how to make a Japanese vest / kimono with small sleeves?

1. measure and cut all parts according the technical drawing below. before cutting add 1cm for the seams and hems.

technical drawing for the measurements
all parts

2. stitch the ribbon for the neckline to 1 long piece.

1 long ribbon

3. stitch the shoulders together and finish them, and the sides of the vest, off with a overlockstitch (or zig-zag). overlockstitch (or zig-zag) all the side of the sleeves and hem them 1cm.

shoulder-seams together
overlocking of the shoulder-seams
overlocking of the sleeves
hemming the sleeves
overlocking of the sides of the vest

4. pin the ribbon onto the front and neckline on the inside of the fabric and start pinning in the middle of the neck. stitch it, fold 1cm of the side of the ribbon in and double-up against the good side of the fabric.stitch once the ribbon is pinned in place.

pinned ribbon
stitched ribbon
fold in 1cm
pinned on the good side of the fabric
finished front and neckline

5. pin the sleeve to the side of the vest and start at the shoulder-seam. stitch it, once in place.

pinned sleeves
stitched sleeves

6. pin and stitch the other side of the sleeves and the side of the vest.

sides and sleeves stitched

7. overlock (or zig-zag) the bottom of the vest and hem it 1cm.


8. finished vest.

finished vest