The kimono is a traditional Japanese garment. It has a wrap-front, square sleeves, a rectangle body, and a lining. A wide sash (“obi”) is wrapped around the waist. Single-layered, unlined versions are called “yukata” and are considered casual or summer wear.
In the west, the term “kimono” refers to a loose overgarment with wide rectangle sleeves. It’s not technically a kimono. It’s often a lightweight jacket for day wear or a dressing gown for loungewear.
This post will showcase the best traditional kimono patterns and western robes with kimono-like features. We’ve included a mix of PDF and paper patterns in different styles, sizes, and prices (including 8 free!).
Contents list:
- Traditional kimono patterns
- Free robe patterns
- Dressing gowns & loungewear robes
- Outerwear jackets & robes
- Men’s or unisex robes
Traditional kimono sewing patterns:
Informal “Yukata” unlined Kimono
Buy now from Folkwear – $17.95 – $19.95
- Sizes: One size.
- Design: Informal, unlined “Yukata” Kimono. Length and sleeve width variations. Can be worn as a dress, coat or robe. Overlapped front opening. Sash tie.
- Fabric: Light to medium weight woven fabrics like cotton, rayon or silk. Yukata Kimonos are often blue or white but can also be made from colourful prints.
- Format: Print-at-home PDF digital pattern in A4 and US letter size, A0 copy shop size and projector file. Paper pattern also available. Instructions are included.
- Suitable for beginners? I think an advanced beginner with some sewing experience would be able to sew this pattern. There are some large pattern pieces to deal with but the pattern reviews suggest that the instructions are clear enough for advanced beginner/novice sewists.
Japanese Hapi & Haori jacket
Buy now from Folkwear – $17.95 – $19.95
- Sizes: Women’s UK 6 – 20. Bust: 30” – 44” (76- 112 cm). Men’s 34 – 44. Chest: 34” – 44” (87 – 112 cm).
- Design: Japanese Hapi and Haori patterns.
- Haori is traditionally layered over a Kimono for streetwear. Thigh length lined jacket with straight front opening. Neckband extending to hem. Open, elbow-length curved sleeves.
- Hapi is traditionally a shop coat. Unlined, fingertip length jacket.
- Fabric:
- Hapi: Light to medium-weight soft or crisp cottons or blends, silks with body such as noil or shantung, linen, or wool.
- Haori: Light to medium weight fabrics with drape such as rayon, silk, crepe or challis.
- Format: Print-at-home PDF digital pattern in A4 and US letter size, A0 copy shop size and projector file. Paper pattern also available. Instructions are included.
- Suitable for beginners? No. I think an intermediate sewist would best suit these patterns. The style of the garments is fairly simple but there is a large amount of fabric to manipulate and work with. Lining the Haori could prove tricky to a complete beginner.
Traditional style women’s kimono tutorial (Video)
Watch tutorial on YouTube – FREE
- Sizes: Make to any size following the instructions given between 04:08 – 5:28.
- Design: Authentic style Kimono. Full length. Wide sleeves. Wide neckband. Cross over front under the bust.
- Fabric: Medium weight fabric with some body and drape. For example, cotton, cotton twill, denim, silk, and silk blends.
- Format: Video instructions for cutting the pattern and sewing the kimono.
- Suitable for beginners? I think an advanced beginner with some sewing experience could have a go at this pattern. The construction is simple but working with large pieces of fabric could be tricky.
Traditional style men’s kimono tutorial (Video)
Watch tutorial on YouTube – FREE
- Sizes: Make to any size following the instructions given between 08:22 – 10:02.
- Design: Authentic style Kimono. Full length. Wide sleeves. Wide neckband. Cross over front at the waist.
- Fabric: Medium weight fabric with some body and drape. For example, cotton, cotton twill, denim, silk, and silk blends.
- Format: Video instructions for cutting the pattern and sewing the kimono.
- Suitable for beginners? I think an advanced beginner with some sewing experience could have a go at this pattern. The construction is simple but working with large pieces of fabric could be tricky.
Free robe patterns:
“Clara” hip-length kimono jacket
Read tutorial on Sew Retro – FREE
- Sizes: S – L. Finished bust: 45.5” – 52” (116 – 132 cm).
- Design: Hip-length Kimono style jacket. Wide sleeves. Wide neckband extending to the waist and wide cuffs. Tie closure.
- Fabric: Light to medium weight woven fabric with some drape. For example, cotton lawn, viscose, rayon, crepe, silk and polyester.
- Format: The tutorial includes instructions for cutting your own Kimono jacket pieces. Photo instructions for sewing the jacket are included within the blog post.
- Suitable for beginners? I think a beginner could make this pattern, the pattern pieces are smaller than the traditional Kimono pieces and the sewing process is quite simple. The illustrated instructions look easy to follow too.
Robe jacket with wide sleeves
Download now from Peppermint Magazine – FREE
- Sizes: A – E. Bust: 30” – 51.5” (76 – 131 cm).
- Design: Hip-length robe style jacket with wide sleeves and back neck pleat. Neckband extending to hem. Fabric tie belt and belt loops.
- Fabric: Light to heavy weight woven fabric. For example, linen, cotton, silk, rayon, or polyester for a lightweight summer jacket. Wool blends, boucle, or velvet for a heavier-weight winter jacket.
- Format: Print-at-home PDF digital pattern in A4 and US letter size, A0 copy shop size and projector file.
- Instructions: Instructions are included in a separate digital download file.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes. I think this would be a great pattern for a beginner. The jacket is a very simple style with lots of straight seams. Some sewing experience would be an advantage when it comes to sewing the neckband.
Relaxed-fit classic bathrobe
Read tutorial on Fabrics Store – FREE
- Sizes: One size designed to fit XS – L.
- Design: Classic knee length bathrobe with dropped shoulders. Wide neckband extending to hem. Belt tie and belt loops. Two front patch pockets.
- Fabric: Medium weight woven fabrics with good water absorbency. For example, waffle weave linen, cotton, or even towels. Can also be made in other fabrics like silk for a dressing gown.
- Format: A PDF cutting layout is provided, but there isn’t a downloadable pattern.
- Instructions: Photo instructions for sewing the robe are included with the blog post.
- Suitable for beginners? I think this pattern would be good for a beginner since the style and construction of the robe are simple and the instructions are clear and easy to follow.
Zero Waste Robe Pattern
Read tutorial on Elbe Textiles – FREE
- Sizes: One size.
- Design: Longer length wrap-style robe. Wide sleeves with sleeve bands. Neckband extending to hem. Patch pockets.
- Fabric: Light to medium weight woven fabrics with some body. For example, linen, cotton, silk, rayon or polyester for a lightweight robe. Wool blends, boucle or velvet for a heavier-weight winter robe.
- Format: A cutting layout for the fabric and sewing instructions are provided in the blog post.
- Suitable for beginners? No. I think the instructions and construction of this garment could be confusing to a complete beginner. The instructions are detailed but the images are not always very clear so some interpretation may be needed drawing on previous sewing experience.
Great British Sewing Bee Unisex Robe
Download now from Craft World – FREE
- Sizes: EU 36 – 48. Finished bust: 46 ¾” – 49 ¾” (118.5 – 129 cm).
- Design: Full-length traditional Kimono style robe. Neckband facing extending to hem. Waist tie belt. Inseam pockets. Sleeve band facings.
- Fabric: Light to medium weight fabric with some drape. For example, cotton lawn, viscose, rayon, polyester or silk.
- Format: Print-at-home PDF digital pattern in A4 and US letter size, A0 copy shop size.
- Instructions: Full written instructions are available here but no illustrations are included.
- Suitable for beginners? I think this pattern would better suit an advanced beginner to intermediate sewists. There are large pattern pieces and a lot of fabric involved in this robe and fitting the sleeve bands could be fiddly for someone with little or no sewing experience. The instructions are clearly written but with no pictures included, some interpretation may be needed.
Dressing gown / loungewear robe patterns
“M7790” short Kimono style jacket with tie belt
Buy now from Something Delightful – $3.99
- Sizes: XS – 2XL. Bust: 29.5” – 48” (75 – 122 cm).
- Design: Loose-fitting wrap jackets with length and sleeve variations. Dolman or Kimono style sleeves. Hip or knee length. Sleeve and neckband facings. Waist tie belt. Split hem finished with a facing.
- Fabric: Light to medium weight fabric with some drape. For example, lightweight cotton or lawn, viscose, rayon, polyester, silk, or satin.
- Format: PDF A4 / US letter print at home digital download. A0 copy shop file included. Paper pattern also available in two size groups. Written instructions are included within the pattern.
- Suitable for beginners? No. I think this pattern would better suit an intermediate sewist with some garment sewing experience. The sleeve facings and split hem facings could prove tricky to sew for someone with little or no sewing experience.
“BUR5995” Kimono style robe
Buy now from Simplicity – $9.77
- Sizes: 8 – 22. Bust: 31.5” – 44” (80 – 112 cm).
- Design: Loose-fitting Kimono style wrap coat with wide sleeves. Neckband facing. Waist tie belt with belt loops. Three hem and sleeve lengths.
- Fabric: Light to medium weight fabric with some drape. For example, Lightweight cotton or lawn, viscose, rayon, polyester, crepe, chiffon, silk, or satin.
- Format: Paper pattern with instruction booklet included.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes. I think this would be a great Kimono style coat for a beginner to try. The design is very simple with lots of straight sewing involved and the sleeves and bottom are hemmed rather than faced.
“Lucie” oversized robe with wide sleeves
Buy now from The Fabric Store – $12 – $32
- Sizes: A – E. Bust: 31” – 59” (79.5 – 149.5 cm). If you fall outside of this size range, they will grade the pattern up to your size.
- Design: Loose-fitting, full-length robe with wide sleeves. Partial neckband facing. Side seam pockets. Turn up sleeve hems. Removable waist tie.
- Fabric: Light to medium weight fabric with some drape. For example, Washed linen, cotton or lawn, viscose, rayon, polyester, crepe, chiffon, silk, or satin.
- Format: Print-at-home PDF digital pattern in A4 and US letter size, A0 copy shop size. Paper pattern is available here.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes. Suitable for an advanced beginner as the design is fairly simple but the amount of fabric involved and the partial neckband facing could prove tricky for a complete beginner.
“Mélanie” knee-length loose-fitting robe
Buy now from Jalie – $12 – 16
- Sizes: Girls Age 2- 13. Bust: 21” – 32” (53 – 81 cm). Women’s 4 – 22. Bust: 33” – 50” (84 – 127 cm).
- Design: Knee-length robe with wide sleeves. Can be worn as loungewear or streetwear. Neckband facing finishing at the waist. Patch pockets.
- Fabric: Light to medium weight fabric with some drape. For example, Washed linen, cotton or lawn, chambray, viscose, rayon, polyester, crepe, chiffon, silk, or satin.
- Format: Print-at-home PDF digital pattern in A4 and US letter size, A0 and US copy shop size, projector file. Paper pattern is also available.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes. I think an advanced or adventurous beginner could have a go at this pattern. The robe is a simple style with lots of straight seams. Patch pockets are easy to attach. Some sewing experience may be helpful for fitting the neckband but this would be a great way to practice attaching facings to a garment.
“Veronik” robe with notched
Buy now from Closet Core Patterns – $16
- Sizes: US 0 – 20 and 14 – 32. Bust: 31” – 60” (79 – 152.5 cm).
- Design: Knee or full length robe with optional v-shaped notch at the collar. Can be worn for as loungewear or streetwear Waist belt tie. Patch pockets. Wide sleeves. Neckband facing finishing at the waist.
- Fabric: Light to medium weight fabric with some drape. For example, Linen, cotton or lawn, chambray, viscose, rayon, polyester, crepe, chiffon, silk, or satin. Choose your fabric depending on how structured you would like your robe to be.
- Format: Print-at-home PDF digital pattern in A4 and US letter size, A0 and US copy shop size. Illustrated instructions are included.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes. I think an adventurous beginner could make this pattern. The robe design is simple with lots of straight seams. Make the knee-length robe without the notched lapel in a stable fabric to make the project easier.
Outerwear jacket / robe patterns:
Wrap jacket with raglan sleeves and side tie closure
Buy now from The Assembly Line – €19 (approx. $19)
- Sizes: XS – 3XL. Bust: 34” – 54” (80 – 138 cm).
- Design: Workwear-inspired wrap jacket with raglan sleeves. Slightly oversized fit. Large patch pockets. Tie closure.
- Fabric: Medium to heavyweight fabrics. For example, denim, cotton twill or lightweight canvas.
- Format: Print-at-home PDF digital pattern in A4 and US letter size, A0 copy shop size. Paper pattern also available. Instructions are included with the pattern.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes. I think an adventurous beginner could make this pattern. Although the jacket is fairly simple in style, the heavy-weight fabrics used to make it could prove difficult to sew, and therefore some previous garment sewing experience could be an advantage.
“Sylvia” robe jacket in two lengths
Buy now from Sew Over It – £11.50 (approx. $13)
- Sizes: UK 6 – 30. Bust: 31” – 57” (78 – 144 cm).
- Design: Simple style Kimono style jacket. Hip length or knee length options. Neckband facing extending to hem. Wide sleeves.
- Fabric: Light to medium weight woven fabrics with lots of drape. For example, rayon, viscose, crepe, silk, or polyester.
- Format: Print-at-home PDF digital pattern in A4 and US letter size, A0 copy shop size. There is also an on-demand A0 printing service at additional cost.
- Instructions: Photo instructions are included. There is also a two part video tutorial on YouTube: Part 1, Part 2.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes. I think a beginner could certainly have a go at this pattern since it is simple in style and construction and would be a great introduction to making a garment that doesn’t need a lot of fitting.
Overlap jacket sewing pattern
Buy now from Dhurata Davies – £12.40 (approx. $14)
- Sizes: UK 4 – 24. Bust: 30” – 48” (77 – 122 cm).
- Design: Structured Kimono style wrap jacket. Hip length or knee length. Waist tie belt with optional belt loops. Optional patch pockets. Hong Kong finish on the inside.
- Fabric: Light to heavy weight woven fabric depending on the desired effect. For a summer jacket, choose a lightweight fabric with some structure such as cotton or linen. For a winter jacket choose wool blends, canvas or denim.
- Format: Print-at-home PDF digital pattern in A4 and US letter size, A0 copy shop size.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes. I think an advanced beginner could make this pattern. There aren’t any difficult techniques involved and it would be a great pattern to practice your garment sewing techniques such as sewing in a facing and attaching patch pockets.
Men’s or unisex robe patterns:
“Lahja” unisex dressing gown
Buy now from Named Clothing – €14 (approx. $14)
- Sizes: XS – 2XL. Bust: 30” – 52 ¾” (76 – 134 cm).
- Design: Classic style unisex dressing gown. Knee length or ankle length. Cropped or long wide sleeves. Large patch pockets. Wide waist tie belt.
- Fabric: Light to heavy weight woven fabric. For a structured dressing gown, choose terrycloth, honeycomb or natural linen. For a drapey version, choose rayon, viscose or satin.
- Format: Print-at-home PDF digital pattern in A4 and US letter size, A0 copy shop size. Illustrated instructions included.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes. I think an advanced or adventurous beginner could make this pattern. It’s a simple style garment with minimal fitting involved. A great introduction to garment sewing.
“The Sunday” dressing gown with shawl collar
Buy now from Merchant and Mills – £10.50 – £16 (approx. $12 – $18)
- Sizes: 2XS – 2XL. Bust: 31” – 55” (78 – 139 cm).
- Design: Classic unisex dressing gown. Wrap front. Shawl collar. Waist tie belt with inner waist tie. Patch pockets.
- Fabric: Light to medium weight woven fabrics. For example, laundered linen, cotton double gauze, Indian cotton, linen waffle, or Tencel linen.
- Format: Print-at-home PDF digital pattern in A4 and US letter size, A0 copy shop size. Paper pattern also available here. Illustrated instructions included.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes. I think an adventurous beginner could have a go at sewing this batter but I think some garment sewing experience would be helpful in in sewing the shawl collar.
What to read next:
- 10 Cute & Comfy Loungewear Sewing Patterns for Women
- 25 Pajama and Nightgown Sewing Patterns for Women
- 19 Pajama Sewing Patterns for Men
- 22 Cute Pajama Sewing Patterns for Kids
This article was written by Sally Gauntlett and edited by Nisan Aktürk. It was originally published on 8 September 2022 and it has since been updated.
Sally Gauntlett (author)
Sally started sewing as a child. In 2008, she started a handmade business selling personalized gifts and homeware. She then became a sewing content creator, sharing her makes on Youtube and Instagram. Read more…
Sources:
- https://www.amazon.com/New-Kimono-Vintage-Style-Everyday/dp/4770031483/ref=asc_df_4770031483/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312115090752&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=8897173406894722976&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9032154&hvtargid=pla-456090370556&psc=1
- https://shop.japanobjects.com/pages/kimono-style-guide