135 Jewels of India

£23.00

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Misses 6-24; Men's 34-52 (new larger sizing!).

A grouping of truly versatile garments with a tailored Kurta overshirt for men and women, Kamiz tunic and bias-cut Churidar pants for women. The simple shapes of these garments make it easy to vary them creatively. Top everything off with the Gandhi hat, a symbol of national pride since 1947.  This pattern includes historical information about Indian dress.

The Kurta, sized here for both men and women, is a mid-thigh, long-sleeved overshirt gently flared from the natural shoulder line, with side slits at the hem, neckband, placket, breast, and sideseam pockets. 

The front and back panels of the elegant Kamiz are perfect for showing off a gorgeous length of fabric or as a backdrop for your favorite jewelry.  There are thigh-high slits in the side panels.  Elbow-length sleeves are fitted by a small underarm gusset.  Bias tape, self-fabric or purchased, finishes the inside of the jewel neckline and shoulder openings, which are fastened by bias loops and buttons.  The Kamiz is offered in two lengths – above the knee and calf length.

Fitting the bias-cut Churidar pants requires attention to your calf measurement, as they should be almost skin tight in that area.  Cut very long, their graceful folds hide the ankle.  They are extremely easy to make, and fitted at the waist by elastic or a drawstring.  Churidar are meant to be worn under a thigh or calf-length tunic or dress.

This is a paper pattern.  For the PDF version, go here.

Suggested fabrics: For the Kurta, choose any shirting fabric from gauze to flannel. For the Kamiz and Churidar, choose light to medium-weight cottons, silks, or synthetics; lightweight wool. For the hat, choose medium-weight cotton, silk, or wool; decorative weaves or brocade.

Yardage chart (.pdf)