Monday, January 22, 2018

DIY Bohemian Kimono


Lately, I've been trying to bust through my fabric stash. I do have a bunch of small pieces, but I also had a handful of large pieces. A lot of the fabric is meant for clothing... silks, polyester, and chiffons.
What's even crazier is that some of the pieces I bought on a whim... years ago and I still hadn't figured out what to do with them.
I had this beautiful velvet burnout fabric with a rose pattern on it. I knew it would make a lovely blouse or something, but I kept putting it off. Finally, I saw an excellent idea on Pinterest for a kimono. This burnout fabric is perfect for a kimono due to its silky nature. I also decided to add some decorative trim to make a more bohemian look (which is very trendy right now).

Here's what you'll need to DIY your own Bohemian Kimono:

  • 1.5 yards of chiffon/lightweight fabric (check this out!)
  • 3 yards or more of decorative trim (this is lovely)
  • coordinating thread
  • sewing machine
  • ruler
  • marking chalk


SIZE & STYLE NOTES: I am about a size 16-18, and I was able to use  1.5 yards of fabric. Even for smaller sizes, I would still use the 1.5 yards because kimonos are supposed to be loose and hanging. If you want to size up, buy another 1/2 yard or full yard and follow the how-to with no changes. For the trim, I used exactly 3 yards. I only added trim to the bottom hem & the sleeves. If you want to add trim on the front, you'll need an additional yard or two. Decide ahead of time how you want to decorate your kimono so you can purchase enough trim!

HOW-TO:

First, fold your fabric in half. I folded it the short way and long way to decide which way I wanted it to fit & hang. In the end, I folded it so it was a little longer (and not as wide).

Next, measure 12 inches down and 6-8 inches in (8 inches if you are a small/medium size). Mark this with your chalk, you will be cutting this rectangle out on each size. After cutting, you'll have a T-shape. I cut mine while folded in half to save time.

Sew the side seams and the underarm of your sleeves. Be sure to leave a hole for your arms!
Now, find the middle of one side of the kimono. You are now going to cut the front opening. Be sure to only cut one layer of fabric.

Now hem the bottom of the kimono and fold in the front opening. I used a rolled hem foot on my machine for this. Find out more about a rolled hem here! You may also need to hem your sleeve openings... I did not because it was the selvage edge of my fabric.

Now you can add your trim! I only put trim on the bottom edge and the sleeves (not the front opening). Once your trim is on, you're done!



This kimono is perfect for jazzing up your style! Just throw it over a tee or tank top and some jeans. It feels fancy but is comfortable to wear.



Please share with me your creations!! I'd love to see what you come up with! 
And please contact me with any questions about this how-to. I'm always happy to help!


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