Estimated reading time: 7 min

Sew a kimono in 7 simple steps

23.01.2023 by Sabine Schmidt

Sewing a kimono is really easy and fun. With my sewing pattern and instructions, even beginners can easily pull it off.

For me, kimonos are true wardrobe favorites that I wear when I want to feel casual, relaxed, and simply comfortable. They are not only super quick and easy to sew – they are also wonderfully versatile to combine. Whether with skirts, jeans, shorts, dungarees, dresses, sweaters, or simple shirts: Kimonos always work. On chilly days, we wear kimonos as a cool alternative to a cardigan. In summer, kimonos made of cool viscose fabrics put us in a holiday mood. And because they are so great to combine, you can definitely afford to add one or two more to your closet...

What is a kimono?

The kimono is a type of jacket originally from Japan that can be worn with everything and by anyone. It is characterized by its wide sleeves, boxy cut, and a wide facing on the front edge of the jacket.

Is sewing a kimono difficult?

Many sewing fans feel intimidated by sewing kimonos because they fear they won't master the sewing technique. Sewing the facing in particular is a struggle for most people.

And that is exactly what is child's play with the SewSimple kimono sewing pattern KAYO.

Why our kimono is so easy to sew

With our kimono KAYO sewing pattern, the facing is simply folded over at the fold line and topstitched. Easy peasy.

And to make sure nothing goes wrong, we have marked the fold line on the pattern.

You can transfer it directly onto the fabric when cutting with a tracing wheel and forget about it.

Of course, I also show you all the steps in detail in the eBook and in the kimono sewing video.

Now all that's left is for you to grab a great favorite fabric and get started.

1. What you need for sewing a kimono

You hardly need any tools to sew the kimono. This makes this sewing pattern the perfect project for beginners.

Kimono sewing pattern
Woven fabric
matching sewing thread^*
Tracing wheel^*
Scissors^*
Pins^*
Sewing machine and, if necessary, an overlocker

To the kimono sewing pattern KAYO

Which fabrics are suitable for sewing a kimono?

All non-elastic woven fabrics are suitable for sewing the kimono. Perfect examples are:

How much fabric do you need for a kimono?

With a fabric width of 140 cm, you need 1.90m of fabric for size 38. For size 50, you need 2 meters of fabric. If the fabric has a width of 110 cm, you need about double the amount of fabric.

Wash and iron the fabric before you get started. This ensures that the finished kimono doesn't shrink during the first wash. Ironing smoothes the fabric, which helps you to cut it correctly.

2. How to set your sewing machine correctly

To make everything go well, you should set your sewing machine for the project.

Thread with a universal thread that matches the fabric
Equip the sewing machine with a universal needle whose size matches the fabric
Set a stitch length of 2.5 - 3 mm for the connecting seams
Regulate the stitch length for the topstitching to 3.5 - 3.8 mm
Use a straight stitch for sewing and topstitching
Sew finishing seams with an overedge stitch or zigzag

4. My conclusion: Sewing a kimono is simply fun!

The trickiest part of this kimono: having to decide on a fabric. Because especially in the realm of woven fabrics, there are so many gorgeous prints that are perfect for kimonos. And once you've figured out how to sew the corner, the rest runs as if by itself. And sewing cotton fabrics is, of course, incredibly easy anyway.

Maybe you've now been inspired to sew a matching shirt for your kimono? Then you are well served with Top Kea. Let me know how you got along with the instructions. And also, what fabrics you used to sew your own personal favorite kimono. I look forward to hearing from you!

Happy simple sewing, your Sabine

5. Frequently Asked Questions

Can beginners sew a kimono?

With the right instructions, it's not a big challenge for sewing fans with little experience to sew a kimono. It's important that you follow the instructions exactly.

How long should a kimono be?

Whether a kimono should be long or short depends on your wearing habits and your body size. Because our kimono sewing pattern is straight-cut, you can simply lengthen or shorten it as desired.

Which fabric is most comfortable for a kimono?

Kimonos are classically sewn from woven fabric. Traditionally from cotton woven fabric or woven silk. Due to the loose fit, the kimono is a very comfortable garment even made from non-elastic fabrics. However, it is also possible to sew it from fabrics with a spandex content.

What do you wear under a kimono?

Kimonos are true styling wonders. They can be perfectly combined with bodysuits, tops, shirts, thin sweaters, dresses, or trousers. Jumpsuits and dungarees also look brilliant with kimonos.

Where can I find the kimono sewing pattern as a PDF?

Would you like to download and print the kimono pattern? No problem. You can find the KAYO kimono sewing pattern as a PDF here on the SewSimple blog.

Is the kimono also available as a ready-made paper pattern?

Don't feel like printing and taping together a kimono pattern yourself? Then simply order our paper kimono pattern. It will be conveniently delivered to your home in your preferred size by mail.

How do you sew a kimono?

First, the center back seam is closed, and then the front and back pieces of the kimono are sewn together at the shoulder edges. After the sleeve and side edges are sewn, the fabric edges can be finished, and the hems and the facing can be topstitched to the outer fabric.

Can I sew a bathrobe from the kimono pattern?

You can easily extend the pattern to make a bathrobe because the pattern line is straight. All you need is a ruler and tailor's chalk. Try out beforehand what length your finished bathrobe should be and buy more fabric accordingly.

Links marked with * are affiliate links: If you make a purchase through them, we receive a small commission. The price remains the same for you.

Sew the Kimono Kayo in 7 steps

The Kimono Kayo is sewn entirely from woven fabric and is a perfect beginner project. In seven clear steps, you'll work your way from cutting out via the distinctive corner seam to a neat hem.

01

Step

3.1 Cutting
Cut the fabric in a double layer or on the fold
Transfer the seam line at the inner corner next to the centre back onto the fabric with a tracing wheel
Transfer all markings and notches from the pattern to the fabric
You need the following pattern pieces:
1 x back on the fold
2 x front, mirrored
2 x sleeve, mirrored
02

Step

3.2 Close the centre back
Pin the front pattern pieces right sides together at the centre back with the edges aligned
Sew them together with a straight stitch
Finish all seam allowances with the overlock or a zigzag stitch if your fabric frays
03

Step

3.3 Sew front and back together
Next, the back is sewn to the shoulder–neckline–shoulder edge in one go. Snip into the corners at the neckline a little — this makes it easier to pin the edge to the shoulder edge of the back in one continuous line.
Pin the front and back right sides together at the shoulder edges
The front seam lies right sides together on the centre back of the neckline
The outer corner of the back meets the inner corner of the front
Sew the pinned edge with a straight stitch
Stop in the middle of the corner and secure the seam
Snip the seam allowance in the corner to just before the seam
Align the fabric edges and continue sewing just past the corner
The second corner is sewn in the same way
My tip

From the right side you can see that a beautiful corner seam has formed in the front — perfect!
04

Step

3.4 Close the side seams
Pin the sleeve and side edges right sides together with the edges aligned
Sew the pinned edges with a straight stitch
Snip the seam allowance at the underarm corner to just before the seam
Finish the seam allowances
05

Step

3.5 Finishing the fabric edges
Finish the bottom hem, the front edges and the sleeve edge with the overlock or a zigzag stitch
06

Step

3.6 Sew the kimono facing
Fold the facing to the wrong side at the fold mark and pin it
The finished edge of the facing should cover the back neckline seam
Stitch the facing to the main fabric along the middle of the finishing seam
07

Step

3.7 Hem the kimono
Fold the bottom hem inwards at the mark
Fold the sleeve hems to the wrong side of the fabric at the marks as well
Stitch the hems to the main fabric along the middle of the finishing seam
Now just press, put it on and enjoy!

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About the author

Sabine

I come from Siegen-Wittgenstein, where I spent my childhood breaking in cows, jumping off haystacks and scraping a D- in needlework class.

Today, being creative feels like indescribable happiness to me – and it grows even more when I can share it with others. Since 2016 I have been celebrating my passion for sewing on this blog, and I love that sewing connects so many people.