What to do with old kimono bits and pieces? Those little kimono fabric patches you just needed to purchase for your stash!
Kimono fabric is no more than 14” wide while some of bits in my stash are a lot smaller, 8” square or less.
The challenge of trying to repurpose these lovely little discards is exciting. I found a doozy of an idea when I was in Japan recently.
Coincidentally, the Creative Clothing class assignment was ‘Holes’, so we had to create something where hole(s) are a major focus.
Enter the tiny, kimono silk bias bound hole.
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Since the hole circumference would be tight, a reasonably lightweight fabric that is pliable would work best.
I started by testing how to sew these quarter sized details on a fabric scrap.
- Should I cut the hole first? (yes, more pliable when sewing).
- Should I interface the hole? (not for the weight of poly fabric I’d chosen).
- What size to cut the bias strip? (1” by approximately 6”).
- Fabric binding limitations? (light weight is good, but charmeuse is a slippery bugger).
I’ll admit: these kimono fabric patches were more challenging than I thought they’d be.
The versions I’d seen in Japan were completely machine sewn… deep admiration for their skill level!
My solution was to sew the 1” bias kimono binding by machine, then hand sew the back sides, turning under the raw edge as I went along.
In keeping with my recent ‘cover your bum, literally’ policy, I drafted a tunic pattern that dipped at the back, providing ample canvas for the ‘Hole-y kimono’ galaxy.
Finally, for a pop of color, kimono covered buttons using kimono fabric patches were used at the front placket.
You could add these little holes on an existing item to jazz it up, too!
Browse through more sewn garment ideas and inspiration on Create Whimsy.