How to Make Kimonos

Kimonos are traditional garments for Japanese women.

A kimono is a traditional Japanese garment mainly worn by women. A long, loose, T-shaped robe with attached collars and wide sleeves, it is secured by a belt, known as an "obi." The word "kimono" is derived from the two words "ki" (meaning "wear") and "mono" (meaning "thing"). Kimonos are traditionally made from a single piece of fabric, called a "tan." Lightweight cotton is easiest for beginners to; silk or satin is ideal for accomplished sewers.

Things You'll Need

• 6 yards fabric
• Ruler
• Tape measure
• Scissors
• Sewing machine
• Thread
• Needle

Instructions

1. Cut four rectangular panels from the fabric using scissors. Measure them using the ruler and tape measure. Two panels should be long enough to form the body parts. The length of these two panels should each be the length of the kimono; i.e., the length from center of the shoulder to the ankle. The width for these two panels should be half the circumference of the body at the widest point. Cut two smaller panels for the sleeves. Length and width of the sleeves is to be measured according to personal preference and cut accordingly. Kimono sleeves can either be short, long or anything in between.

2. Sew the two larger panels together on the long sides until about halfway to the center back seam. On both sides, mark the imaginary shoulder space with pins. Sew the short ends of the sleeve panels such that the seams are on the bottom of the sleeve. Using pins, mark the shoulder seam on the opposite side of the sleeve seam. Attach the sleeves to the shoulders by matching the pins on the imaginary shoulder space and pins on the opposite side of theseams on sleeves.

3. Cut two smaller panels, one for the collar and the other for the smaller front panel. The length of the front panel should be the length of the kimono and its width should be 1/4 the circumference of the body. The collar panel should be long enough to cover both the panels on the front. Its width can be measured considering the user preference and cut accordingly.

4. Cut the front panel in half at a sharp angle. Sew this on the center front to extend the width of the bottom front. Find the center of the collar panel and sew it, starting from the back body panel and then extend it to both the front panels. It should also be extended all the way down the center front. Sew the side seams of the kimono from the border to about 6 to 9 inches from the sleeve. Allow the armpits of the kimono to remain open.

Tips & Warnings

• The measurements can be adjusted according to personal preference.

References

• Tanuki House: Instructions for Sewing Yukata (Unlined Kimono) for Male or Female
• Love to Sew: Designing, Sewing, & Making a Kimono