I Made a Kimono to Attend a Japanese Wedding // Turning an Old Kimono into my Size

I was invited to the wedding of my husband's cousin and was in urgent need for an unlined kimono that would be suitable for a wedding. So I took the opportunity to remake a formal kimono that was gifted to me into my size.
When you want to learn more about sewing kimono. Here are my kimono sewing tutorials:
"How to Make a Kimono - The Easy Way"
• How to Make an *Authen...
"How to Make a Men's Kimono"
• How to Sew a Men's Kim...
"I sewed a kimono with traditional Japanese techniques"
• I sewed a kimono with ...
Learn more about summer kimono:
• All about Summer Kimon...
Thank you so much for watching!!
Meet me on Patreon in an online kimono workshop twice a month!
/ billymatsunaga
You want to book a lesson with me?
www.billymatsunaga.com
Instagram
@biriinyan ( biriinyan?...)
Twitter
@briinyan ( / biriinyan )
Music:
"Mizuki" by Bad Snacks
"Halfway" by Bad Snacks
"Dreams" from bensound.com
"Subway Dreams" by Dan Henig
"Wake" by Rick Steel
"Broken" by Patrick Patrikios
"Kimono Life" by Sondey
Intro Soundeffect:
Kabuki Shout ち音楽堂 (www.c-ongaku.com/ongaku2.html)

[@ceruleanskies001]

A relative gifted to me a second hand bag pattern not long ago. Then I found my son's old baby carrier while decluttering and decided to unpick the carrier and use the print fabric to sew into the bag. Now I carry the memory of carrying him on our hiking adventures with me in new ways. It was nice to see your process of turning a gifted kimono into something that fit you well. It was beautiful.

[@BillyMatsunaga]

Ah! That’s such a wonderful story. The bag must be beautiful! Thanks for sharing ❤️

[@jackiejames4551]

The kimono turned out beautifully. I loved how the flowers matched up, even on the sleeves.

[@BillyMatsunaga]

Thank you ❤️

[@sharonrimsza7960]

Patience…beautiful unlined Kimono.

[@toodleloos]

that orange is so beautiful!! it came out great and it was nice that you were able to remake and revive a precious item 🧡

[@BillyMatsunaga]

Thank you! 💚

[@RockinTheBassGuitar]

This was such a delightful kimono, I'm so glad you can give it new life. I love that you took the time to preserve the entire original even while you resized it.

[@vasil3ubr33]

Oh it's always a delight to watch a video on kimono making!! Puts me in a mood to sew as well! Really love the end result!!!

[@BillyMatsunaga]

Yay!! And thank you 💚

[@benjamins.5271]

You were the best dressed person there!

[@kytrvlnurse]

I loved all your sewing outfits in this video but DAY 4 with that deep vibrant purple set my heart to fluttering. The unlined kimono turned out beautifully as well. I don't have a desire to make a kimono, but I love learning about kimono making. Your video style makes it easy to follow and understand.

[@YamiHikariHime]

My friend who taught me how to wear kimono introduced us to her best friend who also wore kimono. We only knew her for a short time and she was the most loveliest person ever. Sadly, she passed away and her family gifted her kimono to our friend. Since the kimono was for a larger person our friend gifted it to my partner and we recently wore her kimono to a matsuri. It was really special because it felt like we were able to bring her with us.

[@SewingBoxDesigns]

I love your green ombre kimono! I just wanted to say as a western clothing seamstress, it took me years to TRIPPLE check my left and right sleeves. If I only double checked, I would end up with 2 left sleeves, or two right sides or some rediculous combo. I was taught to lay out patterns single layer to make best use of fabric. We all have a habit that's hard to shake! 🤣 Thank you for this informative chanel!

[@BillyMatsunaga]

Oh, those tiny mistakes and habits you just can’t get rid of 🙈🙈 I’m happy I’m not the only one ❤️

[@hinas_for_life]

You did a great job of sewing the Kimono, the colours are really beautiful. Also by resewing the Kimono you breath life into it again. I inherited a formal Kimono set from my Japanese grandfather thaT I have to get around to finding matching fabric to lenghten the sleves as my grandfather was very short and I am 187cm!

[@BillyMatsunaga]

Worst case: let it dye into the same color!! Japanese dyers can make wonders happen and it’s usually not too expensive. But it’s such a lovely idea to lengthen it 💚💚💚💚

[@mirabellegoldapfel6256]

Oh yes, refashion clothes always has a beautiful nostalgic factor in it! To lenghten your grandfathers kimono sleeves you may also consider using a contrasting fabric (maybe from second hand kimono from ebay or so) like they do in Shogos video kzbin.info/www/bejne/hKi4YX6BiMl9eK8 with the haori. That might be easier to achieve if you should live outside japan.

[@mknunley5155]

I love to hear you say it's OK to "REMAKE" (mottainai) ! This is what I do with vintage & antique kimono & obi fabric. Your kimono is absolutely beautiful & your matching of the pattern exquisite!! LOVE to watch your videos - thank you SO much. MK in Virginia, USA

[@bonniecolleenpappin8807]

Beautiful! Thank you for sharing.

[@dakotatwilight]

That is a stunning kimono. The bride is so pretty too. Now I have an idea how to get pattern to match if I have to rework a kimono into hitoe. You look absolutely gorgeous in orange. I have found that I don't do well in either yellow or orange, but in kimono I can wear any color and it suits, strange is it not? I love the concept of honoring the previous owner by resewing and wearing their kimono.

[@BillyMatsunaga]

It’s the kimono magic ❤️

[@hodgeh]

The kimono came out awesome! Your sewing room came out awesome too!

[@BillyMatsunaga]

Thank you 💚

[@WantedVisual]

The marumi thing made me laugh. Some of my internet friends have been egging me on to make a kimono, so I spent some time re-watching your kimono sewing tutorial, taking measurements, and so on. I printed your marumi, realized cereal box cardboard was not the best material if I ever wanted to make a second kimono, went through a host of options and realized, I have several relatives with 3D printers. So... I spent about an hour yesterday recreating your marumi in Tinkercad. It's not been test printed, so it might still go horribly wrong, but I'm hopeful that, if I make a second kimono, I won't have to retake my measurements from having to munch my way through another box of cereal. Disclaimer, because the internet likes to escalate things: I do not intend to use this model for anything other than a tool for my personal, non-commercial sewing adventures.

[@BillyMatsunaga]

Printing it with a 3D printer is such a good idea!!!

[@MadMakerWorkshop]

Laser cuting it is even more fun :)

[@NemuiLiz]

Ich liebe die Farbe vom Kimono!!!

[@susannahallanic1167]

Watching someone learning to sew and loving the challenge is so wonderful. It is always a challenge, by the way.

[@BillyMatsunaga]

Thank you 😊

[@jewelnelson5597]

Oh, I learn so much. Love your choice of colors👍 when I watch NHK news I get excited when I know what they talk about

[@kathrynblack9152]

While I'm watching your very interesting video, I'm repairing a shalwzr kameez set that was a gift. Love international dress and fabrics.

[@linr8260]

The pattern matching is great!

[@BillyMatsunaga]

Thank you!! 💚

[@MrZekarac]

Best one yet!

[@BillyMatsunaga]

Thank you 😊

[@ruthhara4612]

興味深いです!😳 The shade of orange is gorgeous

[@BillyMatsunaga]

Thanks for watching ❤️

[@mackenziew]

Your videos are always a delight! Thanks for sharing with us.

[@BillyMatsunaga]

Thank you 💚

[@jackiegoss5485]

It would be nice if you taught how to do the undergarments of the kimono but in a plus size

[@elizabethsloan3192]

That is a lovely kimono!

[@BillyMatsunaga]

Thank you 🙈

[@mandylavida]

That fabric is stunning!

[@BillyMatsunaga]

Thank you 😊

[@nicolethompson3782]

I am going to an anime convention and will be wearing a kimono that I am trying to make as formal as I can but not sure if I should get geta or zori

[@julithewizards1358]

LOL, a "no eating in this room" rule would be quite hard for me, because the sewing machine is placed in the kitchen.The only room the cats aren't allowed. (To their dismay.)

[@michellestrickland7613]

Beautiful.

[@the_dark_forest]

I know it's hard work but you make it look so easy. When I am brave enough to try this, I'm sure it will end up looking like something completely different. But the only way to improve is to practise, right? You look wonderful in that kimono, and I love love love that first orange kimono you're wearing in this video. It's sensational. They both are. Thank you for sharing your journey and allowing us to learn from it

[@digitalartscrafts]

lol same, help

[@TealCheetah]

What a beautiful kimono!

[@BillyMatsunaga]

Thank you 😊

[@AlexNik]

awesome!

[@BillyMatsunaga]

Thank you 😊

[@charliecat5686]

I love this video!! It so funny, I mentioned this exact sort of video on the Discord server a couple of weeks ago! You were already working on it! Thank you so much for the great content!

[@BillyMatsunaga]

And I also said in that chat that this video was coming 😊

[@larabella20]

I love your videos! Your kimono looks amazing!

[@BillyMatsunaga]

Thank you ❤️

[@loredanascolari494]

You're very talented Billy. I enjoy very much your videos🤩

[@BillyMatsunaga]

Thank you ❤️

[@dynademerritt5337]

I am so excited to see this! I loved seeing your posts on this, it looks so good!

[@BillyMatsunaga]

Thank you 😊

[@curry5136]

Makes me really wanna sew another kimono 😌

[@BillyMatsunaga]

Oh, please do! 💚

[@aurex.untimely]

THIS LOOKS SO GOOD, BILLY!! You did really well matching the patterns across the seams! I think it looks stunning. :) I had a question! In theory, if I wanted to make a vintage kimono fit me better, what seams would I be able to let out?

[@BillyMatsunaga]

Thank you 😊 it’s more common take the kimono apart and remake it your size. So that’s hard to say. Especially because it also depends on your and the kimono’s size.

[@aurex.untimely]

@@BillyMatsunaga Ah I see. I don't have anyone here in the US who could do the araihari for me, otherwise I might. I ask because my grandma gave me a kimono and I would love for it to fit me better, but because it is vintage, the width is very hard to work with. I am okay with it being a little shorter, I just wish it was wider and didn't know if there were any seams I could let out by chance. I am worried I will ruin it 😅

[@theHaru20]

If it's about width you could take the sleeves off and widen it at the side seam. And then put the sleeves back on. That would mean minimal sewing. But you'll have to check if there is enough fabric there (remaking it completely is still the best option as Billy said. But if you want to DIY it in the US, I think manipulating at the side seam is your next best option 😊)

[@aurex.untimely]

@@theHaru20 thank you so so much! I will check to see if thats an option. i appreciate it

[@juliemiller9258]

It is a joy to watch you stitch this way and it makes me want to practice stitching in this fashion. This fabric was so beautiful, you gave the kimono a great deal of respect and future life restitching it into your size. Beautiful! Daily stitching practice? Do you practice any Sashiko stitching? This has become a new passion of mine. As a quilter that does do some stitching every day, I do see the positive results of my daily stitching. Keep sewing and sharing! I am learning so much!

[@BillyMatsunaga]

Sashiko is definitely on my list to try 😊

[@juliemiller9258]

@@BillyMatsunaga I am sure many of us will follow your learning experience with Sashiko stitching as well. As a quilter, I am fascinated with Sashiko with Boro mending as a way to use the fabric I have and really try not to buy new fabric off the bolt. For you to restitch this beautiful old kimono to your size really explains to me how much life a single kimono can have.

[@silkvelvet2616]

It's absolutely gorgeous! It's also lovely to see these garments not cut up and sold as bits. I sell my handmade ceramic yarnbowls, pindishes etc at The Knitting and Stitching Show in London every year and last year there was a vendor selling cut up kimono and obiage. It made me so sad to see after watching your videos that colour in the history kimono

[@fischersgirl1720]

Some kimono are so damaged that it gets a second life after being cut. I had a kimono that had several spots where moths had eaten the fabric. It sat in my closet after that for 4 years before I pulled them out and made wrap pants out of it. Though I do understand some people don’t know what to do with them and just cut them up to sell, which is sad. But those pieces beyond saving do get use which is great! 😊

[@BillyMatsunaga]

Unfortunately most sellers don’t check if the kimono is actually stained or not, so it’s really sad when I see ppl cutting kimono into pieces 🥲

[@fischersgirl1720]

@@BillyMatsunaga that is sad and unfortunate 😢 I’ve repaired at least two that had a slight cut to the material but it sad to think they don’t even check them

[@silkvelvet2616]

@@fischersgirl1720 these looked in very good condition, however, they were mostly polyester. It was almost a year ago, but I don't remember if any were of quality fibres. The really special pieces were hung up in the booth where they couldn't be touched. I do agree that if something is damaged beyond reasonable repair, then putting the useable fabric to good use is best practice. I also feel that the construction of kimono may play a part in why they frequently get cut up. The basic shapes of the pieces make it very easy to repurpose even if they are in good condition.

[@Alienne4]

All your outfits during the sewing days were so cute!!! I'm obsessed with the pink obi you were wearing on day 2 (tiramisu day, hahaha). Was that a secondhand find or did you buy it new? If it's available to buy somewhere I would love to check it out :D

[@BillyMatsunaga]

That is one I made myself 😊 I bought the fabric so long ago, I don’t think it’s available anymore 🙈

[@nata3a321]

Such a beautiful kimono. Thank you for the video. Lovely remake. Question: is there a need to secure the sides and the back hem of the kimono to ensure it will not pull apart when a wearer sits down? Hand stitching makes me worried that one would get a split him on the bum.

[@reidennn]

do you think you could do a video of how to make a maiko kimono please? you are such a great kimono teacher and KZbinr

[@BillyMatsunaga]

We’ll see. But right now I’m working on a different bigger project, so definitely not in any heat future.

[@reidennn]

@@BillyMatsunaga cannot wait to see what you'll make!

[@beepbopboop3221]

Do you use special pins? I thought silk gets holes from pins. Are they ball point pins? I haven't sewn with silk very much but I use ball point pins in jersey and nylon fabric so that is my guess. My Grandmother is Japanese and she made me a kimono when I was a child but I would like to sew and adult one. I did wear kimono when I got married but I didn't know that I should have got it tailored. No one in America knows how to work with kimono anyway. Grandma just made some extra folds when I got dressed to adjust things. Grandma wanted to wear western clothing to my wedding so my sister got to wear Grandma's orange kimono that she had previously worn to my parents wedding. My adopted daughter wore my childhood kimono to my wedding. I still don't know how to tie and obi on my self and I was not able to get a Juban so I had a regular summer dress underneath to protect the silk from skin oils. My Dad is the oldest and I think I have his silk child kimono but my son was not able to wear it due to wear and tear. My brother had 3 younger brothers. I think they all wore it. Then it was stored improperly. I would love to know what I should do to preserve this family heirloom. My brother did not have any sons so unless my son has sons, no one else will be wearing it.

[@BillyMatsunaga]

Yes, I’m only using wasai (kimono sewing supplies) you can get in Japan. Because of the kimono culture, they have a ton of different silk needles here. They are a pleasure to sew with. Can only recommend 😊

[@beepbopboop3221]

@@BillyMatsunaga interesting!

[@hasitdawnedonyou]

You sound out of breathe throughout the video. Are you okay? Great job on the kimono! Also can you do a collab with kimono mum?

[@Shine_likea_star]

It is possible for you to show how to make a kimono with the *liner* inside?

[@KimonoFashion]

😍😍😍😍😍😍

[@charlottelee1152]

Always enjoy your sewing videos! Will you be interesting in turning some second hand kimono into a modern type of outfit? I saw some books published teaching people to repurpose the kimono fabrics and got very curious. By the way, I also inherited some kimono pieces and accessories which made me so so excited and honor!

[@BillyMatsunaga]

Probably never. I wear kimono every day, so I rather want to make stuff I actually wear 😅

[@rachelkanode2063]

So beautiful, I love that it's a very close match to your rami kimono. Does ebamoyou (絵羽模様) make altering kimono into "plus size" difficult? Or would a person with a larger measurement have to get a special type of print?

[@BillyMatsunaga]

That depends on the kimono. There are no standards for dyeing motifs, so you will have to check every single kimono, before you can start sewing.

[@carloshayama69]

😮😮😮❤❤❤👏👏👏

[@benjamins.5271]

Where do you buy araihari?

[@victoriavidaud]

Were you taking in or letting out the kimono? I don’t think you ever said which you were doing lol

[@BillyMatsunaga]

Well, it wouldn’t make any sense, because it’s my size and what would that help?

[@victoriavidaud]

@@BillyMatsunaga oh, I had thought you said you were resizing it as well, my bad XD