With our entire range of Japanese fabrics, many of you ask me for kimono jacket patterns. 

So I went through the patterns available on the market to offer you my little selection. 

First, a few words about the kimono
The word “kimono” is composed of the two ideograms kiru (着る) which means to wear and mono (物) which means thing. Literally, the kimono is therefore the “thing that one wears.” The kimono is an ancient garment dating from the Edo period and in Japan has not really evolved. The pattern of the traditional kimono is extremely simple in order not to waste fabric. 

A "real" Japanese kimono can be passed down from generation to generation because they are very luxurious due to their gold thread embroidery and therefore very expensive. It is a magnificent gift from a mother to her daughter, or from a grandmother to her granddaughter. Kimonos are woven and their patterns are true works of art. The patterns have particular meanings and often follow the seasons but also the occasions for which they are worn... for example, it will be red for the bride, black and simple in case of mourning for an elderly woman...

Today, there are many jacket patterns inspired by the Japanese kimono that are very nice to wear daily instead of a more classic jacket. I invite you to discover a few. 

The Hoya kimono from Joli Lab

The Hoya kimono is a short jacket. It is quite elegant while being comfortable. Depending on the fabric choice, Hoya can be worn both outside as a chic and light jacket, or at home for a more casual look. Hoya is accessible to beginners (estimated level: 2/5 according to Joli Lab's classification).

The pattern is available on the Joli Lab website for 15 euros for the printed pattern and 10 euros for the PDF pattern. The available sizes range from 34 to 48. 

What I appreciate in this pattern is the cut play with the front belt, which I find very original. 

The Sable jacket from Maison Fauve

Sable is a chic and comfortable mid-season jacket, trendy and timeless as is often the case with Maison Fauve patterns that I really like. 

Sable has a straight cut with a collar and kimono sleeves. This jacket is fully lined for flawless finishes and features a lovely play of panels (which allows, if desired, to make two-tone versions or insert piping). It is a slightly more complex model aimed at intermediate-level sewists. It will be perfect if you want to start your first lined jacket. 

The pattern is available on the Maison Fauve website for 16.9 euros for the printed pattern and 9.9 euros for the PDF. This jacket sizes from 34 to 56.

What I like about this pattern is the seam play that really makes this model chic and very contemporary. 

Aiko from Urban Fairy

Aiko is a kimono that can be worn as loungewear or as a jacket. This pattern has dropped sleeves. 
Nice finishes are offered: flat-felled seams, sleeve cuff... which are accessible to a beginner. 

The jacket is available on the Urban Fairy website in PDF version for 10 euros; from size 32 to 52.   

It's a great pattern to get familiar with sewing, and Elsa the designer's instructions are always well detailed. 

The Yuzu jacket from Craftine

The Kimono Yuzu jacket is a pretty long jacket with a kimono spirit. There are rounded seams on the front. The pattern suggests making the neckline and sleeve hems in a contrasting fabric.

This jacket with neat finishes closes with a belt featuring loops. 

The pattern is available in PDF format on the Craftine website for 8 euros. Sizes range from 34 to 48.  

The Juno and Luna jackets from Papercut patterns 

The Juno jacket has a pretty collar band, dolman sleeves, seams that create pockets on the front, and a belt. 

It is available on the Papercut pattern website for 17.57 US dollars (+/- 13 euros). 8 sizes are offered (UK 6 to 20, which corresponds to size 34 to 50)

The Luna jacket, on the other hand, is shorter and available in three versions: with or without collar band, with or without pockets, with or without belt. The price and sizes are the same as for the Juno jacket.

The Jazmin kimono from Maison Victor

If you are lucky enough to get your hands on the January 2015 issue, you can make the Jazmin jacket. The full article is available here.

Here is a small selection of kimonos. I hope you like these patterns. You will find a very nice selection of Japanese fabric to make your own in our shop. Feel free to contact me if you want more information, I will be happy to help you.

Get your needles ready!