How to Make Kimono
A kimono is a basic Japanese full-length garment. It's made up of a series of different-sized rectangles, making it an easy first sewing project.
Instructions
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Making the Kimono's Body
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1
Take measurements from the back of your neck down to the ground and at the bust, waist and hips.
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2
Multiply your measurements by 1.5. If you want the kimono looser, you can even double your bust, waist and hip measurements. Divide the measurements by four, and add an inch to each divided measurement for seam allowance. (This tutorial will use a 5/8-inch seam allowance for every step.)
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3
Your new divided measurement will be each panel's width, and the measurement from the back of your neck to the ground will be the garment's unfinished length.
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4
Lay out your fabric, and cut your panels.
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5
Sew two of the panels together lengthwise, right sides together. Leave room for the seam allowance. This will be the garment's back.
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6
Sew the other two panels, right sides together, to the garment's back at the shoulders.
Making the Kimono's Sleeves
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7
With your elbow bent, take measurements from your shoulder to the palm of your hand. That amount will be the length of the sleeve. Its width will be approximately 20 to 22 inches.
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8
Cut two pieces of fabric 24 inches wide and as long as your arm measurement.
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9
Find the middle point on your panel's longest edge, and pin that at your shoulder seam. Pin the rest of the sleeve along the torso's edge.
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10
With right sides of your fabric together, sew the kimono sleeves to the torso fabric.
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11
With both sleeves attached, your kimono should look like a T when held up at the shoulders. With right sides together, sew up the side seams, turning to sew the bottom edges of the sleeves.
Finishing the Garment
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12
Cut a piece of fabric approximately 72 inches long and 6 inches wide. This will become a sash that finishes part of the front edge of the kimono.
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13
Fold the fabric over lengthwise, and sew the edges together along the long side.
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14
Turn the two smaller edges inward, and top-stitch those edges together. It should now look like a belt with an unfinished, but stitched, edge.
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15
Pin the center of the 72-inch by about 3-inch piece onto the center back of the neck. Pin the rest along the unfinished edge of the kimono's torso until the ends come up to the waist and sew it on.
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16
Fold back the rest of the unfinished edge on the kimono at 5/8 inch. You should now have a finished edge along the front.
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17
Finish your kimono by adding 2-inch hems to the sleeves and bottom of your kimono.
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1
Tips & Warnings
When trying a new pattern, use muslin to make a mock-up version before cutting into your fabric.
Cotton and silk are ideal fabric choices for kimonos.
For a traditional look, learn to tie an obi to close your kimono.
Brocades are a lovely choice for kimonos but are very sensitive. The fabric will shrink with every wash and press. If working with a brocade, limit washing and ironing.
