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How to Make a Kimono Out of a Scarf | DIY Kimono Sewing Pattern [FREE]

Summer is here so one of our top priorities is staying as cool and as refreshed as possible. But it doesn’t mean we have to sacrifice style and walk around in tank tops. We just need something that combines style with that comfortable, airy design that’s great for hot weather.

So, is there a piece of clothing like that? Sure thing, there’s a kimono!

For us, Westerners, though, wearing a traditional kimono every day would be a bit unusual. Fortunately, there is a fashionable DIY kimono jacket you could wear every day! This kimono top project is very easy and fun, and you don’t even need to use a full-blown kimono pattern to finish it – the sketched kimono sewing pattern below is all you need to refer to. Just follow this tutorial on how to make a kimono out of a scarf or your favorite drapey fabric!

DIY kimono top in use

Below you will find my step by step written diy kimono tutorial with VIDEO instructions for all the visual learners. You can even make a matching scrunchie out of the cutouts!

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How to Make a Kimono

DIY Kimono Top Supplies and tools

DIY kimono scarf and materials you'll need to sew it

This is a very simple kimono, so you don’t need all that much to make it.

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How to Sew a Kimono Cardigan

Watch the diy kimono jacket video first and then follow the written step by step instructions below.
Please enjoy and don’t forget to Like and SUBSCRIBE over on YouTube to be kept up to date with new videos as they come out.

DIY Kimono VIDEO TUTORIAL

KIMONO TOP INSTRUCTIONS:

STEP 1: Prepare the fabric and draw the kimono sewing pattern

(skip this step if you are using a scarf)

As with any other sewing project, before you start doing anything with the fabric, first wash it thoroughly and iron it well. This will prevent it from shrinking or deforming after you’ve finished sewing it. Here’s the simple kimono sewing pattern you will need… Yes, it’s THAT easy to make that kimono top!

DIY kimono pattern on paper and scarf ready to be sewn

STEP 2: Fold the fabric

Fold the fabric in half horizontally so that the short edges alight, then fold it in half vertically. Pin, or clip everything in place to keep it from moving.

STEP 3: Cut out the front opening

Now you will need to make an opening on the front of the kimono. So find a middle of the fabric width and make a cut. Pay attention, you need to cut through just one layer!

DIY kimono cutting the front opening

STEP 4: Measure and cut out the neck opening

Unfold the fabric and find the cut you’ve made, you will need to mark and cut the neck opening. Mark a 5 inch line perpendicular to the frontal cut and then mark 10 inches along the cut. Join the ends of the 5 inch line and the and of the mark to make a triangular shape for the neckline. Refer to the kimono sewing pattern above in STEP 1 to make sure the placement is right

This will give your DIY kimono jacket a bit more flair and style when compared to a plain straight-cut front.

diy kimono top - neck opening drawing

STEP 5:  Mark the sleeves

Now you will need to make the sewing lines for the sleeves.

Fold the fabric in half so that the short edges meet. Going from the top towards the bottom, along the left short edge, measure about 12 inches, and mark it. Next, draw a 9 inch line at a 90-degree angle, going from that mark towards the left

Finally, draw another line going from the end of the previous one, all the way to the bottom of the fabric. Make sure that it’s at a 90-degree angle as well.

Repeat on the right side but as a mirror image.

When you finish, cut all excess material so that you get a large T shaped piece of fabric. Try to cut as close as possible to the seam.

diy kimono sleeve all pinned and ready to be sewn

STEP 6: Start making the sleeves and the sides

Using a half-inch seam allowance, sew along the lines you just drew using a straight stitch.

STEP 7: Finish the raw edges

Now finish the raw edges along the sleeves and the sides you just sew. Use a serger if you have one, a mock serger stitch or a simple zig-zag stitch.

diy kimono sewn sides

STEP 8: Hem the front

Now you will need to hem the  opening on the front of the kimono. Fold the edges two times towards the wrong side of the fabric for about a quarter-inch and then pin them. Use a lot of pins or clips, as silk and drapey fabrics tend to shift a lot.

diy kimono - front opening pinned all around

STEP 9: Sew the front hem

Sew across the hem using a straight stitch. I find it helpful to pull the fabric just a little bit as I sew as it creates a cleaner look of the finished hem.
sewing the diy kimono sewing the opening

STEP 10: Finish the kimono

If you are not using a scarf you will need to hem the rest of the raw edges as well.

Once you’re done, you can iron the whole thing one more time to give it a crisp look.

This diy kimono jacket is now complete!

diy kimono front and back

You can wear it in a combination with a skirt, shorts, pants, or even over your bathing suit at the beach. It’s very versatile so you can combine it with almost anything.

DIY kimono on model

KIMONO HEMMING OPTIONS:

  1. USE ROLLED HEM FOOT – The first option is to use a rolled hem foot if your sewing machine can work with it. Attach the presser foot and use it to sew across the sleeves, front and neck openings, and bottom edges to hem them.
  2. MAKE THE HEMS YOURSELF – The second option is to make those hems yourself. Fold the edges along the sleeves, the bottom, the front, and the lancet two times for about a quarter-inch. Press them flat and then sew across them. Alternatively, you can also use a serger machine for finishing the edges, if you have one at your disposal.

Did you like this tutorial? I hope you enjoyed reading it and that you found it useful. If you have some ideas on how to improve this project, please, share it with us in the comment section below. Your feedback is very important to us!

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how to make a kimono top

 

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Click Here to Leave a Comment Below 16 comments
Shelbee on the Edge - July 18, 2020

This is so fun! I have a bit of a kimono addiction! If I could make my own, I would be all set. I love the print on your kimono cardigan. So pretty! Thanks for sharing and linking up.

Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com

Reply
Danielle - July 19, 2020

I love it! Such a great way to use a scarf. 🙂

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    Helen - July 19, 2020

    Yeah, it’s a great upcycling project

    Reply
Kathy A - July 19, 2020

Your tutorial was very easy to follow. I love kimonos like this to dress up a simple tank or sleeveless top and love luscious colors that will tie a top and pants together! But I do hate stitching on slippery material!

Reply
    Helen - July 21, 2020

    Ahh, it turns out so pretty that it’s worth it. Just use a lot of pins/clips

    Reply
Linda - July 20, 2020

What a great idea. Thank you for sharing on the Classy Flamingos Blog Party.

Reply
    Helen - July 21, 2020

    It’s my pleasure. Thank you for hosting, Linda.

    Reply
Michelle - July 21, 2020

Very cool! Your kimono will be featured in this week’s Creative Compulsions!

Michelle
https://mybijoulifeonline.com

Reply
    Helen - July 21, 2020

    Awesome. Thank you so much, Michelle!

    Reply
T'onna | Sew Crafty Crochet - July 21, 2020

I love kimonos, but I only have one. I have a hard time finding them in stores, so I’m definitely pinning this tutorial so I can make my own!!! Thanks for sharing at the Snickerdoodle Create Bake Make Link Party!!

Reply
    Helen - July 21, 2020

    I love how comfy kimonos are. Great as beach cover-up or over jeans and a tank.

    Reply
Donna @ Modern on Monticello - July 22, 2020

It turned out so pretty and seems so light and comfortable. Thank you for visitng and sharing your sewing projects each week. #HomeMattersParty

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Jessica A Jannenga - August 17, 2020

Pretty print on your kimono! This is smart! I don’t sew but really am impressed by those who do!
thanks for linking!
jess xx
http://www.elegantlyressedandstylish.com

Reply
Helene - June 7, 2021

I would love to make the kimono that you featured however, when I went to the instructions, none of the pictures came up and I therefore, cannot make this project. I am very disappointed. Any solutions????

Reply
    Helen - June 8, 2021

    Hi Helene, looks like there is some technical problem with the photos. We are working to get them back up. In the meanwhile you can watch the video tutorial in the article. It’s a step by step tutorial how to make the kimono

    Reply
Janet schueller - July 4, 2021

I did not see anywhere on these instructions how to get the kimono pattern. Am I just not seeing where to go to get the pattern. Help!

Reply

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