HOLIDAYS & OCCASIONS

How to Make a Toga

BY KATHLEEN COLUSSY, THE ART INSTITUTE OF FORT LAUDERDALE

 

Traditional Toga

 

In making a toga, there are two simple variations. The first involves one long rectangle (approximately 5+ yards of fabric) that will be swathed around the body. The second is constructed of a semi-circle cut from fabric that is the side of a double or queen-size sheet. More fabric is obviously required based on the size of the gentleman who will be sporting the toga, as well as his desire for more coverage for aesthetic or functional preferences.

 

To create a female version of the toga, visit The Art Institutes Creative Solutions web page at http://www.artinstitutes.edu/about/about_02.asp.

 

Supplies:

 

One old sheet or several yards of muslin 1 1/2 times a person's height

Sewing thread to match

Several large safety pins

One large brooch to fasten at shoulder, optional

 

Note: To allow for minimal sewing skills, men should wear some sort of shorts because the toga will later be fastened to what is worn UNDER the toga.

 

Directions:

 

Using your large bed sheet or fabric, begin to form a semicircle shape in the cloth. Next an additional cut into the top center of the semicircle approximately the size of 1/4 to 1/3 into center of the fabric should be made. This cut will allow the semicircle to be wrapped and draped successfully around the body.

 

It is totally optional if you wish to construct a finished hem where the fabric has been cut. If you are an overachiever you can opt to sew a 1-inch hem.

Taking one large safety pin, secure one corner of the semicircle to the waist on the right side of the body and pin again on the left side of the body.

It should be noted that once the fabric has been secured the amount of fabric from the waist down should fall to approximately the knees or mid calf. If it does not you may opt to cut additional selvage from your semicircle.

Before proceeding simply make additional fold in the cloth to compensate. Next the fabric will be wrapped several times around the body.

 

Finally, once you have the amount of draping and folding you are comfortable with, take the excess fabric and throw over either the right or left shoulder, and fasten with safety pin or brooch.

 

Accessorize with sandals, armband, laurel leaf crowns and plastic shields and swords and voila!

 

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Author:

Kathleen Colussy, Fashion Design Instructor, The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale

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