How to Make a No-Sew Japanese Samurai Costume

A no-sew samurai costume can be impressive, although not overly authentic.

A samurai’s kimono is just as distinctive as his armor, and this outfit stands out at any Halloween party or costume event. Additionally, when a no-sew approach is taken, the costume requires only a minimum investment of time, money and effort. A no-sew samurai costume is especially beneficial when you're in a rush.

Things You'll Need

• White fleece fabric, 7-by-3-foot
• Measuring tape
• Washable marker
• Fabric shears
• Safety pins
• White fleece fabric, 12-by-3-foot

Instructions

Inner Kimono

1. Create guidelines for the collar. Along the 7-foot side of the smaller cloth, measure 3 feet 2 inches from a corner, and make a mark using the washable marker. Measure an additional 8 inches beyond that, and make another mark. From each mark, measure and draw a 1-foot line straight down, perpendicular to the 7-foot side of the cloth. Draw an additional line connecting the ends of these two lines.

2. Cut out a square for the collar by cutting along the guidelines you have created.

3. Wash and dry the cloth to remove the marker ink.

4. Create the sleeves of the kimono. Fold the cloth in half, lengthwise. From one open corner, push a safety pin through both layers of fabric, and secure them. Place a safety pin every 3 inches along the longer side for a foot and a half. Repeat this for the other side of the cloth. When you're done, flip the outfit inside-out so the safety pins are hidden on the inside of the sleeves.

5. Wear the inner kimono by fitting the collar around the back of your neck and inserting your arms into the sleeves.

Outer Kimono

1. Create guidelines for the outer kimono’s opening. Lay out the 12-by-3-foot piece of cloth on a flat surface. On one of the 3-foot ends, measure 1 foot 2 inches away from a corner, and mark the cloth with a washable marker. Repeat this process from the other side of the same end. From each of these two points, measure and draw a 6-foot 2-inch straight line through the length of the fabric, perpendicular to the 3-foot side. Add a collar line by connecting the ends of these two 6-foot 2-inch lines.

2. Cut along the guidelines you created, and remove the excess 6-foot 2-inch by 8-inch rectangle of fabric. Keep this smaller rectangle of cloth to use as a sash.

3. Wash and dry the cloth to remove the marker ink.

4. Wear this over the inner kimono by fitting the collar around the back of your neck. Loosely wrap the right flap over your left side and the left flap over the right side. Tie a sash around your waist to hold it together.

Tips & Warnings

• Accessorizing helps complete the look. Slip a plastic katana through the sash on your off-handed side. Also, wear white socks and tan flip-flops to simulate geta, which is wooden Japanese footwear.

• While these instructions are for fleece, felt fabric is a viable alternative, as both of these are fray-resistant. If you choose to use a different fabric, hem the edges.