Stories from the Studio

How to Make a Linen Beach Robe

How to Make a Linen Beach Robe

Handmade linen beach robe in sea green check linen by Helen Round CornwallA linen beach robe is the ultimate cover-up for lazy summer days by the sea. This simple, relaxed design requires minimal sewing skills and celebrates the natural beauty of quality linen — it's highly absorbent and great for drying off after your swim. Follow these straightforward steps to create your own using our sea green check linen or any fabric from our pure linen fabric collection.

Step 1: Measure and Choose Your Linen

Start by measuring your arm span for the desired width, then measure down your body to find your ideal length. Choose from our beautiful linen collection in a colour you love—soft neutrals like sand and cream are timeless, but don't shy away from pale blues or warm terracottas if they speak to you. Helen and the team made hers in our gorgeous sea green check linen. You'll need enough fabric to cut two rectangular pieces to those measurements.

Sea green check linen beach robe laid flat showing fabric detail, Helen Round Cornwall

Step 2: Prepare the Fabric Edges

Cut two rectangular pieces from your linen using your measurements. To prevent fraying and give your robe a professional finish, overlock or zigzag stitch all around the outside edges of both pieces. This simple step makes a noticeable difference in durability and appearance.

Step 3: Sew the Shoulder Seams

Place the two rectangles together with right sides facing each other. Sew the shoulder seams together, leaving a neck opening large enough to slip over your head comfortably but not so large that the garment will slip off your shoulders. Press the seams open, then top stitch around the neckline with a 1 cm seam allowance for a neat, finished look.

Shoulder seam detail on a handmade linen beach robe, Helen Round Cornwall

Step 4: Create the Armholes and Side Seams

With right sides still together, measure 12 inches (31 cm) down from the shoulder seam on both sides—this will define your armholes. Stitch the remaining side seams together from the armhole point down to the hem.

Step 5: Finish the Armholes

Fold and stitch a 1 cm seam around each armhole to secure the edges and create a polished finish.

Armhole seam detail on a handmade linen beach robe, Helen Round Cornwall

Step 6: Hem the Bottom

Fold and stitch a 1 cm hem around the bottom of the garment to complete the piece. Trim any loose stitches, and your beach robe is ready to wear.

Slip it on after a refreshing wild swim in the sea, and enjoy those long, hot, lazy days in summer wrapped in something you've made with your own hands.

Love making with linen? Try our free large linen tote bag pattern — another simple make using our beautiful pure linen fabrics.

Free large linen tote bag pattern by Helen Round Cornwall — make your own linen bag


Shop the fabric: Sea green check linen fabric · All linen fabrics · Linen bias binding · Thread

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