How to Make a Kimono

By Jen
Beginner
1 hour

Kimonos are comfy and easy to wear with almost anything. This kimono is made out of chiffon fabric making it light and flowy. You can use other fabrics like voile and charmeuse for the same weight and flow. By using a sheer fabric it makes the Kimono breathable and allows the garments underneath to show through. You can also wear it as a bathing suit cover-up.

Materials

Video

Instructions

Step 1: Measure and Cut The Fabric

Fold the Fabric in half so that the selvages meet. If there is a right side to your fabric make sure the right sides are facing. Fold the fabric in half again in the opposite direction and cut off the selvage. If you want the Kimono sleeves to be shorter than a yard and a half from arm to arm then cut down the fabric on the side opposite the folded corner. From the corner where the unfolded edges meet measure four and a half inches across the longer side of the fabric and mark with a pin. Measure up 14 inches from here and mark with a few pins. From this point pin across to the edge of the fabric. Cut out and discard this rectangle.

Step 2: Sew The Sides

Unfold the Fabric once. Pin underneath the sleeves and down the side seams on both sides. Stitch with a half inch Seam allowance. Afterwards sew along the seams with a zig-zag stitch. Fold the seams over pin and sew with a straight stitch. Chiffon frays easily, so this gives the inside seams a nice clean finish.

Step 3: Cut and Sew The Front and Neckline

Lay out the Kimono flat on the table measure to find the center on the bottom and mark with a pin. Measure straight up from here and mark the middle of the top with a pin. Place a pin 5 inches from this mark on both sides and remove the middle pin. Mark straight Lines from the bottom pin to these two top pins.

Cut along the marks and across at the top make sure you’re only cutting the top layer of fabric. Cut at an angle about one inch into the fabric at the corners of the neckline. Fold these edges over a half inch in iron. Fold over another half an inch and iron again. Stitch with a quarter inch Seam allowance.

Step 4: Attach The Trim

Turn the Kimono to the right side. Pin the Trim to the bottom with the fringe facing upwards. Cut off the extra at the end and stitch with a half inch Seam allowance. Repeat this to attach the trim to the sleeves. The Kimono is now finished.