Have you ever wondered how it is stitched whenever you wear a thobe? The long, loose-fit garment’s stitching is a blend of craftsmanship and tradition, which requires unwavering attention to detail to achieve the perfection and elegance that characterizes this attire.
Unlike other clothing items, the stitching of a thobe is significantly different. Not only does it require the tailor to have expertise, but it also demands precision to ensure that the stitching is refined from all ends, resulting in a smooth drape of the thobe.
Even if there is the slightest issue in the stitching, the final outlook of the thobe can be greatly impacted. Every fold, hem, and seam must be concordant with each other. Therefore, for all those readers who want to experiment with a DIY thobe or just want to learn about the intricate procedure of the stitching of a thobe, this detailed stitching guide is for you!
How Do We Manufacture Thobes?
Before we explain how thobes are made, it is important to note the tools and materials you will need for stitching.
- Fabric: the fabric can be of your own choice, but if you are a beginner, it is best to work with cotton as it does not lose its shape or stretches
- Sewing machine: if you have any prior experience in stitching, then it is best to use a sewing machine that you are adept and skilled at operating
- Thread: matching to the fabric of your color
- Scissors: pins, measuring tape, and chalk
- Iron and ironing board
Step 1: Take Measurements
The most important step, and the one that will guide you through the entire stitching procedure of a thobe, is the measurements. You must ensure that the measurements you take are accurate and detailed.
However, do not stress much. Even if you do not take precise measurements, it is okay because thobes are already loose-fitting attire, and there is room to accommodate some varied measurements. Still, remember that while you can take expansive measurements, do not take narrowed measurements.
Measure the length, shoulder width, chest and waist, sleeve length, and neck/ collar size.
Step 2: Create A Pattern For The Thobe That You Want To Stitch
As we all know, thobes come in a variety, meaning creating a pattern before proceeding to stitch is essential. Creation of a pattern is like drawing a rough sketch of the thobe that you plan to stitch, with the difference that you do not create this pattern on the paper but on your thobe’s fabric with chalk.
So, for example, if you want a Moroccan thobe, the pattern will include a collar, front and back bodice, sleeves, and pockets. Contrary to an Omani thobe with all the other features but a collar.
Therefore, in the pattern-making process of the thobe, you finalize all the features you want your final, stitched thobe to include.
Step 3: Cutting The Fabric
After you have drafted a pattern for the thobe, it is time to cut the pattern. You should be very careful when cutting because you should not cut directly on the pattern you sketched out but within a seam allowance of at least 1.5cm.
Leaving this space next to the outline is integral, as the additional space is where the stitching will take place. Even though 1.5cm is the standard, a beginner should leave out more space if the need to adjust the size arises later.
Step 4: Stitching The Thobe
The stitching of a thobe is very systematic. You cannot randomly begin to sew your thobe from anywhere and in any manner you like. Rather, you have to move forward with the stitching very categorically.
First, stitch the shoulder seams. By pinning the front and the back of the bodice pieces together at the shoulder, start to sew along the seam allowance. Second, attach the sleeves to the shoulder seams. Pin the sleeve pieces to the armholes, align the sleeve’s center with the should seam, and then sew it.
Last, stitch the side seams by folding the garment so that the fabric’s front and back are aligned. Then, continue to sew it along the seams’ side, from the sleeve’s end to the hemline.
Note: In the three-fold assembly procedure of the thobe, press the garment every time you are done stitching. An ironed (though only partially stitched thobe) will give you a clearer view of the seams and lines, helping you stitch a thobe precisely and accurately.
Step 5: Adding Collars & Pockets (Optional)
This step is optional and up to the discretion of the sewer as to if they want to include a collar and pockets to their thobe. Nevertheless, cut out a strip of the fabric for the collar, fold it in half lengthwise, and iron it. Then, pin the collar’s raw edges above the thobe’s neckline and stitch it.
For pockets, cut out a piece of fabric based on the pocket size you would prefer and simply sew the edges of the fabric against the thobe. Situate the pocket appropriately and not too far away on either side of the chest.
Step 6: Hemming The Thobe
To provide your thobe with a more clean finish, hem it. You can do the hemming by folding the hemline about 1cm per fold or simply just folding the hemline inwards twice.
Step 7: Accessories
The choice of accessories is yours. Whether you want to add a tassel, buttons, or zipper or decorate it with embroidery over the neckline, sleeves, or anywhere else, you have all the creative freedom.
Once the thobe is accessorized, iron it one last time to remove creases and scrutinize it in-depth to pick out any uneven stitching or loose threads.
How Much Fabric Do I Need For A Thobe?
Typically, 3 meters of fabric is required to stitch a thobe. However, the measurement of the fabric is bound to differ in concordance with the height of the wearer.
If you are stitching a thobe for an individual whose height is 6 feet and above, you will need more than 3 meters of fabric than if you were stitching a thobe for someone 5 feet.
Your Reliable Retailer- Men Thobes UK
Men Thobes UK aims to stitch thobes that are the epitome of perfection and a tribute to one’s culture and heritage. With us as your reliable thobe retailer, you do not have to undertake the hassle of stitching a thobe yourself; instead, you can delegate the task to us and trust us to deliver results that surpass your expectations.