How to Sew an Obi

Finally the tutorial of how to design and sew you own obi. This video will show you how to make a hanhaba obi (半幅帯) with any fabrics you like. I talk about sizes and also what fabrics are good to make an obi. Further, you can see how to make a heko obi (兵児帯), too!
My playlist for obi styles:
• Cute & Voluminous Obi ...
Thank you so much for watching!!
Meet me on Patreon in an online kimono workshop twice a month!
/ billymatsunaga
You want to book a individual kimono lesson with me? Find out more!
→ www.billymatsu... ←
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Twitter
@briinyan ( / biriinyan )
Music:
"Mizuki" by Bad Snacks
"Wake" by Rick Steel
"Gaiety in the Golden Age"
"Drunken Countess" - Verified Picasso
"Dreams" from bensound.com
"Kimono Life" by Sondey
"Subway Dreams" by Dan Henig
"Half Day" by Bad Snacks
"Shibuya" by Bad Snacks
Intro Soundeffect:
Kabuki Shout ち音楽堂 (www.c-ongaku.co...)

[@happinessescape]

“if it doesn’t show up, ♡ no one cares ♡ “ uuuuughghghhh I just love this about you Billy!!!! Not only are you super knowledgeable about your field, and beautifully, anti-gatekeep-y, but you are so silly and practical that I can’t help but that your on-camera self is also your authentic, friendly personality

[@kellyezebra]

I know it’s disappointing for you, Billy, when you aren’t able to finish a project in the time you’ve planned (which is just the nature sometimes of doing sewing or crafting projects) but I get really excited when you say, “I will have to finish tomorrow,” because we get to see more kimono and styles!

[@haitanie100sure]

As useful as always, thank you very much! I'm from Sakhalin, which happens to be a part of Russia, so i can't purchase anything from foreign stores, cards are not accepted. I have been wanting a kimono for a year and a half now, i believe, but the current situation is not affording me to get one. I hope the end will come soon, this is all so cruel and frightening... I found your sewing videos, and with all my love for japanese culture and kimono espessially, I want to at least try making it. All my sewing expirience is a school skirt, a shirt and an apron from the first years of middle school programs, so I practically don't know if I even be able to do the easiest part, but I should try at first to make those statements :) Listening about kimono history is breathtaking. Thank you again for letting us know so many new things

[@theaveragesquirrel3476]

I can't believe how jealous I am that you have interfacing just for obi. Japan thinks of everything!

[@boopbeep]

Ahhhh, Billy-San thankyou so much!! I’m still building my kimono wardrobe and your tutorials have been so much help!!!this is so cool to see because one of the hardest things for me has been limited access to obi and not knowing how to make them.

[@BillyMatsunaga]

And obi are so much fun to make ❤️

[@fikanera838]

How gorgeous is the pleated, fluffy obi! I want to wear it with all my clothes!

[@BillyMatsunaga]

Sounds like a cool idea 🌟

[@juliemiller9258]

These were such cute and beautiful obi! I personally would love to make myself an obi of small to tiny quilt blocks. I have seen one worn in a quilting magazine years ago and I still think of it!

[@BillyMatsunaga]

Yes!! A quilt obi! That sounds wonderful ❤️

[@LittleSpaceCase]

I saw a video a long time ago where someone used a maru obi and tied it to look like a maiko's darari obi. I would love to see you try this out !

[@fikanera838]

I love your Darth Vader/sparkly obi! It looks perfect with your star earrings. ⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@BillyMatsunaga]

Thank you 😊

[@WantedVisual]

The iron-on tape is also available at Ikea! They have it in their SY line, as a way to hem curtains without a sewing machine. Love the tutorial! I cut out fabric for a hanhaba obi three days ago annnnd... Didn't know I'm not supposed to piece interfacing. Or that it's supposed to go on both sides. I'm also still pattern matching, because the fabric was pretty enough that I forgot I'd have to do that. I also completely read over the bit in the description saying it's meant to for curtains that block out sunlight. This obi might be a tad unstable, but at least it'll keep a room with very narrow windows nice and dark.

[@BillyMatsunaga]

Great tip! Thank you! Curtain textiles are great obi. You won’t need a double layer of interfacing then 😉 can’t wait to see it!

[@Eudeline_A]

The heko obi part is exactly what I was looking for. Thank you Billy!

[@lynn6297]

Thank you so much for this tutorial!! I have two questions though: 1. How long did you cut the fabric pieces, before you joined them to make one side of the obi? (just looking for an average) 2. What strength of iron-on interfacing would you suggest for hanhaba/full-sized obi? My country sells them with different numbers for strength, but I can't find any guide on what an obishin would compare to. Looking forward to your next video!

[@BillyMatsunaga]

The length depends on how long you want make your obi and how much you want to spend on fabric. You can of course make it out one piece, but that will make it more expensive. I usually calculate exactly how much will need according to the width of the fabric and length of outcome, so I won’t have any leftovers. Anyway, when you just want to get started and try, I recommend 1.5m ☺️ about the interfacing: try to find an interfacing that is a stiffer cotton weave. Hope this helps! ❤️

[@lynn6297]

@@BillyMatsunaga Thank you for the answer! Will be using it when I try to follow your tutorial soon.

[@mayalynn]

I just realized that KZbin hasn't been sending me alerts when you post, so I'm here leaving adoring comments to persuade the algorithm that this is infact useful and wonderful content that I want to see!

[@BillyMatsunaga]

Thank you so much! ❤️❤️ I hope YT is going to cooperate

[@raquanwilliams5572]

Billy-san! Thank you for this! I only have 2 Hanhaba Obi, one flat and one regular, so this is gonna help! I have sooo many Nagoya Obi but I like things I can tie quickly for my 家庭用着. Thank you for always being so informative and inclusive! 😃💜 ところで、 did you have any confidence issues when wearing kimono abroad casually? I wear mine but sometimes I feel weird 🤣

[@BillyMatsunaga]

When you search among my older videos, you’ll find a conversation with some kimono friends who live abroad. They had some great tips 😊

[@bellooreoluwa3046]

Please would you consider doing an in depth tutorial for sewing a nagoya obi. I want to build my DIY kimono wardrobe and I've scoured the internet but I haven't found any free resources.

[@maidfordestruction]

I can finally make the halloween themed coord of my dreams!!! >:))

[@crispinsday4755]

I loved your pattern animations!

[@SewingBoxDesigns]

Very cool! Be careful of that sparkle knit, everyone. The sparkles come off with wear and stretching. 😑 Where the arms rub against the body in normal movement will be the first place to go 'bald'.

[@SkiraReed]

Oh my gosh, a Star Wars pattern! Now I need to find Star Wars patterned fabrics and make my own kimono and Obi! 😍😍😍😍

[@mrsthe97]

I would love a video on antique and 2nd hand obi construction!

[@clarethorley6662]

This is really informative and fun! I love both obi, and I was surprised at the range of musubi possible with the heko obi (the fluffy one is adorable!). I also felt your pain at the price of importing fabric XD I live in the UK and imported a couple of fabrics from various countries abroad, and it always hurts when shipping and taxes are added 😭

[@thetimetravellingtailor6323]

In love with your musubi in the sewing part of this video, billy!!! It looks like a flower is blooming from you!

[@ragnkja]

For woven patterns, cutting along the pattern is as good as pulling a thread and cutting along the gap you’ve created in the weave. Unfortunately the same is not true for printed patterns, which don’t always align with the grain of the fabric.

[@BillyMatsunaga]

Well, luckily I was talking about the pattern (!!!!!) and NOT the grain 😉

[@the_dark_forest]

OMG THIS IS SOOOOO PERFECT! It's almost supernatural. I just received the fabric I bought to 'try' to make a hanhaba obi and somehow, here is the video. How is this even possible? WONDERFUL wonderful & Wunderbar. Thank you so much. The timing couldn't be more perfect and as usual, your instructions are clear, consice and super easy to follow (fun too). The history and additional information really makes all the difference and is part of why I love your channel so much. Arigato Gozaimashita ☺☺☺🤍🤍🤍🙏🙏🙏

[@sylvi73]

Billy, you are such a great teacher! Question, when you say you are a stylist, I always wonder, what is an stylist? What an stylist do?

[@L0R3NtheS0URL3M0N]

It would be cool to see some obi that when tied look like an animal at the back! I've seen some that look like foxes, cats, and even fish fins! I was wondering if you had some :)

[@amaz6884]

Wow, that was a super interesting video. I can't wait to sew a nice obi by myself !

[@satapon4129]

Hi Billy, I recently bought a maru obi by accident (I fell in love with the look of it 😅) and I was wondering if you have any tips on how to tie it? Thank you

[@nightfriend4330]

Thank you for sharing this, absolutely love it! I do have some hanhaba obi, but they are way to short for most of the musubi I want to try and it can be a hassle to get long ones in a style I like; so this will be a life saver Is there any chance for you to make a tutorial on the first musubi you did with the heko obi? It looks gorgeous!

[@Capytatoed5875]

Thank you so much for this!! I was looking for a heko obi tutorial and so glad you included one!! Ahhhh. Looks so flufffyyyy. Do you have a tutorial on how to tie it like that? I'd love to know. Thank youuuu

[@joannefothergill7027]

Thankyou for making a video about making obi. There was one thing I didn't understand. Why do you include the facing in the seam allowance? Also: does this have any noticeable effect on the thickness of the obi or effect the way it folds?

[@katjapuputti9612]

Thank you for your wonderful videos, sensei! ^_^ I have been binge watching all of your tutorials as I'm planning to sew my own kimono set. But here I began wondering, is the structure of fukuro nagoya obi mostly the same? So could you use this tutorial but just adjust the length and width?

[@BillyMatsunaga]

Yes! That works wonderful 😊 (It was the reason my I started with this obi type 😉)

[@beejlesweete]

Love this! Will be using your helpful tutorial thank you so much!

[@BillyMatsunaga]

Thank you 🥰

[@olivierplaud3960]

Hello Billy-san, Very good video, you make me want to have a kimono wardrobe. I have a small question: For men, what are the dimensions of the obi? Thank you and have a nice day.

[@BillyMatsunaga]

Width is 8-10cm and length is about 4m 😊

[@olivierplaud3960]

Thank you very much, now I will be able to make lots of obi. 🙂

[@Jenn_Ryuu]

Thank you for the guide how to make one obi myself there :D i do only struggle how long an obi should be if you're plus size so you can make the bow in the back there :(

[@ariessafluffingham2987]

Can you make a haori? I know you made a thin one but how about one for winter? My husband wants one so it would be great to see along. Thanks! So happy you are making more stuff.

[@BillyMatsunaga]

You can use the same pattern and make it out of thicker material 😉

[@nerl7473]

So these are supposed to wrap around your waist 4 times + 80 to 150cm for tying?

[@tinkasze1825]

tolles Video und ich muss sagen deine Haare sehen hammer geil aus :P

[@BillyMatsunaga]

Danke schön ☺️

[@AttackChao]

That kimono you're wearing in the video looks so comfy! What material is it made of, and did you buy it or make it?

[@_aideyn]

Hi! Thank you for this informational video! I was wondering what that black and white fabric (diamond and black for the hanahaba obi and polka dotted with the heko obi) that was tucked into the top of the obi called and do you have any videos about how that piece is formed/worn?

[@katyc.8663]

I recognize that Darth Vadar fabric. XD I've seen it in store. Hmmmm, this is something I could do.

[@BillyMatsunaga]

Hihi 🖤

[@sakurachaan972]

Hi billy thanks so much for this video, I need to make a hanhaba obi and a heko obi so this comes in handy 😊 Quick question: what were the dimensions of your pieces of fabric?

[@RaVen-d4s]

Does the fabric for a hanhaba obi have to be cut into sections and then resewn or can it be one long single piece of fabric (akin to the interfacing)? I bought 4 yards of fabric to make an obi and it is around 52-58 inches wide. So, would I be able to measure out the full 4 yards length-wise, but cut it in a way so that it is around 16 inches wide (to account for an inch or two for seam allowance), sew in the interfacing, then fold the fabric over half-ways and hem/blind stitch it closed? Sorry if that does not make sense. **It is a dark blue floral brocade fabric if that helps.

[@ClaudiaSchmidt-y7k]

Yes, you can. Front and Back can bei the Same fabric and can bei folded over in half.

[@squirrel3443]

Billy, what’s your story in how you ended up in Japan teaching?😊

[@mayoooketchup]

I was wondering which sewing project I could start. Say no more XD And just to be sure, what "really tall" means for Japan: is 1,77m already a plus size?

[@nicolethompson3782]

Your kimono is so pretty! Also I have 2 questions 1) zori or geta for a convention? 2) how long do you think it would take to sew together an entire kimono outfit with a machine (adhd messes with my ability to guess time to make things) Thank you so much for your whole channel it helps so much!

[@BillyMatsunaga]

1) wear whatever footwear you feel comfortable in! 😉 2) depends on you. I’m a slow sewist. On machine and by hand, because I like to take my time.

[@nicolethompson3782]

@@BillyMatsunaga thanks so much! It means quite a lot to me that your channel exists.

[@quietcorvidae]

if you wear geta make sure that it's either a.) entirely outside/on carpet or b.) add something like the little pads on the bottom of chairs to them (walking on uneven tile in geta is a horror game in its own right and takes forever)

[@nightfriend4330]

Take your most comfortable pair regardless of what they are, conventions on painful feet (or blisters) are absolutely no fun! Or wear normal shoes to walk around and only put your geta/zori on for photos

[@jackiegoss5485]

Hi Billy how much fabric did you purchase for the obi in meters please

[@marijastojanovic6585]

Are traditional Nagoya obi double layered ?

[@mylanyoung]

Billy I love your new hair!! Is it permanent or temporary dye?

[@BillyMatsunaga]

Thank you! This color is permanent. You’ll see mire videos with this hair color ☺️

[@kaseikolacek5765]

I love it!! But I am confused and unsure, which musubi can i wear with yukata. It is allowed to wear taiko musubi with nagoya obi? Not that i do not like typical bow with hanhaba obi, just looking for a change :) :)

[@marianadiasteixeira5498]

Can I use a crepe fabric (that doesn't handle shape) to make the heko obi, then use a hanhaba obi over so I have the puffiness of a eterial pillow???? 🤔🤔🤔

[@snorkelsaur7307]

I'm struggling to find interfacing with the right width for this, do you have any links where we can find interfacing like you use?

[@editz.m2205]

Why do YoU sew Them in pieces and not in one line of fabric 😊?

[@eggboy6926]

i tried to find this video by searching "diy obi" and got results for the german hardware store lol

[@lizb7271]

What I find interesting is that the obi is almost exactly a foot in width and the half obi is half a foot (6 inches).

[@BillyMatsunaga]

That’s interesting!

[@MushroomMayhem]

You know... If you ever want to, I'm happy to do a fabric trade with you from the US. I love using vintage materials and have repurposed old kimonos and kimono/obi fabric bolts before, both for my own clothes with larger pieces and ball joined doll clothes with small scraps. I have a huge fabric wearhouse by me I shop at too! (And JoAnn fabrics of course.) If you'd like me to, I can reach out on Instagram DMs and we could figure out logistics! 🥰

[@rbebut1]

Ii noticed how you were folding the seam over and ironing the seam. There is a better way to do this. Iron the entire piece of fabric with the wrong sides flat on the ironing station. Select which direction you want the seam to be placed. Place the seam on top. Open the fabric, starting at one end, then with the iron press the top fabric over the seam moving the iron in a bottom to top direction locking in the seam.

[@BillyMatsunaga]

There is no better way to do this, because this ironing technique is called “kise kake” and the most common ironing technique in kimono sewing. When you use this technique, you’ll get a more authentic look on your kimono items. This time I mainly did it because of the black fabric, but there are more benefits with this technique. Feel free to try it out 😉

[@rbebut1]

@@BillyMatsunaga I quilt.