Step One

Download the pattern, Kimono Robe Pattern.final  onto standard paper. Be sure to print at 100% scale. Trim edges and tape together along the indicated lines (make sure to account for the overlap). It should look similar to the picture after it is fully assembled.

Step Two

Cutting and Preparation:

Out of fabric– cut one kimono back cut along the fold and two front pieces.

Out of contrast fabric– Cut strips of contrast fabric in the following sizes: 4 pieces: 3″ by 10″ and 2 pieces: 3″ by 43″ .

From Stabilize interfacing — Cut 4 pieces 1.5″ by 10″ and 2 pieces 1.5″ by 43″

Affix the Stabilize Interfacing along one side of all of your contrast fabric strips by ironing it. While it might seem unnecessary to add the interfacing it’s a very important step. Stabilize interfacing helps the border and sleeve caps hold their shape while still staying soft and supple.

Step Three

To maintain the drape-y feel of your robe but ensure it is constructed solidly, we are will be creating french seams. Begin by aligning the shoulder seams of the front and back with the WRONG sides together. Sew, at 1/4″ seam allowance for both shoulder seams.

Step Four

Trim the seam allowance in half and flip the garment so that the right sides are together. Press the seams.

Step Five

Sew at 3/8″ seam allowance along both shoulder seams. This will trap all raw edges inside of the seam and keep it from fraying.  Plus, it makes a lovely seam.

Step Six

Repeat in the same manner, creating french seams, for both side seams.

Step Seven

Hem the bottom of the kimono robe by folding the bottom over 1/2″ wrong side to wrong side and then fold another 1/2″. Press the fold and stitch along the top fold to hem. I know it seems strange to hem before adding our collar but we need it to be hemmed before we add the collar!

Step Eight

Prepare sleeve cuffs. Begin by sewing both short ends together to create a loop. Then fold over 1/2″ on the end with interfacing and press in place with an iron.

Step Nine

Fold and press along the middle to fold it in half. You should be able to fold at the edge of the interfacing as it is exactly half as large as the cuff itself.

Step Ten

Unfold the cuff, the pressed folds with assist your sewing later. Attach the un-folded edge of the cuff to the sleeve of the robe, right sides together with pins. Stitch in place with a 3/8″ seam allowance.

Step Eleven

Fold the cuff over to the wrong side, aligning the folded edge just below the stitch you just made. Stitch in the ditch on the right sides of the garment, making sure you catch the folded edge of the cuff on the inside.

Step Twelve

Prepare the Collar:

You may need to trim the collar a bit to achieve a smooth shape near the neckline. Once you have done that, you can create the collar.

Begin by stitching the short ends of the two collar pieces together. Make sure the interfacing sides are matched such that the entire length of the collar has interfacing on one side, just like with the cuff.

Step Thirteen

Just as we did the cuffs, press a 1/2″ seam along the interfaced edge and use the other edge of the interfacing to guide a fold that folds the whole collar in half. Unfold and attach the collar to the full neckline edge of the kimono robe. Place the seam you have created at the midway point on the neck.

Step Fourteen

Stitch in place with a 3/8″ seam allowance. Sew all the way down and across the hem.

Step Fifteen

To complete the hemline, iron the seam allowance along the neckline inward toward the collar piece. Then fold the bottom of the collar right sides together at the hem.

Step Sixteen

Sew along that edge a straight stitch that meets up with the length of the hem. Do sew over the 1/2″ fold on the collar but AVOID sewing the kimono robe fabric.

Step Seventeen

Trim off any excess collar fabric. Repeat for the other side of the robe.

Step Eighteen

Fold the entire collar around to the wrong side of the kimono robe tucking in any seam allowance. Iron the seam allowance inside of the collar. Stitch in the ditch just as you did for the cuffs to secure it in place.

Step Nineteen

Done! Grab some tea and relax!