Introduction: Instant Cozy Kimono Robe Made From Blanket
You won't believe how easy it is to make one of these.
It's also super comfy and cozy.
You'll want to make all your blankets and comforters into kimono robes.
My family were given a couple of fuzzy warm kimono robes like this when we lived in Japan.
I wanted to make one ever since then and it turned out to be really easy.
I've made a bunch of them since then. It's one of my favorite sewing projects.
People really like these robes.
Danielle and little Rhett hang out in cozy comfort. Steve Cooke models the same deluxe model with monkish hood down, prior to adding the holstein/ermine trim.
Step 1: Make Three Cuts in the Blanket
Make the cuts as shown in the diagram.
If you're going to add a hood and don't want a seam against the back of your neck you can leave the triangular tab as shown in the photo. Otherwise cut it off as seen in the drawing.
Step 2: Fold It
Fold on these creases.
Now it'll look like it does in the photo.
Step 3: Sewing
If your sewing machine has trouble with the material get a thinner blanket or sew it by hand.
Use really big stitches if you sew it by hand so it's not so much work.
Don't sew under the armpits. Leave a gap there. Kimonos are like that and so are the robes made by the plains indians. Visit your local museum to see examples.
Get as carried away with details as you want.
Add a big hood, furry lapels, belts, double-breasted with monkey skulls and sand dollars for buttons, etc. etc.
There's not much left over. Here are the scraps after making this robe, which ended up having a belt and hood made from the same material.
This is an amazingly efficient use of cloth.
Step 4: The Hood
Cut two pieces like this and sew them onto the kimono to make a hood.
Or cut a bigger piece and fold it over to look like this and save some sewing.
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19 Comments
6 years ago
Can you add some scale measurements? What size blanket should we use? Twin? Queen? Or King even? Will this work with down comforters? That is the material I intend to use.
11 years ago on Introduction
saw this in one of the make volumes but forgot which one. but it is so easy to make i knocked one up in twenty minuets even with my man sewing skills. this was just the start plan to make a better one as soon as i can borrow a sewing mahine from a relative
12 years ago on Introduction
it didn't take long at all and real simple, the men love it for the cold weather
14 years ago on Introduction
Hey Tim, this was such a great present, we use ours all the time still!
I just found out they sell versions of these on TV without the cool cow fringe for $19.95:
https://www.freesnuggie.com
Warning: I do not endorse the made-for-tv version, and highly recommend people make their own with this instructable instead. I just thought it was funny that these hit mainstream.
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
On closer inspection, the "snugglies" don't even have a hood! It looks like you have a product here that can one-up the snugglie.
Reply 13 years ago on Introduction
No, Snuggie, Snug-ie
14 years ago on Introduction
This was great! I have wanted one of these for awhile, but wasn't really into the thin fleece the snuggies and slankets are made of - so I made one out of an old comforter I had, its awesome! I wanted big sleeves, so I stitched mine closed, but it still came out great. Soon I'm going to add some trim with bias tape, and possibly a hood... Unfortunately, there was not enough blanket for one :o( - but if I can find some complimentary fabric I might add it. Thanks!
16 years ago
Im going to goodwill tonight for sure and making me a BA Kimono I remember back when i lived in hawaii going to bone dance's and i used to love wearing my kimono sadly it doesnt fit anymore but this is really cool brings me back great instructable :)
Reply 16 years ago
Wallmart sells pretty cheap fabrics--like fleece , which comes 60" wide; but you better hurry because they are discontinuing their fabric section. On the other hand, now might be a good time to buy it because they'll probably be clearancing it out soon. I've made ponchos out of fleece that were 60" X 60"--just cut a hole in the center for your head to poke through. Edges do not fray, so you could either cut fringe in the fabric or leave plain.
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
I'm not sure all Wal-Marts are discontinuing their fabric. One in my area did stop selling it, but continues to sell some little things, while the other still sells fabric.
14 years ago on Introduction
My girlfriend bought me a nice robe from Sears for X-mas one year. Cost her bout $80. Still have it. Use it alot. Think I'll make her one. Yours looks like it could be warmer than mine. Cudos!
15 years ago on Introduction
wow it looks really easy. I've always wanted a blanket robe. I love this style and I am excited about making one.
15 years ago on Step 1
I think that this pattern seems like this cloth anime doll:
http://dollmaker.nunodoll.com/anime/rurouni.html
(Runo is a great doll maker).
15 years ago on Introduction
I'd like to try this but I don't get it. Perhaps it is my unfamiliarity with the structure of a kimono. How does it go together? Where do you put your big stitches?
15 years ago on Introduction
this is awesome, but i need a more detailed guide. anyone want to rewrite it in more detail? great idea though!
16 years ago
It's fuzzy and warm. :) I am SO wearing this to school tomorrow.
16 years ago
where is it that you sew ? please clarify
16 years ago
Nice Instructable, and easy to turn into a costume for the short warrior in your life...
16 years ago
That is really cool. I need to find an awesome looking blanket to make one out of.