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How to Make Your Own Clothes..., from Your Very First Stitch to the Runway

Designing, Sewing, & Making a Kimono

Beautifully handmade Japanese Kimono made of calico cotton fabric in different shades of pink.

About Kimonos -	Making a Kimono is a very rewarding project and is on the top of my list for excellent and satisfying projects. If one can follow simple directions on a pattern than one can make a beautiful kimono. Luckily, you can find a wonderful variety of silks in all colors in fabric stores today. The word kimono means "things to wear."
Best Fabric to Use -	Many fabrics can be used to make kimonos. Of course the most popular being silk or silk-like fabrics. Some suggestions are: light weight 100 % cotton, silk, silk-like, silk brocade, silk crepes, and satin weaves. Light weight cotton is the best fabric for beginners to use.
Easy type Pattern -	An easy type of kimono pattern would be like the one pictured above. A simple kimono pattern with one simple belt that ties.
Difficult type Pattern -	A difficult type of kimono pattern would be one with a lot of pattern pieces. Sewing the sleeves in your kimono may be a little difficult to do at first however, once you have done one, you will understand the process of it, and future ones will be a snap. Also, if you want to add many color or layers of belts, and silk pants too, the pattern will become more time consuming a little more difficult.
Pattern Pieces -	Most basic Kimono patterns have about 5-6 pattern pieces and are not difficult to make. Some more advance patterns will have layers and added fabric at the back length near the hem, and you might need extra for the different fabric belts that you can make to go along with your Kimono.
Fabric Usage -	Kimonos require more fabric to make than most clothing. The average Kimono may require about 4 yards and up to 8 yards or more for longer, more layered, or more elegant kimono.
Comments -	Remember when making a kimono to keep in mind the length, and the difficulty of the pattern. A Kimono at any length, will compliment your shape. Kimonos are comfortable and easy to wear. They can be used as everyday wear, night robes, garden robes, pool robes, or comfy house robes.

Kimonos can also be useful for sports like karate as shown in this photo where Bethany made her complete outfit.

As stated above the word kimono means "things to wear." Just like the clothing in our country's history has changed over a period of time so has the kimono. It has had a long history in Japan and the kimono has changed over time to reflect the society and culture of that period.

In today's Japan, a Japanese woman usually owns only one kimono. She will wear this kimono called a furosode kimono which is worn for the coming of age ceremony on her 19th birthday. Weddings and a bridal kimono are usually rented. Kimono are also very rarely worn as every day clothing anymore. Occasionally, if you go to a small rural town in Japan or one of small islands, you will see the traditional every day kimono worn by elders.