How to Make a Cuddle® Robe with Teresa Coates - Free Project Tutorial

Teresa shares her best tips and tricks for making the Cuddle® Robe:

1. The pattern is downloadable and it's a one size fits all, though you can customize it to fit you.

2. First thing you'll do is cut out your fabric and you want to do that the right way. Follow the instructions and diagrams within the pattern to make sure you're getting all the pieces you need out of your fabric.

3. Check the nap by running your hand parallel to the selvage edge. On the back draw an arrow in water soluble marker so you know which is the top and which way the nap goes.

4. There are pattern pieces for the hood and neck. Be sure to print at 200% to get the correct size. Then trace around those to cut the fabric correctly! Teresa cuts one layer at a time so the fabric doesn't shift (this fabric is a little slippery!)

5. You can use either a micro-serrated scissors or a rotary cutter to cut out your pieces - it's your preference. Just follow the pattern lines carefully. When you're done be sure to shake out the cuddle dust and clean off your work area.

6. You'll start by assembling the pocket. If you're new to working with Cuddle, this will be a great way to learn how to work with the cloth. Remember one of your fabrics is the body, and one is the cuff/band.

7. Teresa likes to use lots of pins (in two parallel rows) to the hold the fabric together firmly since knit fabrics can stretch. She uses a stretch needle, adjusts her stitch length to 3.5mm and with a 1/2" seam allowance. Once she has the band attached and her raw edges hidden, she uses a zig zag stitch over the edge of the band. You can use a stiletto to puff up any of the Cuddle around the stitches.

8. Continue in this manner to complete your sleeves and fronts, and then attach them to the backs. Keep checking to make sure you're creating mirror images and the neck edges are aligned correctly.

9. Next, you'll construct is the hood, which will attach at the neck. Add the bands the way you have in the previous steps.

10. After the hood is complete you'll create your tie, and your belt loops to hold the tie around the waist.

11. Then you'll place the pockets on the fronts. Take care to lay your fabric out nice and flat so that you're only sewing through one layer (the front) of the robe!

12. Finally you'll hem your robe to the length you would like it.

Tada! Now you'll be comfy and cozy all the time!