Tunics should be flowing and drape nicely.  Light-weight china silk is the best tunic fabric, but tunics can also be made from other silks, light-weight rayon chiffons, and light-weight cottons. 

Fabric can be simple or patterned.  If you are using white silk, the completed tunic can be dyed in solid colors or in any combination of desired colors.

Here are the steps for making a basic tunic:

1.     Take measurements.  the fabric should be slighter wider than shoulder width and be twice as long as the measurement from the shoulder down to the knee (for a child's tunic), calf, or ankle (for adult tunics).

2.      Fold the length of the fabric in half so that if held at the shoulders, it would come down to the knee level.  Stitch up each side, leaving room at the top of each side for arm holds and at the bottom of each side for slits.  (See diagram)

3.      Cut a neck hole in the fabric at the top fold.  For a child's tunic, the neck hole should be just big enough to fit the child's head through.  For an adult tunic, the neck line should be cut somewhat wider to allow for an open and more draped neckline. 

4.       Hem the neck hole, arm holes, slits, and, if desired, bottom hem.

5.      If desired, cut a piece of elastic to fit around the waist or torso.  Knot or stitch the ends of the fabric together to create a "belt" to wear with the tunic.

Combine the tunic with colored scarves for various effects.  There are many variations on the basic tunic in regards to cut, drape, necklines, etc.  so have fun and experiment.