choose one raw edge as the lower edge. Hem the lower edge by folding 1” toward the wrong side; stitch.

Find the upper-edge center by folding in half; finger-press or clip into the fold to mark it.

Measure 3 3/8” from the upper-edge center; mark. This is the neckline length.

Place one front piece right sides together with the back piece, matching the raw edges. Pin at the outer hemmed edge, and then pin the front opposite hemmed edge to the mark at the upper-edge center. The front piece is bigger than back; create three free-form pleats to fit it to the upper edge.

Repeat to pin the remaining front piece to the opposite back edge. Then, serge or stitch 3/8” from the edge.

Next, fold the open neckline edge 3/8″ toward the wrong side; pin, and then stitch.

COVERUP SLEEVES & TIES

To create a bit of a sleeve, first measure each side. Begin at the shoulder line and measure down 13” along both open folded edges; mark.

Then, measure 1 ½” in from the mark toward the garment.

From this point, mark a 2 1/2″-long line toward the lower-edge hem. Sew along the 2 ½” long line using a straight stitch.

To mark the tie placements, measure 14” down from the shoulder on both center-front edges; mark. Then, pin or clip each strip raw end to the mark.

Stitch the strip end to the center-front edge, following the hem stitching.

Then, fold the strip to the right side and stitch close to the hem fold. This conceals the tie raw end in the stitching.

If desired, knot the tie ends for a decorative accent.

OPTIONAL TRIM

Topstitch the trim to the outer opening edge, if desired. (What do you think? Should I add the left, right or no trim? I’m not sure…something about the thought of wearing this in Bali is screaming ADD THE TRIM!)

Optionally, add a patch pocket to one or both front panels. Enjoy!