DIY Kimono From a T-Shirt (No-Sew Option)

DIY Kimono, After

See what I’m up to on Instagram: @celiaagnesartwork

One of the best ways to be responsible with your style choices, in my opinion, is to embrace DIY fashion and thrifting. It’s easily the most fun form of recycling, am I right? And I mean who doesn’t like spending $2 on a shirt??

I knew there had to be a use for all those super soft t-shirts that were just too big for me. I also knew I wanted a kimono, but I knew I could make one. Unfortunately I just moved and my sewing machine is in storage.  So a no-sew, DIY kimono it is!

diy-kimono-beforediy-kimono-suppliesDIY Kimono Supplies:

  • Oversize t-shirt
  • 2 yards of fabric trim (any kind will do; tassel, feather, ruffles, whatever suits your style)
  • Permanent fabric glue
  • Fray stopper (if your trim will fray like mine)
  • Fabric pencil/marker/chalk
  • Fabric scissors
  • Ball point needle & matching thread (if you want extra reinforcement, totally optional)

If you have to buy everything, excluding scissors and needles, this will cost about $15. This project will only take you about an hour (if that), excluding glue-drying time.

See that blue ribbon? Didn’t use it. It was not ribbon, it was elastic. 🙂 Always read the label, guys, always read the label. But a contrasting ribbon would be a nice touch, don’t you think?

diy-kimono-close

DIY Kimono

Lay your shirt out flat, and find the center. You can mark it with your pencil to help you cut straight, but it doesn’t need to be perfect. 🙂

DIY Kimono

Cut down the entire center, including the collar, on the top layer only.

DIY Kimono

You’ll now have a vest-type deal, so let’s kimono it instead.

DIY Kimono

Sketch out a curved neckline (see below), or you can just free-hand it like I did. You want to take off the whole collar and leave a nice, smooth line.

DIY Kimono

Trim up any jagged edges (it still doesn’t have to be perfect). Then stretch the fabric along the cuts. Stretch vertically down the middle, and side to side on the back of the collar. This will roll up the raw edge for you, no need to hem. You’ve probably seen t-shirts with this unfinished edge before.

You can tug pretty hard for most of it, just be gentle on the top shoulder seams or they will rip. 🙂

DIY Kimono

Now flip your kimono over to the back and lay your trim on top of it.

DIY KimonoDIY Kimono

Put fray stopper on the edges if you need to.

DIY Kimono

If not, get your permanent fabric glue and start running a steady line beneath the top edge of your trim. I used the top stitching of the bottom hem as a guide. Press the trim down gently as you go.

Most good-quality glues will dry clear, so don’t worry too much about any show-through. If you make a big mistake, you can wipe it up while it’s still wet with a warm rag.

DIY Kimono

Let the glue get tacky for a few minutes. Then, press the trim down firmly with your fingers along the glue line. Let it all dry flat and undisturbed for the recommended time. Mine dried for about 3 hours.

Now because I’m paranoid, I also hand stitched my trim in place. A simple running or whip stitch will do the trick. You can also just do this instead of gluing. Use ball point needles on knits (t-shirt material), so you don’t split the tiny threads that make up the fabric.

DIY Kimono

You don’t have to hand sew. Permanent fabric glue will be washer-safe in cool water, on the gentle cycle. You do have to wait a few days for the glue to fully cure before washing, just follow the instructions. If you plan to do a lot of embellishing type DIYs, I would spend the $3 on mesh laundry bags so you can be extra-gentle when washing your creations.

That’s it! I couldn’t believe how quick and simple this was, and I was taking pictures of the whole thing. You can knock this out in no time and it’s a great addition to your wardrobe. Or a friend’s, if you need a quick gift. 😉

Think you’ll make a DIY kimono? Tag me on Instagram, I’d love to see it! @ceiltastic

DIY KimonoDIY Kimono Pinterest

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52 thoughts on “DIY Kimono From a T-Shirt (No-Sew Option)

  1. I just saw this yesterday and i fortunately was given a Tee to use by one of my friends, i put pockets in front and a signature heart at the back, I absolutely love it. I will still buy the white oversize one 🙂

  2. Greatings from Slovakia! Yeah, I just wanted you to now where in the world are you spreading your creative ideas. Awessome! (Hint: middle Europe) 😉

    PS: sorry for grammar, if there is any mistake.. 🙂

  3. Greatings from Slovakia! Yeah, I just wanted you to now where in the world are you spreading your creative ideas. Awessome! (Hint: middle Europe)

    PS: sorry fot my grammar 🙂

    1. Only if your trim will fray. You can usually tell by the cut end, it will either already be fraying a bit or the manufacturer will have a line of glue, tape or some such sealing the end. T-shirt material (generally) won’t fray, especially when rolled on itself like this.

      You can also always sew a simple rolled hem if you want an exceptionally sturdy piece. 🙂

  4. Hello! This is a great idea. It seems really easy. I have tons of old tees so I’ll try this. I always wear a sweater or cardigan so it will be fun to have something new! (Without spending too much on a new cover-up) thanks for the idea! Happy crafting! 😀

  5. This is a great idea! I’ve been wanting to make a kimono top and now I don’t have to fuss with sleeves. Thanks for the tutorial.

    1. Hey Anita! I had planned on putting it above the lacey/crochet trim to cover my stitching. I think it would also look nice around the sleeve openings and down the front opening of the kimono. I haven’t sewn on a machine in a long time, but from what I remember about jersey/t-shirt material you would want to just use a longer straight stitch or a zigzag stitch and go slowly. Depending on your t-shirt, the material can be a little “slippery.” But if you’re using a cotton t-shirt or a mostly cotton blend, it shouldn’t be too different.

  6. Love this look… and how you cut the collar out. I usually just cut around the t-shirt collar and remove it without the ‘V’… but I like the way you do it better. The idea of the lace is wonderful. It really adds to the appeal of the piece… making it longer and cute. Unless you actually tell someone, I don’t think too many people would guess that this kimono was ever anything but a kimono. Nice job!

  7. Sew a straight stitch along the edges to secure the hem. After you have pinned the areas where you need to sew a hem, begin sewing. Sew along all of the pinned areas slightly over ?” (0.6 cm) from the fold to secure the hem.

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