Crafting a Child's Ancient Greek Chiton from a Bed Sheet
A chiton is the draped, open-sided garment familiar from depictions of ancient Greece, and its airy construction suited the warm Mediterranean climate. Grown-ups typically wore it long, while children's versions stopped around the knee. Making one for a child is a straightforward sewing-free project using an old sheet and basic supplies.
By Rowan Scott6 steps
Men, women and children all wore chitons in ancient Greece.
The draped tunic seen in films set in ancient Greece is known as a chiton. Because it was left open on the sides, it helped its wearers stay comfortable under the Mediterranean sun. This style of garment was worn by people of every age, with adults choosing a long version and children wearing one that reached the knees. For Halloween or a costume party, putting together a chiton is a fast and easy undertaking that calls for no specialized equipment or sewing ability.
Step 1
Take an old sheet and fold it in half. Stand with your arms stretched out to your sides, then have a grown-up press the sheet against you so that the folded edge sits at the fingertips of one hand and the long edge of the sheet lines up with your shoulders.
Step 2
Have the grown-up place a line of pins down the sheet at the end of your other hand, and a second line of pins running across the sheet at knee height. Ask her to push the pins through both layers of fabric.
Step 3
Following the pin lines, cut through both layers of the sheet, or ask the grown-up to cut it for you. Once the cutting is done, the doubled fabric should measure the distance from your shoulders to your knees in length, and your arm span in width.
Step 4
With the fabric still folded in half, spread it out flat on the floor. Locate the center point of the top edge. From that center, measure 6 inches to the right and 6 inches to the left, then insert a safety pin through both layers of fabric at each of those two spots.
Step 5
Slip the fabric over your head, passing your head through the opening between the two safety pins. On the folded side of the garment, put your arm through the space between the fabric and the safety pin so that the side of the chiton sits beneath your arm. Raise your other arm above the open side, and have the grown-up close that side with a safety pin.
Step 6
Fasten a cord, belt, or sash around your middle. You have the option of tugging the upper portion of the chiton upward slightly so that it puffs out above the belt, or leaving it snug.
