How to Hand Sew a Kimono

A kimono is a beautiful representation of the history and culture of Japan. Making your own kimono, by hand, is a hard thing to do, but very satisfying.

Difficulty:

Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Fabric
• Needle
• Thread
• A pattern
• Straight pins

Start With a Pattern

1. Get a pattern. You can order one on-line or at a specialty sewing shop. A kimono has many layers so, unless you want only the outer layer, do not substitute a Halloween costume pattern.

2. Buy your fabric. This is usually a silk. Your pattern will tell you how much you need.

3. Cut your pattern, being sure to follow the guidelines for your size exactly.

4. Lay out your fabric.

5. Using straight pins, pin the patterns pieces down to the fabric securely.

6. Cut the fabric using the pattern pieces as a guide.

7. Separate pieces according to the layers they belong to.

8. Select your thread and needles. Your needles should be relatively small in diameter and your thread should either complement or contrast your fabric choice.

9. Attach the pieces of the first layer with a self locking stitch, such as a blanket stitch. Avoid long chains of a running stitch.

10. Once the garment is assembled, check it for fit. Make alterations if you need to.

11. Hem the garment. Ideally the hem should be between ½ and 1 inch in width.

12. Complete steps 1 through 11 with each layer of the kimono, being sure to wear all under layers when you test for fit.