Japanese kimonos are truly works of art and in keeping with the practice of combining storage with beautiful home décor; the kimono was often displayed openly in the home.  This miniature kimono can be hung on the wall or displayed on a stand. 

Materials needed:

Kimono:
Fabric of your choice
Silk ribbon to match  (both 1mm and 4mm widths)
Tacky glue

Stand:
Small piece of 1/8” plywood, ½” by 2”
Bamboo skewer
Black paint
Clear spray lacquer
Wood glue

The pattern for your kimono is a simple T shape.  The sleeves are 3 ¾” wide by 1 1/2“ tall and the body of the kimono is 4“ long from neck to hem and 1 3/4“ wide under the sleeves.  You’ll be cutting two pieces this same size.

On one piece, cut a small tab at the top to create the collar on the back.  On the other piece, cut a V shape in the center for the neckline on the front.  Cut the front piece in half, straight down from the bottom of the V to create both sides of the front.

Cut two piece of 1mm ribbon and glue them to the edges of the front sleeves.  Trim the edges so they are flush with the fabric.  Cut two pieces of 1mm ribbon and glue them to the edges of the two kimono front pieces.  Trim the edges so they are flush with the fabric.

Using a toothpick, carefully apply a thin line of glue to the edges of the back of the kimono on the wrong side of the fabric, following the line of the top of the sleeves, the bottom of the sleeves, and the sides of the body.  Avoid getting any glue on the sleeve openings.

Carefully lay the two front pieces on top of the back and gently pat the edges with your finger to bond the glue.  Avoid dragging your finger over the fabric as this will cause excessive fraying of the edges.  Allow the glue to dry and then trim the edges to remove any fraying. 

Measure a length of the 4mm ribbon to drape around the neck of the kimono for the obi (sash).  Fold the ribbon over the neckline and finger press it to keep its shape.  If desired, you can cut oriental designs from fabric or rice paper and glue them to the front of the kimono sleeves.  The designs on this kimono are "mons" or family crests.  Allow the glue to dry.

Kimono Stand

Measure the height of the inside of your kimono from shoulder to hem and cut two lengths of bamboo skewer to that height.  Measure the width of your kimono sleeves, subtract ½” and cut one piece of bamboo skewer to that width. 

Cut the piece of 1/8” thick plywood to size and sand it smooth.  Using a dremel or manual drilling tool, make two holes in the plywood about one inch apart.  Be sure that the holes are centered in the plywood to maintain proper balance.  The holes should be the same diameter as your bamboo skewers.

Glue the long pieces of bamboo into the holes and allow the glue to dry.

Glue the shorter piece of bamboo horizontally across the tops of the other bamboo skewers. 

After the glue has dried completely, paint the stand black.  For a shinier look, give it a coat of clear spray lacquer after the paint has dried.

Gently open the kimono and position it on the stand.   Hang the obi around the neck of the kimono.