What Fabric Is Used To Make a Kimono? (6 Fabric Options)
You may not be able to afford a nice trip to the orient but you certainly can have a piece of the orient in your home. All you have to do is find the right kimono pattern and fabric and you are halfway there. Kimonos are comfortable, decorative, and easy to make.
What fabric is used to make a kimono? If you want to be traditional, you can make your kimono out of tanmono fabric. If not then you can use hemp, cotton, linen, satin, and silk. There are different styles for men and women. Also, there is a different style for children as well.
To learn more about the Japanese kimono just continue to read our article. It is filled with interesting tidbits of information that should inspire you to have a piece of the orient in your closet. Plus, they should not be that hard to make.
What Fabric are Kimonos Made of?
The formal kimono is made of silk only. It is a special fabric for special occasions. You can try to make less formal kimonos by using cotton and hemp but their thicker construction usually relegates those clothing items to cooler temperatures.
Then you can have the feel and look of silk but opting to use different kinds of figured satin weaves. These are usually called rinzu. Rayon has been mentioned as a suitable substitute fabric for silk but not for formal wear.
Crepe and linen are also acceptable materials to use and work fairly well when the temperatures get a little warmer. The key to using the right fabric is to make sure the kimono looks stylish and not like any other western-style robe.
Generally, you will find kimono fabrics listed under the category of gofuku. The Japanese characters representing the ‘go’ syllable refers to an ancient Chinese kingdom called ‘Wu’.
The ‘fuken’ syllable part means clothing and when you put the two together, you are just generally referring to kimonos when inside Japan.
Best Fabric for Kimono Robe
Probably the best fabric for a kimono is silk. It is a material that exudes class and helps make one seem part of high society just when you touch it with your hand. Not only is it a durable and tough fabric to use, it comes in with some interesting designs and colors to make your kimono stand out.
But if you cannot afford silk, some lesser fabrics will fill in and still make your kimono look great. One choice is the Rifle Paper Co Wonderland Black which sells for roughly $14+ per yard.
Then you can go with Japanese Dragons - Blue which is a bit cheaper at just over $12 per yard. A few other fabrics that would make a good kimono are- Rayon Challis Crane Print - Red, Bruce Botanical Satin Faced Silk Print, Sunstone Abstract Cotton Print, and finally Genuine Handwoven Ikat.
Those latter fabrics vary in cost per yard with cotton the most affordable. You are not limited to just those fabrics. Use them as inspiration and a guide in helping you select the right material for your kimono project.
Best Fabric for kimono Cardigan
Not everything has to be made from silk when you do a kimono sewing project. For the kimono cardigan, it is better to go with a lightweight, sheer, and flowing fabric. Some examples are crepe, georgette, and chiffon.
If you can handle the fabric well, then you should be able to turn out a gorgeous looking kimono cardigan. But these fabrics are said to cause anyone a lot of trouble. One of the keys to working with these sheer and hard to sew materials is knowing your own size.
Usually, for average-sized people and up, you will want to start with a 30-inch width. But if you are petite then you can get away with using a 20-inch wide fabric. If you want step by step instructions on how to make a great looking kimono cardigan, simply click here.
One option to make the fabric handle easier is to sew in some silk to stabilize it. The pattern given at that link should have you finishing your cardigan in under an hour. But don’t rush it. Make sure it is good first.
How Much Fabric do I Need to Make a Kimono?
For the traditional look, you will need one bolt of fabric for each kimono you are making. This fabric is called tanmono and for women, you need 11 1/2 meters in length by 36 centimeters in width (approx. 35 feet long by 14 inches wide) just for the woman’s version.
For men, the length is extended to 12 1/2 meters long and 42 centimeters wide (approx. 38-40 feet long by 17 inches wide approx). Also, this bolt of fabric is usually hand woven for the traditional look.
Then if your body does not fit the average traditional size, you can find custom made bolts for taller or more stout people. One tip you can use to help you find the right amount of material is to shop at the store you trust the most. This helps avoid unnecessary problems.
Another tip would be to always order the fabric that lists the weight. Avoid those fabrics that exclude this information. Not only that, but you should also know what fibers the fabric is made of and what type of weave was used in creating the fabric.
Finally, if you can get swatches first, this will help you make the right decisions and possibly save you a lot of money by avoiding the wrong fabrics to use. There is no need to rush in and just grab any fabric when making a kimono. Take your time and make careful decisions so your result will impress you and your friends.
How Much Fabric for Kimono Robe
As usual, the amount of fabric you will use will depend on your size or the size of the person you are making it for. Some people suggest using fabric pieces that measure 40 by 55 inches in size and for smaller people that little bit of fabric should be fine.
Others suggest you need 2 yards of material. The fabric you choose to use is up to you. Some people use terrycloth because they want a robe that is more absorbent and that material is very absorbent.
You have a lot of freedom in which fabric to use. Then for thread, some people suggest using polyester thread as it is more durable and stronger than other types of thread you can use.
For the 2 yard suggestion, you will need about 1 yard of trim. Again, that fabric is up to you and make sure it fits nicely with the robe fabric you have chosen to use. Of course, you can go with the traditional look and get a really long piece of fabric and make it out of one piece like traditional kimono makers do.
You have a lot of leeway when it comes to using fabrics, trims, and methods of making your kimono.
How to Make a Fabric Kimono
The first step is to select the pattern you want. You can download and print if you like or go to a store and find the one that appeals to you. Next, lay out your fabric and place the pattern over it and get ready to make your cut. Add in seam and hem allowances so you do not run short.
Then sew the shoulders first and you can so your stitching in the seam allowance. Also, you can pin the front to the back and the right side before stitching. Step 4 has you marking the sleeves and then pinning them into place.
You will need about a 1/2 inch allowance at the beginning and end of the sleeve for sewing. Sew the sleeves including the under sleeve section. With the sleeves done, move them out of the way and sew your side seams and start from the sleeve to make sure no gaps appear.
Now press the sleeve allowance and side seams open, as well as the front edges. The front edges should be press towards the wrong side and given about 1/2 inch width. Once pressed pin in place.
Now it is time to sew the front and back neckline edge. Give yourself about 3/8 of an inch space. After that, press the hem allowance to the wrong side and finish the sleeve edges. When that is done you can add your trim.
Some Final Words
Making a kimono provides you with a sense of accomplishment. Plus, it adds to your wardrobe complementing your figure and giving you a classy oriental look. It is a great piece of clothing to turn the eyes of your mate from the television to you.
That is what making a kimono is all about.
