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How to make a Kimono

Posted on February 22nd, 2020 12:14 PM

For several seasons, we have seen how the kimono has become one of the favorite garments of ladies around the world. Both in winter and in summer, as a beach accessory on a bikini or with a shirt and jeans for an informal outing or, even, on an evening dress, this versatile piece of clothing seems to have arrived to stay in our dressing rooms.

If you have not yet succumbed to the charm of these clothes of Japanese origin or have not found one that suits your style, you should know that, with a little interest, you can make this garment yourself and to your liking. If you want to learn how to make a kimono , you just have to follow the steps

How to make a DIY kimono - Materials

Before starting the preparation, it is important that you have, in advance, the necessary materials. Learning how to make a kimono is easy but, in addition, it can also be economical, although it will always depend on the type of fabric you choose. To start your kimono, you will need:

2 meters of fabric if you want to make a short kimono or 5 meters if you prefer a longer one: choose the fabric you like best (printed, plain, with geometric or floral patterns, etc.). Every season new trends emerge in both color and fabrics, so take advantage and make the most of your kimono with the proposals that will be offered in textile stores. Viscose or silk fabrics are usually recommended for their soft fall and for how easy it is to work with them.
Something more of cloth : we recommend that you always buy a little more to avoid staying halfway. In addition, if you have a scrap left over, you can always make a turban or a fabric headband to match the kimono to get a total look. (If you are not sure what the total look is and how it works , do not miss this other article).
Satin ribbon cut at the bias : choose the ribbon in question based on the pattern or color of the fabric you have selected for the kimono. You can continue with the same color range to balance the set or acquire a totally different and groundbreaking color to give it originality.
Thread : the thread must be the same color as the fabric and must be of good quality to prevent breakage.
Pins : pins are important to be able to hold the hems and pieces of your kimono until you have sewn them, so don't forget them.
Sewing needle : While it is true that it can be done with a sewing needle, if you have a sewing machine, we recommend that you do it with it.
Other fundamental materials : scissors suitable for cutting cloth, adhesive for cloth, iron.

How to make a long kimono step by step

Long kimonos bring elegance when combined with a blouse and stylish pants. In addition, they are also ideal if you are at home and want to wear a comfortable garment without losing a touch of style. To learn how to make a long kimono you must do, step by step, what we indicate below:

Join the patterns with adhesive or painter's tape: it is best to borrow an already made kimono and take out the measurements yourself, although you can also get ideas of kimono patterns in magazines or on the Internet. However, here we provide you with the guidelines so that you can get a basic pattern and get down to work: cut 4 rectangular pieces of the length of your arms and the width you want (from the minimum measure +5 centimeters of your arm) .
Then, cut two rectangular pieces by measuring the width of your back and the length you want your kimono to reach the front and back. Short kimonos usually reach half a hip, while long ones reach to the knees or ankles .
Fold the chosen fabric in half, place the previously attached pattern with adhesive tape and attach it to the fabric with pins, thus joining the different parts of the kimono that you will sew later.
Cut the pattern next to the fabric. Keep in mind that, if you make your pattern yourself, you will have to have taken into account a seam allowance of a minimum of 3 centimeters wide.
Join the top of the two sleeves (the smallest rectangular pieces) to the shoulder of the kimono (the largest rectangular piece) with a needle and thread, making a simple stitching that joins the fabric but is not definitive.
Next, join the sides of the kimono and the bottom of each sleeve.
If you want to make hems on the sleeves and hems to make it more elegant, you can sew both parts with a needle and thread or use a fabric adhesive , because with the heat of the iron, it will make you achieve the same effect.
Sew the bias tape on the front of the kimono and on the neck, creating a kind of flaps.
If you wish, you can cut a ribbon about 20 or 20 cm wide and make a small hem, so you can tie the kimono as a sash or belt.

Once your kimono is finished and, if you want to bring that something that you think will make it unique, you can sew a few strips of lace or fringes to your sleeves, achieving a perfect boho kimono style for summer.