Don't Throw it Away! Upcycling an Old Kimono into a Fitting Juban

[@BillyMatsunaga]

In case you’re watching this and you are in Tokyo: @inkimono (on Instagram) is giving over 30 of mourning kimono (mofuku) away for FREE, because she wants them out of her store and give them a new life! So go and get you one!! 🖤

[@nightingaleiom]

I want to buy mounting kimono

[@Kiroevil]

I've watching your videos since January! Being in Brazil, we dont have any kimono shops and such, so I love your sewing tutorials!! ❤❤ I just got my 2nd kimono yesterday and I'm sewing my first hanjuban, himos and datejime. Next is a obimakura! I'm super excited and very thankful for your channel. I love to sew and I'm glad i can use these skills on a hobby ❤❤❤

[@hanatelige]

I love your ajisai pattern! You said you didn't want to be top batter, but I never would have found your channel if not for CoCoVid. I started watching earlier this week, and I'm obsessed :)

[@BillyMatsunaga]

Hihi! Thank youuuu!! I was so scared being the first video, but comments like yours really make me happy that I did it! ❤️

[@iloveragdollcats]

What a great way to upcycle something that most people don't want! Thank you! ♥️

[@emilybragg987]

I loved this video! I don't know why, but polka dots pattern make me happy. I couldn't help but laugh towards the middle of the video when you showed you still had so much of the dots pattern fabric left! Endless fabric! The finished product looks so cute and comfortable. Thank you for always being so detailed in your descriptions, and so fun!

[@BillyMatsunaga]

Hahaha! I STILL have some of this fabric left!!!! 😂😂😂😂😂😂 where is all of that coming from?!!!

[@saffity]

Thank you for this tutorial Billy! It’s so interesting seeing different styles of undies and how they affect the clothing being warn.

[@Nariasan]

I'm in love with the upcycled han juban! So gorgeous and so clever. And I'm so excited for your CoCovid videos!!! For the first batter, you definitely made the best of starts. ❤❤

[@the_dark_forest]

That is one of THE MOST BEAUTIFUL yukata I've ever seen. So envious 😍🤩😍🤩😍🤩😍

[@lolpandukai]

I read a guide for foreigners who are to attend a funeral in Japan which explained the mourning kimono, but also said that unless you are immediate family (mother, wife), or the family is very traditional and you are sure that everyone is going to be wearing a kimono, you should probably not wear a mourning kimono as it could be seen nowadays as drawing too much attention to yourself and your unusual attire and taking from the person whose funeral you are attending. I wonder if that's really the case, it did sound quite convincing to me - foreigners in kimono do tend to draw attention.

[@BillyMatsunaga]

As a foreigner living in a super rural area: you’re always standing out, whatever you’re wearing. But yes, a kimono would make it worse. That’s another reason why I don’t have a mourning kimono.

[@JenileaBedelia]

This is so fascinating! I used to work in the costume shop at the University of Hawaii where we frequently put up Kabuki shows! I so miss working with kimono and yukata!

[@user-dg7st6io1c]

Thanks to you I now understand there really is a world of wonders around kimonos. I'd never had found you without cocovid, I'm glad you participated!

[@BillyMatsunaga]

Thank you so much!! I was so insecure if I should participate or not, but comments like yours are a huge confidence boost!! Thank you!!

[@bhavens9149]

Never was very interested in Kimono before, glad I watched your class, very interesting! Cocovid such a great idea to have this class this year!

[@lenoretalon9958]

I closed my eyes when you cut it but amazing results. New and welcome information on the white stitching. Also the heads up for me that my collar doesn’t have to strangle me. Purchased amazing kimono and was confused when I saw white stitching on collar. Feel better now Thank You

[@Rubberducky1224]

I have always been interested in Japanese culture. Since thinking about what I want to make, since I am just starting, researching and making something Japanese is on my list. You are an amazing person

[@moara4144]

I would love love love to see a video of how kitsuke changes over time. Wonderful idea for a video!

[@raym4064]

bless you for including spellings and romanizations of the kanji/hiragana so we can understand which words you're saying

[@onemoreteaspooncreative7398]

This is such a delightful video! I'm so glad that your technology finally decided to behave itself! I know very little about kimono (being an Australian who has never travelled to Japan) so learning all about juban was fascinating. I can't wait to watch more of your videos and understand kimono better!

[@BillyMatsunaga]

Thank you ❤️ It makes me really happy that you want to learn a little more about kimono with me 🥳✨

[@Griiisetryne]

I haven't heard about your account before now, and I hit that subscribe button SO hard 😂 I love kimono and yukata, and am so excited to jump into all of your videos! I have a kimono myself from when I lived in Tokyo (exchange year, impulse buy before leaving the country!), but after reading more about how a kimono should fit I realize it is way too short for my long arms 🙈 Looking forward to your sunday live!

[@BillyMatsunaga]

Hahaha! Best comment in a while ❤️❤️ thank you!! Oh, i know that impulsive purchases at the end of an exchange year just way tooooo well (my first yukata 🙈)

[@marybull3715]

Thank you for this, Love it. My Japanese daughter in law gave me some of her late mothers kimono, as she knows I adore kimono fabric. Taking them apart was an interesting process, though there is one I can not bare to take apart at all, it has been adjusted I imagine at home as there are over each shoulder signs that collar to sleeve was too long, and the adjustment was done on the outside, It has been an interesting process. I plan to watch more of your videos.

[@TheLadySeras]

This is amazing! I was born in Japan and have always wanted to make my own Kimono and Yukata. Also my first cocovid! So very excited

[@HikiibatoHada]

I love watching and hearing about the different types of traditional dress. Congratulations on being the first! 🎉 I want to understand them all and how I can wear them, however I am very new to the vocabulary and their uses: are there beginner videos of yours you would recommend (especially for any gender neutral/men's garments)?

[@BillyMatsunaga]

Oh, I’ve plenty of sich videos on my channel. About the vocabulary: it’s something one has to get used to. I usually try to explain everything as good as I can. Kimono is definitely not gender neutral. But recently women wearing men’s kimono is a thing. Unfortunately I’ve seen so far only a few men wearing women’s kimono. I don’t own a men’s ensemble, so right now I can’t make a video about it, but videos will follow in the future once I’ve my husband’s ensemble finished.

[@HikiibatoHada]

@@BillyMatsunaga I look forward to it and in the meantime I'll search through your archives! It will be interesting to see if the gender norm with such dress changes in the future, hopefully with an emphasis on avoiding appropriation. Thank you!

[@Littlebeth5657]

I'm so into kimono and have started my collection! Can't believe I hadn't found your channel before!!! Will be going through all of your videos :D

[@BillyMatsunaga]

Thank you ❤️

[@GoffCosplayCreative]

LOVE your tutorials, Billy! Thank you especially for the tips about how to keep the collar off your neck! I was curious: how long should a fitting hanjuban be?

[@melanialupu]

This video in CoCoVid is how I just found your channel and I am hardcore binging all your videos now! :D I just love them so much! Your ever so slight German accent is so pleasant to hear too! Europe FTW! Also Japan FTW! :D I dream of studying Wasai someday too. Can't really speak any Japanese though so first I have to work on that I guess :)

[@cheerful_something_something]

Thank you for being our first video of cocovid, your video is a fantastic welcome to this extravaganza!

[@BillyMatsunaga]

Thank you so much!! It’s all so new to me!! And then being the first one. Felt pretty stupid! But I’m really happy you enjoyed the video ❤️❤️

[@cheerful_something_something]

@@BillyMatsunaga Not at all! You consistently produce wonderful, interesting and informative videos. Have confidence and courage: )

[@miahan8988]

Hello, I’m a new subscriber from Slovakia! 🤗 I’ve briefly looked at your videos and I can’t wait to watch them all, probably several times 😆🧵💕

[@theresed.g.2081]

OMG this is so helpful! i love your kimono tutorials and i was wondering how to attach the collar. i have to re-tailor my kimonos because im a plus size and use up all those folded fabric in the kimonos itself so it actually closes

[@michellecornum5856]

This was mind blowing! I had no idea about foundational garments under kimono. They look so -- sleek and formal, and rigid, one would not necessarily guess that the undergarments would effect that line. This was very educational. Thank you.

[@SewlockHolmes]

I'm Japanese American and haven't really delved into the traditional dress before (aside from going to obon) so this was really interesting! I'll definitely be sticking around to learn more about my heritage and maybe impress my Obaachan with my new knowledge XD. She always alters our kimono for obon so it would be cool to show her that I'm making an effort to learn too.

[@majbrittkjaer6134]

thank you soo much for this wonderful video, new subscriber here. I have recently bough a couple of beautiful antique kimonos to wear as occation wear as jackets and now Im interested in knowing more and possibly upcycle some. Thank you. And so sweet when you get into the details of the specifics of the the kimonos for tall people. You seem very passionate about it, very interesting.

[@steffi2922]

Love the video! I will definitely try to make my own 2-piece juban soon. Btw what was the name of the secondhand online store for Kimono you mentioned in the beginning?

[@BillyMatsunaga]

Ah! I was so devastated because the video didn’t upload thus I totally forgot! It’s “Shinei”

[@BillyMatsunaga]

Here’s the link www.net-shinei.co.jp/com/

[@steffi2922]

Thank you 😍 I'm definitely going to check it out!

[@spikensalem]

This was great! I was sad to miss the original video when it went live but am really excited I had the time to sit down and enjoy it. Thank you so much! I am definitely hugely interested in learning more about wearing kimono with the mon from a different family on it, especially as a foreign kimono-wearer. I've long been obsessed with mon and crests, so I do own a couple of kimono with them and would be interested in learning a bit more about the appropriateness of it.

[@liessabai]

I am so glad to start CoCovid with this video! It was really interesting, and I immediately got drawn into watching some more of your videos :) So I immediately have a question. I am plus size (EU size 48/50, UK size 20/22), and when I went to Japan two years ago literally nothing in most stores fit me. Except the scarves. I had a big wardrobe emergency (all but one of my pairs of trousers just broke in the first week I was on holiday) and was lucky to find one plus size store where I bought jeans and ended up in a plus size mens store where I bought three pairs of shorts. So if I were to buy a kimono, would I be able to find anything, or would I be better off trying to make one? Same for the other items needed when wearing a kimono, are they produced for tall (1.75m), plus size Europeans without being super touristy or costing an arm and a leg?

[@BillyMatsunaga]

Oh!! This makes me really happy!! Thank you!! Oh, yeah, bigger sized clothing is sooo hard to find in Japan. Even shoes! They end with my size (EU 39) so I’m lucky but I’ve so many non-Japanese friends who have their families send them clothing from home 😢 I always struggle with the sleeve length. They are always too short!!! Anyway, kimono is even trickier, because the width of kimono rolls is limited. However, there are some stores who sell wider kimono (yay!). But at a second hand store you wouldn’t be as lucky. Well, long story short: make yourself one! It’s so easy and you can be 100% sure it’ll fit you ❤️

[@liessabai]

@@BillyMatsunaga thanks for the info! I am by no means an experienced sewer, but I will definitely look into this. And I am glad to have found your channel, just for aaaaaalll the pretty kimonos!

[@illusion513]

While I am almost sort of plus sized (EU 44) I am plus sized in the sense that I am 175cm. Height is not as much of a problem with at least the two Yukata's I bought at a Japanese market in the netherlands. BUT I will say, that if I were to gain any weight, my Yukata would not properly close any more. So indeed, you would probably want to make it yourself.

[@aerolb]

Discovered your channel through CoCoVid - love the videos!

[@BillyMatsunaga]

Thank you so much ❤️❤️ your comment makes me very happy!

[@sewingforyourlife]

Oh wow..now i want to know more and more about kimonos, yukatas and jubans! Thank you!!

[@richelleg225]

Can you do a video on where the different formality kimono are appropriate to wear? It seems like only komon are for daily wear or shopping.

[@MPam1619]

What a fancy undergarment!!

[@kirstenpaff8946]

I came here because of CoCoVid. Thank you for the interesting video. Kimono are not something I know a lot about and it was fascinating to learn how many rules and technical terms there are surrounding their construction. One thing I did wonder about is whether the traditional sizing rules were just the result of historical fabric width limitations. I know that European silk weavers historically only produced very narrow fabrics. Maybe it was the same for Japanese weavers and the widths just kind of stuck around even after wider fabric production became possible.

[@BillyMatsunaga]

Yes, exactly! Lots of sizes in kimono are a result of the fabric production. The first kimono rolls were woven by hand, so the width couldn’t be wider than one’s shoulder width. And that didn’t change until today (usually between 34-40cm). But still, when I talked about “standard size” that were things that were introduced after the Second World War and has nothing to do with the kimono roll width. And I’m so happy that someone noticed that kimono sewing is a whole different thing with its own techniques and terminology. It’s super fun! But as a result I know nothing about making non-kimono-related clothing 🙈🙈

[@kirstenpaff8946]

@@BillyMatsunaga Thank you so much for the further explanation. Were the post-WWII standard sizes the result of more people buying premade Kimono in department stores? Also, don't feel bad about your sewing skills. You are way ahead of me. My actual sewing abilities are limited to that one time I made a pillowcase that didn't look completely terrible. I just have a vague knowledge of Western fashion history and sewing techniques because I binge ungodly amounts of Costube videos.

[@irishughes6148]

I have treated many pieces of clothing and even leather shoes with spray Lysol and have had success in killing Mold spores. I saturate the article of clothing or shoes and then I put them in a plastic bag for a few days and then open then up into the sunshine. This has worked for me. I figured the things were ruined to begin within why not try this method and sure enough it worked.

[@jonlilley2832]

You look great in Kimono, Billy! Keep up the great work! Women wearing kimono say, 'Oh, a man has it easier than a woman wearing Kimono,' but what they've never experienced is a fundoshi. OMG, I've never been more uncomfortable in my life. There just wasn't enough room in that apartment for my 'furniture' and the twisted yardage running right beside your tail bone is grueling. No, actually, they're torture!!! And yes, I had assistance from someone who always wore kimono too! I've never felt like screaming so much in my life! Thank goodness for western shitagi!

[@HeraldHealer]

Did the patern show through under the shear summer weight kimono? It certainly came out looking great.

[@pqjones0729]

This video is amazing! I am so excited that CoCoVid introduced me to your channel and I am eager to see more of your videos! Thank you!!

[@BillyMatsunaga]

Thank you so much ❤️

[@ellebarker9035]

Love the videos. I was 5:30 in to this video when I realized she meant mourning kimono and not morning kimono. 🤦🏾‍♀️

[@mrsthe97]

Great tutorial! Thanks for the info. 😊

[@aurielMoon]

I want to see an upcycle to a haori! I've got an old kimono I bought for about a dollar- It's a really nice peachy cream color with tiny fans dotted on it, but the bottom hem is completely destroyed. I think it would look really nice as a haori

[@vvkelly97]

Yay!!

[@BillyMatsunaga]

Woop woop!! 🥳🥳

[@DAYBROK3]

thank you for both the information and the badge.

[@reysg6132]

Do you know where one would find a pattern to make a Juban from scratch? Or is it identical to a kimono itself?

[@kzisnbkosplay3346]

For me the most intimidating part of wearing Kimono is what I don't know. There is so much symbolism, it is super easy to say something inaccurate by wearing it wrong! Because it's hard to know what to look for, it feels like stumbling across factoids or getting it wrong is the only way to learn it, and you will always have more to learn.

[@BillyMatsunaga]

Hm... there is actually less symbolism than you might think. But yes, there is always something to learn about kimono. Less about it’s “symbolism” but more about how it’s made and worn. And the worst thing you can do is being afraid to make mistakes!

[@kzisnbkosplay3346]

@@BillyMatsunaga Maybe I'm just paranoid, because I have no idea how many times I wore it wrapped the wrong way before I found out that only corpses wore it backwards. Wow, that sounds way more macabre when I read it back than I meant it to be!

[@dlm4708]

aah so hard to get them here cheaply! I have in mind a design for mofuku which is (outdated) and most of all, difficult. Because it involved embroidering poetry and jorougumo, a particular golden weaver and late summer to early Autumn...

[@avinalobosoftfocus1881]

Ive purchased an old kimono and want to convert the kimono into a dress but not a western style dress. The length of the kimono is very short n above my ankles so it cant be worn as a kimono anyway . I am hoping to keep the body of the kimono intact and only take off the sleeves and turn them into regular sleeves and reattach them to the kimono. Struggling with ideas as I cant find anyone who has done the same!

[@nightingaleiom]

Please send link to buy funeral kimono !

[@jennglow4647]

Very pretty 😀

[@insertwhimsicalnamehere4398]

Can women wear a men’s hakama? If not why? Is there certain colors or structure differences?

[@laartje24]

It is nice to see some different cultures. I mean nothing wrong with victorian and edwardian but there is so much more interesting stuff

[@BillyMatsunaga]

Yassss!! THANK YOU!!!!! ❤️❤️❤️

[@bridgetthewench]

I absolutely agree! There's a whole world of fashion history, and it's so awesome learning new things about different cultures.

[@sarahr.4318]

Thank you so much for this video! I will watch more later! 😺

[@BillyMatsunaga]

Thank you 😊❤️

[@AspenWolfe]

You could make some coordinating masks with some of the extra cotton?

[@BillyMatsunaga]

Oh, i already have made so many that I would find it a waste... 🙈🙈

[@amaz6884]

Definitely something I want to try ! thank you very much for your amazing advices and contents ! Still have to finish my haori before starting to do such project ! :O I have already bought light fabric to sew a juban, no surprise it's probably going to be a han juban + susuyoke, ha ha ! :D

[@BillyMatsunaga]

Hihi! Can’t wait to see your haori and juban 😍😍❤️

[@rachelonishi2546]

I’m quite tall myself, (183 cm) and whenever I wore yukata at a matsuri, it was always so awkward feeling.

[@BillyMatsunaga]

A yukata in your size will make that so much better. (I’m not tall at all btw... I’m only regarded as tall in Japan. I’m tiny!)

[@rachelonishi2546]

Yeah, I wish I could have one in my size. I believe that mine was from Uniqlo. Still fun, but definitely not made for me, haha. Maybe one day I’ll be ambitious enough to make one or rich enough to get one made!

[@spiritualtruthseeker1947]

It is truly a pleasure to watch a sewing vlog from someone with advanced sewing skills. I sometimes find myself frustrated watching creatives present themselves as professionals when they don't know the first thing about straightening grains or cutting fabrics.

[@TealCheetah]

It looks so good!

[@catzrulez910]

Hello! Thank you for sharing your video ^^ i've seen some 2nd hand haori for sale online, and i'd like to ask what the visible seams on the edges of the sleeves are called, and what are they there for? (I asked in another video from yours jic you also see the same question there, you can ignore that one ^^")

[@BillyMatsunaga]

Do you mean the white basting?

[@catzrulez910]

@@BillyMatsunaga yes! i looked it up, and they look like basting stitches on the ends of the sleeves. May i ask why they are there for? Is it a design choice if ever?

[@BillyMatsunaga]

I’ve also talked about basting in this video (decorative as well as functional basting), but I’ve also a whole video dedicated to this topic on my channel.

[@catzrulez910]

@@BillyMatsunaga oh alright! I must've missed that part, i'll go through the video again ^^ thank you!

[@Amarfa]

Thank you! Very informative!

[@kittykanzashi82]

You made it!

[@BillyMatsunaga]

Yaaaaay!!! Thanks for keeping up with me ❤️❤️

[@craftylaurelj7503]

I enjoyed your relaxed style of video. This was my first time on your channel. I will be back. :)

[@GO01]

This issue with the collars cutting into your neck is something that's bothered me a LOT as a plus size person. On top of widening the cut at the neck the really really wide collar pull (chikara nuno?) helps me too.

[@Yukimiko0001]

I loved your video, but know I am even surer that I will part with my kimono. Maybe someone will love AND wear it.

[@BillyMatsunaga]

Oh... You’ll surely find a good new home for it... although it’s a little sad that you became surer to give up kimono, when watching my video 😢

[@Yukimiko0001]

@@BillyMatsunaga it just reassured me that it is something special that might be cherished by someone like you so nothing to be sad about. It is resting in my closet for such a long time now, that the decision had to be made and I didn't want to cut it up into purses. It is a soft yellow yusen print one.

[@siby913]

excellent video!!👏👏😊

[@dawnmorningstar]

Wonderful!

[@МарияПолетаева-ы8щ]

I wonder how tall you are.

[@cofoothills]

Is there an English translation book of all the kimono & other Japanese garment construction? Text books or how-to guides, etc. with all the terms and "norms" for the proper/acceptable ways to wear the garments? I know you went to school for a long time to learn all this. I would suggest, if these books do not currently exist, that you write them. I, and I am sure many others, a quite interested and would buy them. ** Edit: Oh wait.... is this it? kumakimonokoi.wordpress.com/category/kimono-textbook/

[@lorirodriguez1525]

Billy Matsunaga can you wear leggings under your Komodo if you don’t have a underwear for your Komodo

[@chinesecabbagefarmer]

oh wow!

[@bundiuandru5610]

bily the size of that it.s made bifore , imagine the size of the neek and after cut ,bot cut a circle , that make a lift up ori down it depends of person,s body mesurnents were the jiban rests it,s the point were the other leier it.s think 12 times on 12 leyers..

[@christinp.7755]

Dreistellig! Weiter so 😉

[@BillyMatsunaga]

Hihi! Danke 😊💕

[@tinkasze1825]

*_* tolles Video , ich liebe upcyclings

[@petuniaandpoppy4615]

I wish you would have showed the finished product at the beginning. This video was really long.

[@verybarebones]

Ah in my culture black clothes have always been the most elegant clothes and i find the black kimono so beautiful, I'm a bit sad to hear it's a mourning kimono and inappropriate to wear!

[@astridpiepschyk8899]

Six adverts popped up during this video, that's too many! It really interrupts the flow of the video and just as I'm getting engrossed in what I'm watching, an ad pops up. Change your settings to be one ad at the beginning and one during the video, that's less disruptive than the six I just put up with.

[@BillyMatsunaga]

Thank you for your honest opinion. However, I give a lot worthy information in this video for free and all you have to do is keeping up with a 6 commercials (I paid more than 10,000€ to become a licensed kimono teacher). I think it’s normal that I want my hard work and experience being paid in some form. I hope you understand.

[@hazeluzzell]

Doesn’t make much economic sense to make garments that no one is going to buy to wear.

[@xiola]

Did you watch the video? She didn't say that they are making new ones - the point was that you can buy them cheaply on the second-hand market. (for much, much cheaper than the second-hand price for a regular silk kimono, therefore it's a good value).

[@hazeluzzell]

Yes I did watch the video. Due to a hearing problem, I didn’t catch all that she said.

[@sadapu7842]

Why aren't you cooking dinner for husband, why does he have to work all day for no dinner? Get that butt in the kitchen lol

[@marcosrodz1489]

What a boring video. I felt asleep 5 times.

[@BillyMatsunaga]

But you watched it long enough to fall asleep 5 times and interacted with a comment, so thank you! (Also for your honest opinion 😊) oh, and youtube is hard work. If you don’t believe me, try to make a better video and send me the link so I can watch it 😉

[@HikiibatoHada]

I have found that it doesn't matter how exciting or unexciting a video is, if you're tired enough you'll fall asleep anyway.

[@DAYBROK3]

its a sewing video, you were expecting explosions? personally i found it soothing, which at this time is needed.