Japanese Fabric and Kimono Fabric
Who Loves Japanese Fabrics?
Japanese craft has gained a lot of popularity recently. More and more crafters love Japanese fabric and make a lot of craft projects out of them. These craft ideas can be obtained through Japanese crafting books and magazines that are fully instructional and are very easy to understand. Crafters who love Japanese fabric may wish to avail of the following resources that could greatly help them with their crafting needs:
Yes Asia - This is considered as the best site to go to when one wishes to purchase Japanese crafting magazines and books. This site uses the English language as well as several other Asian languages. They also provide free shipping but only when you buy for a specific amount.
Fujisan - This is also an online store which uses English for Japanese Books. Although the prices of some publications here are quite higher, crafters who love Japanese fabrics may find many of the books and magazines that are featured here are unusual than those found in other stores.
Amazon Japan - this site is perfect for the adventurous crafter. However, some drawbacks of buying here may include: no Yen conversion tools, when searching for English books, the search toolbar will only find those books that are actually written in English and time-consuming.
eBay - this auction site also features publications that may interest all you crafters out there. Though some of the books and magazines featured here can be really be overpriced, most sellers post several pictures of the craft books, thus allowing you to be able to take a peek on them before actually buying.
Japanese craft has gained a lot of popularity recently. More and more crafters love Japanese fabric and make a lot of craft projects out of them. These craft ideas can be obtained through Japanese crafting books and magazines that are fully instructional and are very easy to understand. Crafters who love Japanese fabric may wish to avail of the following resources that could greatly help them with their crafting needs:
Yes Asia - This is considered as the best site to go to when one wishes to purchase Japanese crafting magazines and books. This site uses the English language as well as several other Asian languages. They also provide free shipping but only when you buy for a specific amount.
Fujisan - This is also an online store which uses English for Japanese Books. Although the prices of some publications here are quite higher, crafters who love Japanese fabrics may find many of the books and magazines that are featured here are unusual than those found in other stores.
Amazon Japan - this site is perfect for the adventurous crafter. However, some drawbacks of buying here may include: no Yen conversion tools, when searching for English books, the search toolbar will only find those books that are actually written in English and time-consuming.
eBay - this auction site also features publications that may interest all you crafters out there. Though some of the books and magazines featured here can be really be overpriced, most sellers post several pictures of the craft books, thus allowing you to be able to take a peek on them before actually buying.
Japanese Fabric Photos
Just Look at this beautiful and love Japanese fabrics. They are just super!
Chirimen Crepe Fabric
Cherimen crepe refers to Japan's traditional heavy crape cloth used in making kimonos. Genuine cherimen crepe is made out of silk cloth. The texture of cherimen made of silk is so delicate and gentle. When it comes to the traditional patterns of these fabrics, they are very gorgeous. Precautions should be taken when washing this delicate fabric. They tend to shrink when if it is soaked in water either on hot or cold temperature, so take good care of it.The principal raw material for cherimen, the silk, makes it quite pricey. This is why the people from Japan use chemical textiles most of the time such as rayon or polyester as an alternate for silk. Low price cherimen crepe fabric made of rayon will cost about $20 to $30 per meter. Modern kimonos are already widely available in these less-expensive easy-care fabrics.
Some cherimen crepe fabrics are also made up of pure silk but they can also be made up of used pure silk. When second hand silk cloth is used, it is assured that there will be no same patterns. It will also look like antique if used pure silk cloth is used. Silk is still regarded as the ideal fabric for making kimonos and they are a must when going to formal gatherings and occasions.
Beautiful Items made with Chirimen Fabrics for sale
Different types of fabric use in making a kimono
The national costume of Japan is the kimono. The term kimono is derived from two Japanese words, "ki" which means wearing and "mono" which means things. Collectively, the word kimono literally means "thing to wear". Today, the Japanese kimono is not just the national clothing of Japan but it has come to represent a specific type of conventional full-length Japanese Garment.Kimonos are straight-lined robes that are T-shaped and fall up until to the wearer's ankle. The collars are wide and the sleeves are full in length. Except when dressing the dead for burial, kimonos are wrapped around the body with the left side over the right side. A wide belt, called the obi, secures the robe when tied at the back. The traditional foot wear to match the kimono is the zori or geta and the split-toe socks called the tabi.
There are various type of fabrics used in making a kimono. A single kimono is made from one bolt of fabric called the "tan" which comes in a standard dimension of about 14 inches in width and 12 and a half yards in length. The traditional fabric used in making a kimono was usually no more than 36 cm or 14 inches in width. There are four main strips of fabrics used in making a kimono. Covering the body are two panels and two other panels are used to form the sleeves. To form the narrow front panel and the collar, two additional smaller strips are being used.
Photos of Japanese Kimono
Just look how wonderful this Japanese fabric is!!
When Do Japanese People Wear Kimono?
The Japanese kimono is considered to be one of the world's instantly identifiable conventional clothing. There are various kinds of kimono used for various occasions and seasons. There are also kimonos that are intended for men wear.
The kimonos nowadays have become less common in sight. Usually, they are seen being worn by older women or during special occasions, party because of the cost due to the expensive price of a kimono made of silk. Another reason for this is the complicated procedure of putting on the kimono as well as tying the obi (belt securing the kimono). This procedure is usually beyond the capability of many young women. Most of the type, this tedious procedure requires them to take a course at a kimono school or simply ask their mothers to help them.
When do the Japanese people where kimonos? It is usually during those times when women go to conventional arts like the tea ceremony or the ikebana class. During these times, Japanese women wear a type of kimono, which is colorful with long sleeves and secured with a brightly colored obi (belt). Kimonos are also worn at weddings. The bride is usually seen wearing a heavy embroidered kimono called the shiromuku while the male wears the haori, which is a kimono made from habutae silk, in black color. It is during funerals when Japanese people are seen in plain black kimono. Also during the first month of the year, which is January, 20-year olds celebrate their coming age by wearing elaborately colored kimonos.
The kimonos nowadays have become less common in sight. Usually, they are seen being worn by older women or during special occasions, party because of the cost due to the expensive price of a kimono made of silk. Another reason for this is the complicated procedure of putting on the kimono as well as tying the obi (belt securing the kimono). This procedure is usually beyond the capability of many young women. Most of the type, this tedious procedure requires them to take a course at a kimono school or simply ask their mothers to help them.
When do the Japanese people where kimonos? It is usually during those times when women go to conventional arts like the tea ceremony or the ikebana class. During these times, Japanese women wear a type of kimono, which is colorful with long sleeves and secured with a brightly colored obi (belt). Kimonos are also worn at weddings. The bride is usually seen wearing a heavy embroidered kimono called the shiromuku while the male wears the haori, which is a kimono made from habutae silk, in black color. It is during funerals when Japanese people are seen in plain black kimono. Also during the first month of the year, which is January, 20-year olds celebrate their coming age by wearing elaborately colored kimonos.
Kimono in Action
Buying Cheap Kimono Fabrics in Tokyo Japan
If you are in Japan, the perfect place to buy your fabrics is at the Nippori Textile Town. Cheap kimono fabrics are for sale here. Upon walking into Tomato in Nippori, you will see half-wall compilation of fabrics which cost roughly a hundred yen, although it's a little crowded around that wall. On the first floor, you will see a lot of other stuff. The second floor caters silk. On the third floor have knits and cotton-prints. Each floor plays different music to set the atmosphere. You have to pay for your purchases separately on each floor. However, they do not honor credit cards so be if you really plan to go shop for fabrics that are great for making kimonos, be ready to bring enough cash in hand.
curated content from Flickr
Looking To Buy Cheap Kimono Fabrics. Why Not. Try These!
Do you want to make your own lovely kimono? Don't you just can find the stores that sell the fabrics that are great for making kimonos? Have you checked eBay but still to no avail? Here are some tips on where to buy cheap kimono fabrics:
www.yamatoku.com - there are cheap kimono fabric are for sale here sometimes, although it is advised that you check under all the categories
www.ichiroya.com - this is another website where you can shop online. They have an entire section devoted to fabrics that are great for making kimonos
eBay - it is still advised that you keep looking in eBay as there are times when kimono bolts do come up. There is the kimono auction there that sometimes features bolts.
If you are in Japan, the perfect place to buy your fabrics is at the Nippori Textile Town. Cheap kimono fabrics are for sale here. Upon walking into Tomato in Nippori, you will see half-wall compilation of fabrics which cost roughly a hundred yen, although it's a little crowded around that wall. On the first floor, you will see a lot of other stuff. The second floor caters silk. On the third floor have knits and cotton-prints. Each floor plays different music to set the atmosphere. You have to pay for your purchases separately on each floor. However, they do not honor credit cards so be if you really plan to go shop for fabrics that are great for making kimonos, be ready to bring enough cash in hand.
www.yamatoku.com - there are cheap kimono fabric are for sale here sometimes, although it is advised that you check under all the categories
www.ichiroya.com - this is another website where you can shop online. They have an entire section devoted to fabrics that are great for making kimonos
eBay - it is still advised that you keep looking in eBay as there are times when kimono bolts do come up. There is the kimono auction there that sometimes features bolts.
If you are in Japan, the perfect place to buy your fabrics is at the Nippori Textile Town. Cheap kimono fabrics are for sale here. Upon walking into Tomato in Nippori, you will see half-wall compilation of fabrics which cost roughly a hundred yen, although it's a little crowded around that wall. On the first floor, you will see a lot of other stuff. The second floor caters silk. On the third floor have knits and cotton-prints. Each floor plays different music to set the atmosphere. You have to pay for your purchases separately on each floor. However, they do not honor credit cards so be if you really plan to go shop for fabrics that are great for making kimonos, be ready to bring enough cash in hand.
Gorgeous Japanese Fabric on eBay
Japanese Kimono Fabric
Kimono, pronounced as kee-mo-no, is a term that means clothing in Japanese. It is considered as Japan's most stunning wealth. In plural form, kimono is also simply kimono. This traditional clothing of the Japanese has had a long history and has evolved throughout the time that symbolizes the society and culture during that period. This article gives an overview on Japanese kimono fabric.Textiles, since ancient times have been valued in Japan. They are considered to be one of the greatest treasures in Japanese handicrafts. The conventional textiles from Japan were made basically for personal clothing. One bolt, also called as tan of cloth is about 9 meters in length and about 30 cm in width. This measurement is enough to produce one kimono, either for men or women regardless of weight and height. This is why as a rule of thumb, Japanese kimono fabrics are sold not by the meter but by the bolt.
The formal kimono and obi belts were conventionally created by use of Japanese kimono fabrics such as silk, cherimen or crepe fabrics, silk brocade and satin weaves. Because of high production costs, consumer economic demands and easy care demand and the limited availability of skilled craftsman and weavers, the kimono industry is exerting the extra effort to produce kimono that are made of "easy care" casual type of fabrics. These casual type Japanese kimono fabrics include cotton, rayon, polyester, cotton sateen and other synthetic fibers. However the traditional wedding kimono cannot be made using these types of fabrics.
Buying Japanese Kimono on Ebay
Are you looking for a Japanese woman's kimono like the kind worn in the movie Memoirs of Geisha? Fret no more! This article provides you online resources and tips on where you can find and buy well made kimonos that will not cost you no more than a thousand dollars just to get you that well made kimono.
Yamatoku, Kimono Lily, Ryu Japan and Ichiroya are the usual suspects when it comes to buying kimonos. They stock real kimonos and are very reputable sellers of kimonos. Most of the kimonos that can be found there are either secondhand, vintage or dead stocks that came from regular shops. There are also brand-new kimonos but they are usually available very too often. You can also buy kimonos on eBay from these shops through their eBay pages.
Just a word of caution, when buying kimonos on eBay, you have to be really careful. You can first go to the stores that have been mentioned above to at least have an idea of how much various kimonos should reasonable cost. Also, when you have opt to buy Japanese kimonos on eBay, you may also want to put a little effort in learning the proper Japanese terms that refers to the different kinds of kimonos. In this way, the chances of you being caught for a ride by dishonest eBay sellers will be eliminated. This will also prevent you from being caught up in a bidding war and end up paying far more than something is worse.
Yamatoku, Kimono Lily, Ryu Japan and Ichiroya are the usual suspects when it comes to buying kimonos. They stock real kimonos and are very reputable sellers of kimonos. Most of the kimonos that can be found there are either secondhand, vintage or dead stocks that came from regular shops. There are also brand-new kimonos but they are usually available very too often. You can also buy kimonos on eBay from these shops through their eBay pages.
Just a word of caution, when buying kimonos on eBay, you have to be really careful. You can first go to the stores that have been mentioned above to at least have an idea of how much various kimonos should reasonable cost. Also, when you have opt to buy Japanese kimonos on eBay, you may also want to put a little effort in learning the proper Japanese terms that refers to the different kinds of kimonos. In this way, the chances of you being caught for a ride by dishonest eBay sellers will be eliminated. This will also prevent you from being caught up in a bidding war and end up paying far more than something is worse.
Buy a Cheap Japanese Kimono on EBAY
Japanese Obi (Belt) for Kimono
The conventional japanese obi (belt) for Kimono is a little bit hard to tie especially considering the type of bow to make. Most of the time, another person is needed to tie the Japanese obi (belt) for the kimono wearer. There are a number of styles of various styles that can be made using the belt. The following are some trivia on pre-tied Japanese obi (belt) and a few guides on how to tie a butterfly bow on your own.
Formal Obi Belts - these are usually measured 4 meters in length and about 60 cm in width, folded on its own and the width wrapped on the waist of the wearer and then tied into a bow or knot at the back. These belts are traditionally made of brocade weave. As a basic rule, the more complicated patterns mean that the belt is more formal.
Casual Obi Sash - these belts are for casual wear, which measures 10 cm in width but can also measure as wide as 30cm. They are typically made of gauze weaves, wool, satin, nylon, cherimen or twill. The fabric used is the distinction between the casual obi and the formal obi. The casual obi is worn for both the summer kimono called the yakuta and the kimono.
Butterfly Obi - these are pre-tied belts that are very simple to put on. They give the impression of the complicated tied bow shape called choc ho, because the bow looks a lot like a butterfly. This is why this belt is called the butterfly obi. It measures about 5' in length and 6" in width.
Formal Obi Belts - these are usually measured 4 meters in length and about 60 cm in width, folded on its own and the width wrapped on the waist of the wearer and then tied into a bow or knot at the back. These belts are traditionally made of brocade weave. As a basic rule, the more complicated patterns mean that the belt is more formal.
Casual Obi Sash - these belts are for casual wear, which measures 10 cm in width but can also measure as wide as 30cm. They are typically made of gauze weaves, wool, satin, nylon, cherimen or twill. The fabric used is the distinction between the casual obi and the formal obi. The casual obi is worn for both the summer kimono called the yakuta and the kimono.
Butterfly Obi - these are pre-tied belts that are very simple to put on. They give the impression of the complicated tied bow shape called choc ho, because the bow looks a lot like a butterfly. This is why this belt is called the butterfly obi. It measures about 5' in length and 6" in width.
Have a look at these items made from obi fabric. Just Gorgeous!
Yuzen Patterns
Yuzen Pattern: A background
Kimono is the national clothing of the Japanese people. They are worn during different occasions such as weddings, traditional arts like the tea ceremony and ikebana class, and burials. The Japanese people will also be seen wearing kimonos during such occasions like the Shichi-go-san for children, during graduation ceremonies and New Year.
The conventional kimonos in Japan are made of hand made fabrics, decorated by hands and are also sewn by hand. Various techniques are employed in drawing the patterns in these fabrics. One such technique is the yuzen. The yuzen pattern technique makes use of dyes to apply the decoration and patterns to the base cloth. The yuzen pattern technique and a stencil can make repeating patterns which can cover a huge area of a kimono. This has evolved into many variations with regards to color, style and fabrics, as well as accessories such as the belt (obi) used in securing the kimono.
Yuzen is a dyeing procedure, which makes use of starch and paper patters to skillfully paint lovely designs into the cloth. It is in the city of Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture where the Kaga-yuzen has evolved. Very identical to this technique is the Kyo-yuzen that has originated in Kyoto. However, the former is characterized by the predominance of indigo, dark red and purple used as the base colors.
Further, Kaga-yuzen also applies the skillful utilization of patterns and colors, gradations and designs as well as more geometrical designs than Kyo-yuzen. In 1975, Kaga-yuzen was assigned as a traditional Japanese craft.
Kimono is the national clothing of the Japanese people. They are worn during different occasions such as weddings, traditional arts like the tea ceremony and ikebana class, and burials. The Japanese people will also be seen wearing kimonos during such occasions like the Shichi-go-san for children, during graduation ceremonies and New Year.
The conventional kimonos in Japan are made of hand made fabrics, decorated by hands and are also sewn by hand. Various techniques are employed in drawing the patterns in these fabrics. One such technique is the yuzen. The yuzen pattern technique makes use of dyes to apply the decoration and patterns to the base cloth. The yuzen pattern technique and a stencil can make repeating patterns which can cover a huge area of a kimono. This has evolved into many variations with regards to color, style and fabrics, as well as accessories such as the belt (obi) used in securing the kimono.
Yuzen is a dyeing procedure, which makes use of starch and paper patters to skillfully paint lovely designs into the cloth. It is in the city of Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture where the Kaga-yuzen has evolved. Very identical to this technique is the Kyo-yuzen that has originated in Kyoto. However, the former is characterized by the predominance of indigo, dark red and purple used as the base colors.
Further, Kaga-yuzen also applies the skillful utilization of patterns and colors, gradations and designs as well as more geometrical designs than Kyo-yuzen. In 1975, Kaga-yuzen was assigned as a traditional Japanese craft.
Japanese Yuzen Dyeing Videos
Crafting with Japanese Fabric
Japanese crafting is found almost everywhere. Japanese crafting books and magazines are a major hit among many crafters and they contain great ideas for craft projects. These publications can be easily understood even if you do not know how to read or speak Japanese as they contain mainly diagrams and pictured instructions that you can follow with ease.
Here is an example of an activity where you can make kawaii (cute) place mats in time for the Christmas season. These place mats will be very lovely for not only for the Christmas table but also, they can be used all year round. We will make use of Japanese fabrics to make our very own kawaii place mats.
First is to cut the Japanese fabric to the dimensions of your choice. Use two different fabrics. You may want to choose the same colors with different patterns as they really work well. Then place the two pieces of fabrics together with the right sides of the fabrics facing each other. On each side, sew a straight line then leave the fabric inside out. Leave a hem of about 1.5 cm and iron the edges facing outwards. Make the right sides faced outwards by turning the fabric. Make an overlap of the different fabrics on each side by adjusting the fabric. Take an embroidery thread and hand stitch the underside edges together. Do the same procedure to the top edges. Finally, hand stitch down the mat just inside the panel closure and viola! A simple yet kawaii mat made out of Japanese fabric!
Here is an example of an activity where you can make kawaii (cute) place mats in time for the Christmas season. These place mats will be very lovely for not only for the Christmas table but also, they can be used all year round. We will make use of Japanese fabrics to make our very own kawaii place mats.
First is to cut the Japanese fabric to the dimensions of your choice. Use two different fabrics. You may want to choose the same colors with different patterns as they really work well. Then place the two pieces of fabrics together with the right sides of the fabrics facing each other. On each side, sew a straight line then leave the fabric inside out. Leave a hem of about 1.5 cm and iron the edges facing outwards. Make the right sides faced outwards by turning the fabric. Make an overlap of the different fabrics on each side by adjusting the fabric. Take an embroidery thread and hand stitch the underside edges together. Do the same procedure to the top edges. Finally, hand stitch down the mat just inside the panel closure and viola! A simple yet kawaii mat made out of Japanese fabric!
Crafting With Japanese Fabric Video
Great Japanese Fabric Crafting Books
Paper Cranes on Beautiful Japanese Fabric
Japanese Fabric related Sites
- Fujisan
- - This is also an online store which uses English for Japanese Books
- Yes Asia
- - This is considered as the best site to go to when one wishes to purchase Japanese crafting magazines and books
- Amazon Japan
- - this site is perfect for the adventurous crafter. All in English.
- www.yamatoku.com
- - there are cheap kimono fabric are for sale here sometimes, although it is advised that you check under all the categories.
- www.ichiroya.com
- - this is another website where you can shop online. They have an entire section devoted to fabrics that are great for making kimonos.
- www.ebay.com
- - it is still advised that you keep looking in eBay as there are times when kimono do come up cheap. Most times cheaper that buying in Japan.
- www.dreamsofjapan.com
- - a blog about japanese crafting.
- Etsy.com
- - great place to buy Japanese crafting supplies.
Please feel free to leave a comment :)
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Tipi
Oct 10, 2011 @ 8:53 pm | delete
- An interesting discussion of Japanese fabrics, they are absolutely beautiful works of art. I had known that kimonos were made of silk but didn't know about the cost issue that has driven the market to synthetics, that does make sense.
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