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Have you ever made or bought something you thought you didn’t like until you finally started wearing it? That’s totally how I feel about this DIY Kimono. After creating Simplicity 1318 a couple years ago, I wasn’t sure I liked the look. Then, the two times I wore it out I received tons of compliments. Somehow it sank back into my closet and wasn’t touched again until I needed something to use as a cover up for my SWIMSUIT post. Shelli quickly snapped a few pictures of this one on our way to the “beach” – or a small pile of sand that Colorado refers to as a beach. There are only a couple pictures because we were nearly blown away in miserable wind and my kids were screaming throughout most of this session…oh, the fun memories of this day just came flooding back to me 🙂
There are many things to love about this Kimono pattern. It is a quick sew, gives you coverage of the rear (but can be made in shorter lengths), and can be worn in several seasons. Although construction is fairly easy, there are a few things I did differently to get a better finish on the seams and arm bands on my second one. The post about my different finishing techniques can be found here.
Pattern Review:
Pattern Description: Simplicity Creative Patterns 1318 Misses’ Kimono Jackets Sewing Patterns, Size A (XXS-XS-S-M-L-XL-XXL)
Pattern Sizing: XXS-XXL, I cut a size small
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing it? Yes
Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes (although I find it is easy to attach the collar on wrong- I have done it both times I created this pattern!)
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I love the high low hemline and the rear coverage. I do not like the way the pattern has you attach the bands and ended up with lots of handstitching and puckers on this one…ughhh. But I did use a different technique for my second one that I will write a post about.
Fabric Used: A Silky floral fabric from Joanns– I can no longer find the print
Pattern Alterations: None on this one. I just completed a second one using french seams and assembling the arm bands in the flat with french seams that I found to give a much better finished look.
Would you sew it again? Yes, I recently made one for a friend and with some of the different seam finishes I used, I enjoyed the process much more.
Would you recommend it to others? For a good kimono pattern, sure. However, if you are unfamiliar working with slippery, slinky fabrics this may be a frustrating project for you. This top looks great in slinky prints or sheers and those fabrics can be a bit fussy to deal with when you are learning.
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About 18 years ago I decided to teach myself how to sew. Long before blogs and resources available today which meant it was often disastrous. But I never gave up because I loved it so much. Today I love helping others get started on their own sewing journey. You can read more about my family and I