Kimono Making for K-con

[Beginner_Kimono_Maker]

Hi everyone! As my name suggests, I'm looking to try my hand in making my own kimono for Kumoricon and other such events. Since I'm new to this I wanted to ask if there are any experienced kimono makers/wearers to give me some tips. I've read up on basic things like the difference between a kimono or a yukata and when each are worn and by who. I just need help in figuring out which would be appropriate to wear at K-con. On one hand it is in the summer so I could wear a yukata, but I want to be a little more formal. Also, I will be volunteering next year so I wonder if I shouldn't go with more work clothes like a happi. Help please?

[baka-imouto]

I'm no expert in traditional Japanese fashion, but I've worn a fair number of kimono/yukata/hakama in my lifetime so I'd like to reply a little bit to your post.


For when you're doing volunteer work, happi would be an appropriate choice because it'll bee cool, easy to move in, and recognizable as being Japanese. The yukata, while also appropriate, would most likely get in to way, get too hot, or just make doing around-the-con odd jobs a bit difficult.. Happi have the added benefit of being very easy to wash in case you get a bit dirty.

[Beginner_Kimono_Maker]

Good point, thanks for replying! I think I have an idea about how to to make that really fun by putting the K-con logo on the back

[Beginner_Kimono_Maker]

I'm also looking to find places to buy kimono silk and how to make an obi. Does anyone know of ways to get the silk without ordering it online? (ordering online makes me nervous) I'd also really appreciate any links or sources for making obis if you have any. Thanks!

[hotdgumi]

Depends on where you live but I usually buy silk from a fabric store like jo annes or any fabric store really. Most of them will have silk or a material alike.

[WalkingSpear]

I am not entirely sure which type of silk is appropriate for Kimono's, etc., but Fabric Depot (SE 122nd and Stark) has a very large selection and if you look in the Sunday paper, or get on their mailing list, you can get coupons for as much as 50% off on a cut of fabric...... which is a good thing, because silk can cost anywhere from $18 to $100 a yard. A cheaper alternative might be rayon or cotton prints. I have made kimono-like garments before and can make it look good, but I don't actually have the skill to make one 100% authentic. There are some pretty good patterns online if you just Google "kimono pattern", I had more trouble when I looked for a good hakama pattern, however.
If you are interested, I know a second hand store that has real kimono's from Japan in stock.

[hotdgumi]

I am not entirely sure which type of silk is appropriate for Kimono's, etc., but Fabric Depot (SE 122nd and Stark) has a very large selection and if you look in the Sunday paper, or get on their mailing list, you can get coupons for as much as 50% off on a cut of fabric...... which is a good thing, because silk can cost anywhere from $18 to $100 a yard. A cheaper alternative might be rayon or cotton prints. I have made kimono-like garments before and can make it look good, but I don't actually have the skill to make one 100% authentic. There are some pretty good patterns online if you just Google "kimono pattern", I had more trouble when I looked for a good hakama pattern, however.
If you are interested, I know a second hand store that has real kimono's from Japan in stock.

18-100$? I got mine for wayyyy cheaper. I bought a bunch of silk from I think fabric depot for really cheap and its great quality. I think total was 20$ for all of it and that was enough to make a dress and have leftovers. I nean im pretty small but the stuff I bought wasnt that expensive.

[WalkingSpear]

Hmmm..... I wonder if I've been looking at the right stuff? Or maybe you got yours on sale; they do seem to have a lot of sales, almost every month. I used almost three yards the last time and I am glad I went with cotton.

[hotdgumi]

Hmmm..... I wonder if I've been looking at the right stuff? Or maybe you got yours on sale; they do seem to have a lot of sales, almost every month. I used almost three yards the last time and I am glad I went with cotton.

Maybe it was a sale....I dont remember all I know is that it was fairly cheap but very nice material. Also extremely comfy I absolutely love it.

[WalkingSpear]

I would love to make more if I could afford it. Every time I go there I hang out in the silks and brocades just thinking of things I would like to make; even when I am there for something else.

[WalkingSpear]

Hi, I was wondering if anyone here would like to get together for some kimono and hakama making sessions? I don't actually have a place to work right now, but I have my own sewing machine. I used to make costumes for the SCA and we did it by having a sewing day at someone's house and everyone would bring their own fabric and some patterns that they would like to work on and/or share. I have a good hakama pattern and one or two kimono patterns to share.
It would, of course, require someone to open their house to everyone for a meeting or if anyone knows of some studio space we could rent or borrow?
We could make it an event and bring snacks and lunches too.