Replies

1. 
   chrishaynes | Mar 29, 2006 06:47pm | #1

   I was recently escorting my daughter at an Anime/Manga convention (kids under 13 have to be accompanied by an adult guardian at all times) and noticed some interesting clothing, specifically the big pants with pleats (hakama).

   So I did some searching with Google and found a couple of places with instructions on constructing Japanese clothing (often related to role-playing).  Here are a couple:

   http://www.raito.com/clothing.htm

   http://fibers.destinyslobster.com/Japanese/Clothes/japmake.htm

1. 
   deni | Mar 30, 2006 07:01am | #4

   A very good book is "making kimono & japanese clothes .The author is Jenni Dobson.

   I made my daughters wedding kimono and found the simplicity pattern#5839 very difficult to follow.   The above book was very helpful.  I did buy it in Canada. 

                                                                                              Good luck  Deni 

                                                                                      

1. 
   autumn | Apr 05, 2006 01:12am | #9

   I haven't tried making a kimono, but I've found the directions of most of the common patterns VERY difficult to follow. If I had not been sewing for 60 years I would have not been able to finish several projects. I just had to figure it out for myself. I should get a job writing instructions.

1. 
   deni | Apr 14, 2006 08:17pm | #10

   I have been sewing all my life also and have made all kinds of garments and such.  The kimono pattern threw me for a loop.  I would rather have made a wedding dress from scratch. However I did get my daughters kimono made with the help of a book. Thank you for your comment.

2. 
   Martynky | Mar 30, 2006 05:51pm | #5

   Chris:

   Thanks for your help!

   Marty

2. 
   user-60627 | Mar 29, 2006 09:21pm | #2

   Folkwear patterns has a basic kimono pattern, also a haori pattern.  And either McCalls or Simplicity had (recently) a pretty-authentic looking kimono pattern.

   That said, if you want to make a really authentic kimono, be aware that kimono fabric (yes, there is specially woven fabric for kimono) is only about 14" wide and pretty expensive.  And the sewing methods are very different from western-style sewing methods (because kimono are designed to be taken completely apart for cleaning).

   Try to find the book "How to Make Japanese Clothing"  Its by John Thompson (I believe)

    

    

   
   

   ---

   Edited 3/29/2006 2:28 pm ET by Bel Argent

1. 
   SewistKitty | Mar 30, 2006 02:53am | #3

   To: martynky:
   I too recommend the book on making Japanese clothing. It contains precise directions on cutting pattern and fabric pieces to create various garments. The directions are written clearly.

   Edited 3/29/2006 7:57 pm ET by LasVegasKitty25

1. 
   Martynky | Mar 30, 2006 05:56pm | #7

   Kitty:

   Thanks for your help!

   Marty

2. 
   Martynky | Mar 30, 2006 05:54pm | #6

   Thanks for your help. I will try to find the book.

   Marty

3. 
   marijke | Apr 02, 2006 08:52pm | #8

   There's a book by John Marshall that explains how to draft patterns for Kimono and other Japanese clothes.  The link below is to the book on Amazon.com, the other link is to John Marshall's webpage.  -- He had a couple of articles in Threads many years ago (one about traditional Japanese cushions, the other about kimono).

   http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/087011865X/002-0508323-8560813?v=glance&n=283155

   http://www.johnmarshall.to/

   Hope this helps!

   Marijke