Skills & Techniques

Cutting plan for Kimono

In Japan, kimonos were traditionally made from narrow bolts of fabric called tanmono. These were more than 12 meters long and wide enough for a generous 1/2 yuki. What is brilliant about these bolts, is that you get selvage on…

Kimono Measurements

The prime reason you won’t find a legitimate kimono paper pattern is because you don’t need one. As there are only really two measurements you will need in order to calculate all the rectangular pieces that make up a kimono…

The Elements of a Kimono

Shaded diagram showing some of the names for parts of a kimono.

Like any kind of craftsmanship that’s been around for centuries, kimono-making has built up an enormous vocabulary to refer to the various parts of a kimono, the various types of kimono, and the techniques used for creating them. I do…