PATTERN REVIEW: The Capucine Robe in Waffle Linen
The Capucine robe is so lovely! I’m excited to share why. Let’s start with the fabric choice that made this super fun! The pattern suggests woven medium weight linen 55” width and all the photos in the instructions are made with traditional texture linen but you MUST consider the linen/cotton waffle fabric as an option when you make this robe! We picked the Orchid Tint Softened Linen/Cotton Blend. I have been sewing for over 20 years and the first thing I learned was to launder your fabric to avoid shrinking issues later! The FS waffle fabric comes to you flat and when you wash it, something magical happens because of the weave when it shrinks. The warp and the weft and the cotton and the linen, one shrinks a percentage one way and the other a different percentage making the delicious waffle texture. So I washed and dried this beautiful fabric immediately to watch the magic happen. Then I panicked. Ha! Don’t worry, I still endorse this step. The robe turned out amazing so as a sewing instructor, I will continue to endorse pre washing /drying most fabrics….forever and always.
FS Capucine Robe made with FS Waffle Linen/ Cotton Blend Fabric
I thought the texture would make sewing tricky but it turned out to be very manageable. I did make a couple little changes due to working WITH and not fighting against the texture of the waffle fabric. Finishing the shoulder with a flat-felled seam (p.28) would be a little tough so I suggest serging that shoulder line inside your garment instead and then top stitching (p.29) as directed. I did the same for the sleeve attachment (p.30) and all the hidden interior details are lovely. I am happy that I have a serger so the seams on the inside are very tidy. If you don’t have a serger or overlocker, no worries, I suggest using a zigzag stitch that is wide horizontally but close together vertically to finish the raw edges inside your robe. The last little change I made was NOT adding the bias tape edge for the inside finish of the neck facing (p.37). You don’t need it, you can fold and press under ½”, pin in place and then top stitch the entire neck facing once you are ready for that step.
FS Capucine Robe made with FS Waffle Linen/ Cotton Blend Fabric
More of the features we enjoyed about this pattern: Amanda said the robe feels like she’s being hugged by a soft blanket. This seems like an endorsement for the fabric and the cut of this pattern! We love the thickness of the robe tie, the side slits and the curved pockets. It just couldn’t be more professional or adorable. I think you will agree, that this pattern is a win.
FS Capucine Robe made with FS Waffle Linen/ Cotton Blend Fabric
Last little detail to share. We live in Florida and are in the midst of a hot summer so I wanted to make shorts for my daughter Amanda to match in place of the long pajama pants that are included in the pattern. I definitely endorse buying extra FS fabric to make matching shorts or the full pajama set. Who doesn’t want that touch of luxury as well to have a matching pajama set? These super cute shorts are the City Gym Shorts, a free pattern by Purl Soho (not affiliated with Ma Ma Osa or FS) just a fun option for the hot months.
About Author
Alisha Cooke
Ma Ma Osa is a handmade clothing brand that offers heirloom quality garments and patterns, hand-made by a mother. We celebrate the cherished craft of sewing and seek to honor the art of slow fashion in all our practices as a brand.Leave a comment
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10 Comments
Joyce Sleeper
These are all really great tips that I will be using. I have read the whole thing including all the comments and answers and no where does it address ‘pressing’. I always press while a garment is in progress. With this waffle fabric, I’m not sure if seams will be even if I don’t press. Would you please let me know? Press or do not press?
Chelsey Geisz
Thank you for this post! I want to make a robe just like this for my mom for Christmas, but I feel very unsure of how much of this waffle linen to buy. Do you remember how much you used? The promised shrinkage makes it hard for me to estimate…
Lauren Linen
Hello, the shrinkage on this fabric is the width of cloth shrinks 17% (weft of the fabric) and 28% on the length ( warp of the fabric). Shrinkage is based on a warm wash and low-heat dry.
Our Capucine pattern comes with an insert which lists how to make up this pattern in the IS010 waffle fabric, including estimated yardages. We recommend between 4 and 5.5 yards for a robe like this.
Alisha Cooke
Sorry I missed this message. I’m happy that someone from FS was able to help! Alisha
Alisha Cooke
I’m so happy my little “wash before reading instructions” moment has empowered all of you to still make the robe!! It’s a great pattern and the fabric is so cozy. Sew on ladies! 🙂 Alisha
Danuta Snyder
I’m also one of those who didn’t dare think of making anything to wear with the waffle fabric because of subsequent shrinkage. Reassuring to be told I could wash the fabric first!
Carolyn Wallace
I especially enjoyed the tips in this post. I have some waffle weave fabric for a throw I’ve put off finishing because of uncertainty about finishing the edges. Thanks to this post, I have a couple of choices to consider. I’m a long-time sewer — 60+ years — and have figured out some things on my own, but the finishing tips for those of us who don’t own sergers (and won’t because I live in a very small house) are just what I need! Thanks!
The robe and shorts, too, look great!
Carolyn in Seattle
Julia McIntyre
I have been sitting on my Cerulian and Sky Blue waffle blend yardage for a year, not knowing if I should wash it first before making a robe. I couldn’t figure out how to size the pattern knowing that it would shrink considerably. The towels I made in the waffle blend are wonderful and just get softer with each washing. Thanks for the information, I will go home and throw it in the washer tonight.
Alisha Cooke
Yay! I’m glad you are feeling confident to proceed. It really is a great pattern. I hope you love it like we do.
Pamela Kennedy
I’m so glad to see this post and the description of your process. I’ve been sewing for 50+ years and always wash and dry my fabric first. I did the same thing with the piece of waffle weave I purchased some time ago. Then I discovered I was supposed to make the robe first then wash. So, the fabric has been sitting around, washed and beautifully waffle-y, waiting for me. Now I feel confident to proceed with making a bathrobe. Thanks again!