Japanese Kimono Fabric

Japanese Kimono Fabric

Weaving and dying of the Japanese kimono fabric originated from Korean and Chinese cultures. A Kimono is one of the most treasured pieces of Japanese culture. As far as the Japanese culture, the kimono has become one of the most valuable artifacts to date.

The traditional Japanese kimono is a handmade item and the fabric is used to symbolize many meaningful events. Different fabrics are made for different reasons and each is unique from the other.

In essence, the Japanese kimono fabric is similar to tattoos only the print is captured on the fabric instead of the skin. For example, a common wedding kimono fabric design is the family crest, a common tattoo design throughout the world.

There are many styles of kimonos that are worn for various reasons. Older, traditional men and women wear a different style from the younger, sometimes avante garde kimono styles. So the younger generation, might, instead of the chrysanthemum, sakura Japanese fabric prints, select Hello Kitty or Kikaida patterns for their non-traditional apparel.

If your intent is traditional, then you need to understand and take special attention as to the reasons behind each style of kimono and what they represent.

The kimono can be used as formal and informal. A kimono that is made up of woven patterns is more likely informal. The formal kimono fabrics such as that which is used for the wedding kimono and for funerals have more free-style, special designs printed on them such as the family crest or what is called the “mon” in Japanese.

The kimono itself is made up of four main strips of fabric. Two patterns will be used as panels covering the body and two more panels for the sleeves. Additional strips will be needed for the collar and narrow front sleeves.

The formal kimono and its obi (belts) were only made of silk. This kind of material is quite expensive hence companies limit its production. Most of the kimonos and its accessories today are now made of the most common synthetic fibers like cotton and polyester.

Even if you are not necessarily interested in creating a kimono but are intent on using a Japanese kimono fabric for your project there are some gorgeous fabrics out there to choose from. I’ve utilized the The Kaffe Fassett Crimson-Magenta Kimono fabric to create some sofa pillow covers and a matching smock. It is perfect for any fabric creation where you would like to bring a touch of the flavor of the kimono.