Make Your Own DIY Shibori Kimono

This DIY Shibori Kimono is the perfect light and summery layering piece. It’s easy to make with just a scarf and some fabric dye.

I have been really liking the lightweight kimonos and wraps I have seen popping up in shops lately, and I wanted to make my own DIY version of the trend. It’s easy to sew your own kimono when you start with a simple scarf and then you can make it extra special with some fun DIY shibori style tie dye.

Supplies needed to make your own DIY shibori kimono:

• Lightweight Large Oblong Scarf (in white or a light color)
• Tulip One Step Tie Dye Kit
• Scissors
• Sewing Machine and Thread
• Small Squares of Wood or Chipboard

Step One – Sew Kimono.

Start by folding your scarf in half lengthwise (hamburger fold) and lay it out on a large flat surface (the floor works great!). Next, sew from the open bottom of the scarf towards the fold at the top. Sew about two thirds of the way up on both sides.

Then, cut up the center of the front half only, and then cut a little v neck out at the top as well (see the image above). Try on the kimono and cut out more fabric or adjust as necessary. I actually decided my kimono was a bit larger than I wanted, so I cut a panel out of the back and sewed it back together to make it a bit narrower. When you are happy with the size and shape of your kimono, sew a hem around the front slit and neckline you have cut.

Step Two -Dye!

Once your kimono is sewn, you are ready to create your DIY shibori tie dye! The Tulip One Step Tie Dye Kit has everything you need to dye without a mess, so it’s pretty great. It includes gloves, a plastic cover for your work surface, and rubber bands. Start by folding up your kimono using an accordion fold lengthwise and then accordion fold it again the other way until it is folded into a little square stack of fabric.

Cover both ends of the stack with small squares of chipboard or wood (this prevents the dye from getting to this part of the fabric), then wrap the bundle tightly with a few rubber bands.

Once your bundle is ready, fill your bottle with water and shake to mix up the dye. I chose to use the dark blue color to get that shibori look. I recommend placing your bundle in a plastic container to keep your surface clean. Squeeze dye all over the edges of your bundle. Dip the edges in the excess dye to make sure it gets fully saturated.

Step Three – Wait, Rinse, Dry.

Wrap your bundle up in plastic wrap and let sit for four-eight hours.

When it has had time to set into the fabric, unwrap and carefully clip off the rubber bands. Put your gloves back on and rinse out all the excess dye. Use heat to set the dye – I threw my kimono in the dryer and that worked great.

Your DIY shibori kimono is all done and ready to wear! Use it as a fun summer outfit accent or a cover up pool side.

While you’re making your own DIY accessories, check out this gorgeous watercolor canvas tote bag tutorial, perfect for summer or spring!

Alexis

Alexis Middleton is a lifelong crafter/DIYer and blogger at Persia Lou. She started crafting at a young age. As a girl, she spent summers with her grandmother crocheting baby doll afghans, making coasters out of plastic canvas and yarn, and canning apricot jam. Today, Alexis spends a lot of time dreaming up and working on projects for her family’s home. She loves mixing traditional crafting techniques with a more modern aesthetic.