How to Tie a Child's Kimono

Children's kimonos are tied just like adult kimonos.

A child's obi belt is tied just like an adult's. Typically, the style of tie on the obi for a child uses the traditional butterfly tie, but as male children get older, they can switch to the Kekku obi tie. Since tying an obi is a lengthy process that requires patience, many parents use a tsuke obi with children, as it comes pre-tied into a bow, which is much easier to attach to a wiggling child. Tying the tsuke obi requires just a few seconds, rather than 10 minutes or more like the traditional obi tie.

Things You'll Need

• Child's kimono
• Tsuke obi

Instructions

1. Fold the right side of the kimono over the left snugly. Have the child hold the fold in place until you tie the belt around his waist.

2. Tie the bow portion of the tsuke obi around the child's waist from the back. Tie the strings tightly around the front and secure with a small bow.

3. Wrap the long end of the obi around the child's waist from the back. Wrap the loose ends around the front of the body and bring them back to the child's back. Secure the ties into a bow or knot.

4. Tuck the strings under the belt. Position the bow over the center of the obi in the back. Hide all tie strings under the belt. Pull up the kimono slightly around the top of the belt to allow the child freedom of movement.

References

• Kidoraku Japan: Tsuke Obi
• Kitsune Kitsuke; Obi; 2006