I’ve really been inspired by the modern kimono look lately and have been wanting to add one to my wardrobe for fall. Hackwith Design has several gorgeous shapes (she’s out of Minneapolis–check her out!) and The House of Earnest made a killer boho kimono out of a scarf!
Inspired by The House of Earnest’s DIY method, I created a shorter and heavier weight version out of a gorgeous flannel herringbone cotton to layer and cozy up with for fall.
The process is super simple (no pattern needed!), but it does require a bit of sewing (not expert sewing, but beginner sewing). You could also hand sew this piece, but I suspect it would take while!
The technique I’m showing is quite simplified. I’m a beginner sewer and wanted to create a DIY kimono that was approachable for almost anyone (with a sewing machine) to make. If you’re also a beginner sewer, hopefully you find this tutorial helpful and inspiring enough to give sewing a try. Who cares if it’s not perfect? The process is fun, and you made something you can wear!
Materials List:
- 1.75 yards of 43-54″ width fabric. I used a medium-weight 46″ wide cotton flannel, and cut the width down to 43″ wide.
- measuring tape
- scissors
- t-square (optional, but recommended since we’re not using a pattern)
- permanent marker
- sewing pins
- coordinating thread
Special Equipment:
- sewing machine
Step 1. The first order of business is to figure out roughly how long and wide you want your kimono to be. I wanted mine to drop just below my hips at my widest point, and since the arm style of this kimono are wide and slouchy, I didn’t want the width to also be extra wide. This piece is all about balancing proportions! The dimensions I chose were 42″ wide x 28″ long. Write your dimensions down and set aside. Your dimensions will vary depending on your desired fit.
Note: if you would like the front flaps of your kimono to overlap at the front, you’ll want to make your kimono wider than I made mine.
Step 2. Turn the 1.75 yards of fabric inside out, and fold in half horizontally, place the fold running horizontally at the top of your work surface, and measure and mark with a permanent marker your desired width and length using the dimensions you decided on above and cut along one side and along the bottom (non-fold edge) to remove the extra fabric. In my case, it was 43″ wide and 28″ long.
Step 3. Measure and mark two vertical rectangles, one in each lower left and right corners of the fabric. Using a straight edge and permanent marker to draw cutting guidelines.
Step 4. Pin along the inside of the permanent marker lines on both sides, and cut along marker lines.
Step 5. Using 1/4″ seam allowance, sew along the lines you just cut.
Step 5. Find the center of the bottom of the kimono, and draw with a permanent marker a vertical line up to where the arms begin. Then split the line into a “V” to create a neckline. I also drew in a rounded neckline on the back of the kimono. Cut along permanent marker line.
Step 6. At the front opening, bottom hem, and sleeve openings, fold raw edges back roughly 3/8″ and pin into place. Straight stitch edges at 1/4″ seam allowance.
Step 7. Trim all long threads, turn right side out, and layer over your favorite tee and leggings for fall!
