How to Make an Origami Komono

The kimono is a piece of traditional Japanese clothing that can be remade for dolls using origami folds.

The kimono is a traditional Japanese garment worn that covers the entire body and is worn mostly by women, although men and children may wear one for special occasions. They are most recognizable for their large sleeves, attached collars and colorful patterns, which are different depending on the occasion. A paper kimono can be made using origami folds to fit on dolls or other figures that children might play with when learning about Japanese culture or clothing styles.

Things You'll Need

• 1 sheet of Washi paper, 3 inches tall by 8 inches wide
• Ribbon or colored string, 3 inches long
• Glue or Tape (optional)

Instructions

1. Set the sheet of Washi paper down on a flat surface, such as a table, and turn it over so the the non-patterned side is facing up.

2. Fold the Washi paper in about 1/4 of an inch from one of the 3-inch sides.

3. Turn the Washi paper over so the patterned side is now facing up. Then take each of the corners on the side that has the edge you made in Step 2, and fold those corners back toward each other so that the non-patterned sides of those corners to form a point at one side of the paper.

4. Fold the side opposite the point in about 1 inch so the non-patterned side of that inch is facing up. Then turn the entire sheet of Washi paper over so the entire non-patterned side of the paper is facing up.

5. Take the end of the Washi paper with the point you made in Step 3 and fold it back toward the opposite edge of the Washi paper so that the patterned side of the paper with in the fold is on top. Your fold should leave about 1/4 inch of space between the point and the opposite edge of the paper.

6. Orient the paper so the point is facing straight up and away from you. Fold the left and right side of the paper in that position inward so they are at a slight diagonal and so one folded side overlaps the other at the end opposite the point you made in Step 3.

7. Insert one finger into the flaps of non-patterened side that were formed by the edge made in Step 2 and the diagonal folds made in Step 6. Use a finger to spread out the sides of each flap and the use a fingertip to flatten the small triangle of non-patterned paper at the top of each of the flaps.

8. Flip the entire sheet of Washi paper over 180 degrees so the side that was against the table is now facing up. Then fold the edge that is now closest to you back about 1/2 inch away from you.

9. Flip the entire sheet of Washi paper over 180 degrees again so the side that was against the table is now facing up. Then take the flaps of the kimono, which are on the side farthest from you, and fold those out away from the center of the kimono.

10. Tie the ribbon or colored string around the waist of the kimono so the knot of the ribbon is on the front of the kimono.

Tips & Warnings

• Apply a drop of glue or a small piece of tape under the flaps formed in the second part of Step 9 so those flaps will stay down.

References

• YouTube: How to Make an Origami Kimono