How to Make a Kimono From Fabric

Kimonos are T-shaped garments that flow gracefully over the body.

The kimono is a traditional Japanese garment worn by both men and women. It is made of four long panels of fabric and tied at the waist with a contrasting belt called an obi. Though formal kimonos are made of embroidered silk, everyday kimonos are made of linen, cotton and synthetic fibers. To create the kimono, you can either purchase a specific pattern for the garment or, if you are confident in your designing abilities, you can create your own pattern.

Things You'll Need

• Pattern
• Tape measure
• Scissors
• Dressmaker's pins
• 4 yards fabric
• Sewing machine
• Needle
• Thread
• Lining fabric
• Contrasting fabric
• Fusible interfacing
• Iron
• Ironing board

Instructions

The Kimono

1. Measure yourself from the nape of the neck to the floor. Because kimonos are loose-fitting garments, selecting the correct fit around the bust, waist and hips is not important; the belt is the only fitted portion. Instead, choosing the correct length is vital. After hemming, the kimono should be ankle-length. Select the pattern size that best suits this measurement for you.

   If you are creating your own pattern, know that traditional kimonos are created using six panels of 14-inch-wide fabric. Two are used for the sleeves, but the remaining four are sewn together to create the body of the garment. A narrow band is then sewn around the neck for added shape.

2. Cut out the kimono pattern in the size that corresponds with your height. Lay out your fabric and fold it in half vertically so you have a long, thin panel of material. Place your pattern pieces on the fabric, adhering to grain line recommendations. Because the kimono is such a structured garment, do not cut the fabric on the bias, as this will give the kimono a slight stretch.

3. Sew the fabric pieces together according to the pattern's instructions. Sew with the right sides facing one another to ensure that all the raw edges and seams are facing the inside of the garment. Remember that each pattern's specifications will be different, so it's best to follow yours exactly to achieve the desired result.

4. Sew the lining in the same way as the kimono and attach it at the neckline, keeping right sides together. Flip the lining to the inside of the kimono hem the garment.

Making the Obi

1. Measure yourself from the bottom of your ribcage to your hip bone. This is the length of your waist. Superimpose this measurement onto your contrasting fabric, as this will be the width of the obi.

2. Measure your waist's circumference and double that measurement. This will be the obi's length.

3. Cut two pieces of the contrasting fabric, each measuring the length and width garnered previously. For instance, if your waist's length is 8 inches and twice its width is 50 inches, your obi will measure 8-by-50 inches. Cut a third panel, using the interfacing this time. Each side should be 1/2-inch smaller than the obi's original measurement, as the interfacing needs to fit inside the fabric.

4. Sew the long sides of the belt together with right sides together. Leave the short sides open and turn the belt right side out. Slip the interfacing inside the fabric band and iron it into place. This will provide the obi with the required stiffness.

5. Turn the short edges in on themselves and pin the cord to the middle of the edges. Sew over the top of the belt and cord to connect the two. Wear the belt by wrapping it around your waist twice and tying it in the back.

References

• Kwintessential: How to Make a Japanese Kimono
• Thread for Thought: Kimono Pattern
• The Black Moon: The Black Moon's Exhibition of Kimono