How to Make a Kimono Robe

Kimonos are a traditional Japanese garment that's been in existence for centuries. A T-shaped robe, the kimono is a simplistic piece made almost entirely out of rectangular shaped pieces. Making a kimono from scratch is fairly easy and requires almost no patternmaking experience and very basic sewing experience.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• 6 yards of 45-inch wide fabric
• Sewing machine
• Thread
• Pins
• Pencil
• Scissors

Instructions

1. Measure and cut out two pieces of fabric about 22 inches wide and 36 inches long. These will be the sleeves.

2. Measure out one last panel 60 inches long and 45 inches wide. This is the back panel.

3. Measure and cut out one 72-by-8-inch piece. This will serve as a sash on the outside of the kimono.

4. Line up the top edges of the two front panels with the top edge corners of the back panel. Pin them down to create the shoulder seam, and sew at 1/2-inch seam allowance.

5. Fold the sleeve panels in half widthwise, and mark the center fold. Pin the center fold to the shoulder seam you just created. Pin the rest of the sleeve panel to the side and back panels and sew.

6. Fold the 72-by-8-inch piece in half lengthwise, and press it down. Pin the short edges right sides together, and sew them, leaving the long edge open. Clip the corners and turn the long piece inside out.

7. Fold long, thin piece in half widthwise, and pin where you folded to the top middle of the back panel. Pin it along the rest of the two front panels with right sides together. Sew along the pins, leaving a 1/2-inch seam allowance.

8. Hem the sleeves and bottom of the kimono by turning up the hem by 1/2 inch and pressing it with an iron. Fold up another 2 inches and press. Pin and sew the hems on the sleeves and bottom of the kimono to finish.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• How to make a kimono