113 Japanese Kimono

Sized for men and women to 6 ft. tall.

The Japanese kimono traditionally varies in a wide degree of formality.  Our sewing pattern is for a yukata, or informal, unlined kimono for men and women of all sizes, and is usually made from cotton.

All traditional kimono are cut and constructed in the same way, with variations in length and in the style and width of the sleeves.  Front and back are cut together, with no seams at the shoulder.  Narrow panels create an overlap at the front opening, and a triple folded and reinforced neckband extends below the waist.  This pattern offers a choice among three sleeve styles - a casual kukata sleeve for women and more formal widths for both men and women.

The timeless simplicity of this elegant garment is still enchanting. Our unlined informal kimono (yukata) can be worn in various lengths, as a dress, coat, or robe. The pattern includes instructions for shibori dyeing, sashiko embroidery, and for making an informal obi or sash. The pattern also provides extensive notes on history and fabrics, along with traditional and modern ways to wear this garment.

Suggested fabrics: Light or medium-weight cotton, rayon, or silk. Yukata kimono are often blue and white, or other colorful prints.

Yardage chart (.pdf)

Folkwear sizing chart (.pdf)

This pattern is available as a Paper pattern and PDF pattern. Choose the
pattern format you want in the drop down menu. The PDF pattern has instructions and files for copy shop (36” and A0), print at home (A4 and 8.5”x11”)

Correction:  In some versions, the instructions for Step Four say "For Women, end stitching at large circles which marks the bottom of the underarm  body opening. For Men, continue stitching to large square, taking care not to catch bottom of Sleeve."  However, it should say: "For Women, end stitching at square which marks the bottom of the underarm  body opening. For Men, continue stitching to large dot, taking care not to catch bottom of Sleeve