Making Your Own Kimono for a Child
Kimonos can be worn as more than costumes, thanks to adjustable patterns. A cute and comfy substitute for wrap dresses and tops, the kimonos look great in classic silk styles or funky mixed prints. With basic sewing techniques and tools of the trade like a binding maker, even a beginner seamstress can create colorful kimonos for her own kids or gifts.
Things You'll Need
- Kimono pattern
- Fabric shears
- Measuring tape
- 1-inch binding maker
- Iron
- Pins
- Sewing machine
Instructions
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1
Cut the kimono back and fronts according to the pattern size designated for the child's age.
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2
Lay out the back of the kimono print side up. Match the front flaps of the kimono to the back edges, and lay the front flaps print side down on top of the kimono back. The garment will appear inside out.
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3
Use a fabric shears and a measuring tape to cut and measure, respectively, two strips of fabric 1 inch by 10 inches long. Run each strip through the binding maker to create a double fold. Iron the double-folded edges; then, fold the strip in half again and iron.
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4
Run one end of each ironed strip through the sewing machine. Insert one finished strip into each side of the kimono edges, so the unfinished seam will be on the side of the kimono when turned right side out.
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5
Pin the strips into place. Pin along the kimono sides, sleeve and shoulder edges, leaving the bottom and arm holes open. Run the pinned edges through the sewing machine and remove the pins.
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6
Fold the sleeve holes inward 1/4 inch and iron. Fold another 1/4 inch inward and iron again. Run the sleeves through the sewing machine to stitch in place.
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7
Measure the length from one diagonal front edge, around the neck, to the other diagonal neck edge. Add 10 inches to each end to allow for tying length. Cut a 1-inch wide fabric strip according to the new measurement.
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8
Run the strip through the binding maker and iron the edges down. Fold the strip in half and iron again. Run each end of the strip to finish the edges.
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9
Fold the strip around the edge of the diagonal fronts and neck, leaving 10 inches tying length on each side. Pin the strip every 3 inches. Run the pinned areas through the sewing machine.
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10
Hem the bottom of the kimono to your desired length.
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References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Polka Dot/Getty Images
