This weekend we'll be making a short sleeve mid-length kimono pattern using the Linen V-top Pattern I shared with you recently. This is not the first kimono top I have shared with you.
On the previous one, the top actually crosses over and you can tie the top in the front if you wish to do that. I happened to not like tying a top on my waist since I am short-waisted and it makes me look wider than I am. So this is more my style.
This short sleeve mid-length kimono pattern is specially designed with the “apple” body shape figure. This type of figure is very tricky to dress since a protruding stomach might be a bit challenging to hide.
For more thoughts on Tips to Make Your Style Match Your Figure, please check out this popular post.
Pay special attention to my fabric recommendations so you end up with a top that is both flattering and attractive no matter what your size.
The trend this Autumn and Winter is going to be monochromatic outfits cinched at the waist. As I always say; there's no need to always chase the fashion trends to avoid becoming a fashion victim, the classics are always in style.
However, the monochromatic look is one that will notably add elegance and make your outfit look more expensive but we are not going to explore it today. Rather, I am using very thin silk, super soft that I picked up years ago in Bangalore, India. It is not the easiest thing to sew, and I choose not to use fusible interfacing because it would ruin the collar band. However, it does make for a questionable hanger appeal. I do need to steam the seams more, but I have identified the culprit of the bit of puckering in the fabric. The thread is very tight. So I will be taking the stitch out and loosening it a bit to avoid the puckered look at the front.
I am keeping the sides open since the type of vent we are using adds fluidity to the top.
The long neckline will also streamline your figure.
Soft fabric will follow the curves of your body without adding pounds.
Materials
- 2.5 to 3 yards of fabric (depends on size) of silk, rayon, or 20% stretch knit
- Thread to match
- Fusible interfacing matching the length of the front-facing
Tools
- The sewing machine I'm using is the Bernina 350 PE
- French curve ruler
- Yardstick, meter or a large straight ruler
- 2B mechanical pencil
- Eraser (because we all make mistakes)
- Paper scissors
- Sticky tape
Fabric Recommendations from Fabric.com
How to Get the Pattern
I am using the same pattern from the Linen V-Top, so download that pattern and follow me on how to transform it into this short sleeve mid-length Kimono pattern.
You will only need the front and back pieces.
Experience Level
This project is for beginners who want to learn to do a simple pattern transformation. At the end of this series, you will end up with 4 different looks.
Read the additional tutorials before cutting the fabric.
How To Make Your Short Sleeve Mid Length Kimono Pattern
The first thing we will do is to make the opening at the front so the top can be worn open or crossover and tied with a belt. Next, we will elongate the top, we will draft the sleeves, then we will be sewing the top. The whole thing should take you no more than 4 hours to make.
Step One: Transform the Front
Lay the front of the top on the table. Trace a straight line from the neckline to the hemline. This straight line should be parallel to the grainline and to the sideline.
Cut off the front with your paper scissors.
Step Two: Elongate the Top
Follow this tutorial to learn how to lengthen a top. I am making mine 15″ longer, however, lengthen yours by however much you need.
Step Three: Sew the Shoulders
Sew the front to the back at the shoulder seam.
Step Three: Making the Collar and Sleeve
Measure from one side of the collar through the neckline to the end of the other side of the collar hem, plus 3/4″. For example 89″ + 3/4″= 89 3/4″
Step Four: Cut the Collar and Sleeves
Measure the armhole from the front notch to the back and add the seam allowance times two. I go into detail on how to sew the armband or sleeve on STEP FOUR here.
Cut the collar and sleeves on a straight grain line.
Wrong sides together, fold both collar and the cuff of the sleeves in half lengthwise.
Step Five: Sewing the Collar
Attach the collar starting at the hem leaving 3/8″ to fold the hem. Pin the collar all the way to the other side of the top leaving the 3/8″ for the hem.
Step Six: Sewing the Sleeve Cuff
The cuff is sewn in the same way as the Linen V-neck top, so follow that section well.
Ideally, you have already downloaded and made the first top, so this step will be just a breeze for you. If you have not, it is important to read the instructions for the Linen V-Top and understand the sewing procedure.
With that done your Kimono is all finished!
Do you have another idea for transforming the original pattern? The V-neck top pattern is very well suited for transformation and experimenting. Did you like the transformation into a short sleeve mid-length kimono pattern, or would you rather download your own? Do let me know in the comments section below.
A Quick Response To A Comment
I also wanted to take a moment to address a trend that has been happening in the USA and one that causes a bit of confusion for those of us who do not live in the USA and are not familiar with the Politically Correct movement.
Here is a comment I received from a reader on the first Kimono top pattern: “I know you mean well, by calling a top kimono you are culturally appropriating it.”
I did not approve the comment, because where will we end up if we cannot appreciate the works and art of cultures different from our own? Appropriation is such a politically charged word and is used to mean that what we are doing is disrespectful, I prefer to use adaptation, assimilation, or even just borrowing. After all, it is how we learn and a great way to show our appreciation.
Adapting and assimilating is how we learn to write, sing, and dress. In fact, nearly everything that we know, especially in the arts, has come from some other country, time period, or culture. I believe by learning and adapting from other cultures is why today we have the advances in all fields that we enjoy today. But that's just my opinion, take a look at this young YouTuber on the subject of Americans wearing kimonos.
This is the opinion of the Japanese about a highly controversial and criticized concert that Katy Perry did in 2016. (Personally, Katy Perry is not my cup of tea but I can appreciate artistically what she was going for.) If you're interested, watch the reaction from real Japanese people on the street about Americans wearing kimonos and the criticism by the media of the video.
I can say as a Panamanian, that I am proud when I see a foreigner wearing our national costume because I know that that woman took four hours to get dressed and she is wearing it with pride and she feels beautiful because people cannot stop admiring her. We see it as the highest form of respect for our culture.
What do you think? I am very interested in your opinion on this subject please comment in the section below.
Anyways, Until Next Time, Happy Sewing!
In the text you state: “Pay special attention to my fabric recommendations so you end up with a top that is both flattering and attractive no matter what your size.”, Why are your recommendations not showing up in the section Fabric Recommendations from Fabric.com? The section is blank.
Hi Petra, It could be that you are using a window or ad blocker.
As a Canadian, I have also heard similar comments about the supposed ‘appropriation’ of items of apparel from other cultures and I think it’s very sad. This past winter I purchased a pair of Manitoba Mukluks – boots created in the fashion of traditional native Canadian footwear. They’re beautiful and more importantly, warm and comfortable when I travel to visit my daughter in Manitoba during the winter! It seems to me that the sharing of culture, whether through food, drink, singing, dancing, traditions or clothing is what brings us understanding and acceptance.
Good for you for not caving on the issue – I know for a fact that one Canadian pattern designer discontinued selling a robe pattern after the barrage of negative feedback!
There is a boutique/store in Kansas City, KS, where they use the fabric from vintage kimonos and other fabrics from Japan and make their one of a kind clothing. The owner is a Japanese art historian and finds them on her trips to Japan. There are many on display in museums. Anyway they are beautiful – Go check out some of them www – asiaticakc – com / kimono (you will need to type in the address) and it is an interesting story how the owner first started.
I was able to tour the shop with a group of high school Family Consumer Science FAID teachers.
It is so refreshing to see all your wonderful tutorials and different ideas. I love your commentary and totally agree with you. If that person who commented doesn’t like your wording she should only follow American blogs.
As an older American I am disgusted with the whole politically correct idea. If I like something I wear it. If you don’t like it you can always leave, you don’t have to look! We used to be able to voice our opinions in nice ways and accept that everyone is different and has their own opinions. Now it is just easier not to learn about other cultures and try to make them conform to our own. Some people want everyone to think alike and be the same. One world government? I pray not!
Thank you Mayra. Keep up the good work.
I love to wear ethnic-style clothes! I am paying homage to another culture when I do.
I love this pattern a lot! I don’t do belts well, either they get caught on something or I forget where I put it. Thanks for the beltless pattern.
How nice is it to see a traditional japanese pattern turn into world fashion
I have patterns for these from the 20’s to the 40’s. These have been a part of ‘world’ fashion for decades and not just the Japanese knew this style
.
I am a Black American, so I know a little about cultural appropriation. I think the idea of cultural appropriation has become misunderstood in this country. Appropriation is when members of a dominant culture take something from an oppressed people without permission and without giving that person or culture credit or allowing them to reap any benefits. That is different from cultural exchange, cultural assimilation or the normal transfer of styles, music and footways which occurs when people meet and mix. I think the whole kimono thing is silly.
Thank you Jackie J and Laurie (below) for your common sense approach to a tricky PC (politically correct) debate.
As a member of Canadian First Nations, this whole kimono thing is silly. I have seen cultural appropriation……it is some fashion designer sending models down a run way in feather headdresses, or giving one to a pope. This is not a Japanese exclusive as most cultures have exactly the same loose robe in their culture and it has been around for decades. Also this is only a part of a Japanese Kimono, there is much much more to the ‘traditional’ Japanese Kimono.
I am Japanese American and do not think this is cultural appropriation. I suggest the author of that comment focus on the positive aspects of our melting pot culture in America — We embrace the wonderful things in all cultures and make them uniquely our own. If the situation were reversed, would the author claim that Japanese people who wear American style clothing are culturally appropriating what is “ours”?
I was hoping someone like you would comment: Thank you! Thank you! for your point of view!
Hi,
Cultural appropriation is a form of theft. While it is difficult to steal a word, Kim K. was doing her best to make money off branding a word that is already in common use, and trying to limit the use of the term to her line only, meanwhile using the term for something other than it’s real meaning.
I don’t think there is an issue in you calling your design a kimono, as that type of robe has been called a kimono in the English-speaking world for over 100 years. If there is cultural appropriation there, it happened long before you were born.
this would be perfect for my daughter! She has been asking me to make her something like this. She’s 8 though! Too bad it wouldnt fit!
These are easily adjusted to fit. Take her measurements and measure the pattern then adjust to fit. I have done them for as young as 4 year olds…….they also make great bath robes.
Thank you for the pattern. People will always find a reason to complain but please keep doing what you do because A LOT of us appreciate it.
Thank you for your feedback, I certainly keep going! Cheers!
Is it “kosher” for a man to wear a Kimono? I’m nowhere near the size I was in high school and I really enjoy loose-fitting clothing. Medieval Viking tunics and cotehardies are right up my alley.
I’v been make Kimonos for my husband for 25 yrs. He uses them as a robe. If you like the comfort of this style, go for it.
Absolutely, kimonos/yukata are worn by all.
First, iI am not at all familiar with the Katy Perry concert, so my comments are more general and not related to that. I think it is not good to appropriate the stereotypes of another culture to belittle, discriminate against or make fun of that culture. However, to adapt or incorporate aspects of another culture into one’s own can be done respectfully and can enrich one’s own life.
For example, I live in Oklahoma which is home to many Native American tribes. If I choose to go about dressed in stereotypical Indian chief costume or dress like the stereotypical Pocahontas character of legend, I think that would be belittling the Indian culture. However, if I choose to learn beading to make some type of accessory resembles an item of tribal culture, then that is a different thing and completely appropriate.
So, I guess it depends on the intention of the person who is trying to learn the different culture. Appropriating stereotypes is almost never going to be good.
My other comment is that it was quite refreshing to observe the young Japanese people and their comments. They were perceptive and articulate. This is a far cry from what we often see when American TV interviews someone on the street- whether evening news or late night comedy shows. The attitudes of those Japanese young people will do more to make our world a better place than all the people who complain about whatever it is someone else is doing- like design
ing a kimono pattern.
I own a cheongsam…slim fitting dress with a mandarin collar. It is the best fitting, best looking and most comfortable dress I have ever owned. My Asian friend said, Why don’t you wear it? I said, I was afraid it would be insensitive. 45 years of fear and longing later I still have it. Though of course I doubt it would fit on my leg and that really would be disrespectful.
We use to call jackets like this one “Happy Coats”. In this case, kimono seems more of a description.
I had a cheongsam when I was in my early twenties. It was made of purple velvet and I bought it in a market in London. It was, I think, the most flattering and comfortable dress I have ever owned. I loved it so much and I wish I still had it, though I wouldn’t come close to fitting into it any more!! It never occurred to me that it might be insensitive, all I knew was that it was beautiful and it made me feel beautiful.
It is not insensitive; ask any Japanese woman if they feel offended; Issey Miyake made millions making this style available to the world.
I received a similar email on my blog relative to a tie dye denim kimono I made and posed in for a magazine. Like you I chose not to reply directly to the person. I am African American and for someone under the guise of educating me about cultural sensitivity / ummm I think not. Fashion is universal, individual, cultural and ethnically diverse. I will not be boxed in by rules or someone else’s hang ups.
I’ve been wondering what to do with my stash of silk saries that have beautiful borders! I’m going to turn them into kimonos. I’m going to borrow your design to upstyle my outfit for Heritage Day in South Africa on 24 September! Thank you so much.
I think that far too many people have to complain about everything. If things don’t go to their exact thinking they will lash out. Imitation is the most sincere form of flattery. Thank you for this beautiful kimono pattern.
WELL SAID!!! this is a beautiful pattern!
Yes! Exactly!
thank you Mayra for your patterns and your stand. We’ve lost so much richness in trying to please everyone….so sad! Now a question about the garment….could the sleeve be made longer by a larger band or should that be accomplished in a different way? I sew exclusively with linen so your growing selection for woven fabrics is much appreciated!! My flabby arms, my now completely flat chest (breast cancer), and my buddha belly is making fitting much more of a challenge!
Here is a great explanation of cultural appropriation:
In an ideal world we could all share and appreciate each other’s culture, but in our current society the power balance doesn’t allow a fair exchange.
I have edited your comment because I would never serve any magazine that uses buzz words, social justice, or euphemism for describing what cultural appropriation is. It is pure control of some over the masses for the benefit of few. The question you have to ask is who benefits in this article and why? Would it be a few labels to say we are being “fairer” and anyone else is doing it wrong? The people who own the culture never complained why would they if not to have an advantage over the many.
Hiya, thank you for addressing the issue of using the word ‘kimono’ to describe clothes.
Personally, as a white person, I believe in being as sensitive as possible to any marginalised cultures and putting their opinions first.
I have only learned this year from Japanese-American people that kimonos are a very specific and sacred item to Japanese people and people of Japanese descent. Tops in the style of this pattern aren’t really a kimono, maybe it could be called something like a square sleeved robe?
However, what I understand is the term ‘cultural appropriation’ only comes into play when people with no cultural link to kimonos are making money from an item or sewing pattern using that word, e.g. Kim Kardashian. Otherwise it could be classed as appreciation. Thanks again for starting this conversation!
If “kimono” bothers you, perhaps “yakata” is a closer definition. Worn everyday by men, women & children, rather than the more formal occasion kimono, it’s everywhere in Japan. Usually in a beautiful blue & white or blank & white printed corron. Every time I go to Japan, takatas are one of my go-to travel gifts. Family members were disappointed the one year that I brought back something other than a yakata.
I am in total agreement with you.
For crying out loud what next?
To me, the word kimono describes a type of garment, not a culture. I think political correctness often steps into the absurd, this being a case in point.
Indeed!
I haven’t seen the Katy Perry performance so can’t comment on that, but I feel you are making a ‘Kimono’ style garment , not attempting to make a true Kimono outfit. I live in Scotland where we don’t all wear tartan and kilts ! But kilted skirts and ‘tartan’/ plaid is popular all over the world – especially USA and Japan ! We don’t see it as disrespectful at all. Thanks for your patterns. I save them to Pinterest and love finding exactly what I need.
Thank you for your opinion. It is true kilt skirts are so popular, I used to wear them as a teen and now my daughter does too.
I completely agree with you on the political correct craze. It has gone way past its sell-by date! Please, let’s all take time to admire and celebrate our differences! Then, we can all grow and learn. It is a very respectful thing to do!
Absolutely! Completely agree with you!
I agree with you completely. PC is ridiculous. Enough already.
Could not be better said! Thank you!
Yes, it’s a challenge to live in the USA with the politically-correct police shaming every move one makes in this world. I appreciate your post. Well stated.
I can only imagine and I am sorry you have to be so careful while there are real issues that can be tackled. Sad indeed!
In the USA, we have so many cultures. If “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery” then we Americans do it all the time. As you say, we adopt and adapt other styles we like. I don’t think you said this is a traditional kimono (with all that entails in Japan) but this is “kimono style”, or “kimono based”. Thank you for the patterns and instructions.
My pleasure Susan!
Does this fasten in front are hang loose?
Hi Mary Beth, Can be both.
Two questions:
I think the adaptation of the Kimono is beautiful. I enjoyed the video with the Japanese perspective and it shows how too many Americans take political correctness entirely too far. There is a difference in being disrespectful of others and sharing in their cultural differences. EMBRACE DON’T CRITICIZE.
Absolutely!