How to Make a Silk Kimono Robe

by Elizabeth / Tuesday, 07 February 2017 / Published in DIY Tutorials

Creating a silk kimono robe at home is a rewarding project that allows you to craft a personalized piece of luxurious loungewear. This guide will walk you through the process, from choosing your fabric to the final finishing touches.

Materials You’ll Need

Material	Quantity	Notes
Silk Fabric	Varies based on desired length & size	Lightweight silk fabrics like charmeuse, crepe de chine, or habotai work well. Consider pre-washing your fabric to avoid shrinkage.
Matching Thread	1 spool	Choose a thread color that closely matches your fabric.
Pattern Paper	Several large sheets	For drafting or tracing your pattern. You can also use large pieces of craft paper or even newspaper.
Measuring Tape	1	Essential for accurate measurements.
Fabric Scissors	1 pair	Sharp scissors are crucial for clean cuts.
Pins	Box of straight pins	To hold fabric pieces together before sewing.
Sewing Machine	1	While hand sewing is possible, a sewing machine will make the process much faster and more efficient.
Iron and Ironing Board	1 each	For pressing seams and creating a professional finish.

Taking Measurements

Accurate measurements are crucial for a well-fitting kimono.

Length: Measure from the nape of your neck down to your desired length (typically mid-calf or ankle).
Sleeve Length: Measure from the shoulder seam down to your wrist.
Back Width: Measure across your back from shoulder to shoulder.
Chest/Bust: Measure around the fullest part of your chest or bust.

Drafting the Pattern

A simplified kimono pattern consists of a few basic pieces:

Body: A large rectangle, twice the desired length plus seam allowances, and the width equal to half your chest/bust measurement plus seam allowances.
Sleeves: Two rectangles, the length of your sleeve measurement plus seam allowances, and the width is usually around 20-24 inches.
Front Bands (Optional): Two long strips of fabric for the front edges, around 4-6 inches wide.
Belt (Optional): A long strip of fabric, typically 4-6 inches wide and as long as your waist measurement plus extra for tying.

You can draft your pattern directly onto pattern paper using your measurements. Remember to add seam allowances (typically ½ inch) to all edges.

Cutting the Fabric

Lay your fabric flat on a large surface.
Pin your pattern pieces to the fabric, ensuring the grainline is aligned correctly.
Carefully cut out the fabric pieces using sharp fabric scissors.

Sewing the Kimono

Shoulder Seams: With right sides together, pin and sew the shoulder seams of the body piece.
Sleeves: Fold each sleeve piece in half lengthwise, right sides together, and sew the underarm seams.
Attach Sleeves: Pin and sew the sleeves to the armholes of the body piece, matching the raw edges.
Side Seams: With right sides together, pin and sew the side seams of the body and sleeves in one continuous seam.
Front Bands (Optional): If using front bands, fold them in half lengthwise, right sides together, and sew the long edges. Turn right side out and press. Attach the bands to the front edges of the kimono.
Hemming: Fold the bottom edge of the kimono and the sleeve edges up twice and press. Sew a neat hem.
Belt (Optional): Fold the belt fabric in half lengthwise, right sides together, and sew the long edges. Turn right side out and press. Topstitch along the edges.

Finishing Touches

Pressing: Press all seams flat for a professional finish.
Embellishments (Optional): Consider adding embellishments such as embroidery, lace, or fringe.
Silk Care: Silk is a delicate fabric, so hand washing or dry cleaning is recommended.

By following these steps, you can create a beautiful and luxurious silk kimono robe that you can enjoy for years to come. Using high-quality silk from a reputable source, like PandaSilk, will enhance the final product.