Hello CSC! For the Curvy Year of Sewing Kimonos and Cardigans theme, I just knew I wanted to review the Designer Stitch Willow Kimono.
The Willow Kimono is available in sizes 1 through 11 or bust measurements 32 inches to 52 inches. It fits large, though, and can likely go larger than 52 inches. The pattern has 3 lengths: shorter with a hi-lo hem, mid-thigh, lower calf.
I made size 11, but could easily have sized down if I didn’t want such an oversized look. My bust is 51.5 inches.
I have made two different versions of the Willow Kimono: one in a soft cotton voile fabric and another in a poly satin. Both have a straight hem with a fringe. The cotton voile version is cut at mid-thigh while I cut the poly satin version in a cropped length since I knew I was using a longer fringe.
The cotton voile version was made for our trip to Cuba over the Christmas break last year and I made the poly satin version for a wedding this summer. Both are very different looks and really speak to how you can make any pattern multiple times and no one outside the sewing world would even be the wiser.
The pattern instructions are great. The pattern is perfect for beginners, especially if they want to experiment in more difficult fabrics but with a simple pattern. There are 4 pieces to the pattern: back, 2 front, and a band. It would be a perfect pattern for some trying out new seam finished like french seams. My cotton voile version used french seams while my poly satin version has serged seam finishes.
Fit on a garment like this is meant to be oversized and pretty relaxed but it’s not bad. The hem on the back of the poly satin one seems wonky but that’s because my shoulders are wonky. LOL.
Size Range – 4.5
Instructions – 5
Construction process – 5
Final Fit – 5
Overall Rating – 4.9
Great pattern overall and perfect for a beginner or someone more advanced in need of a quick fix.
Thank you Andie and a SHOUT OUT to you for reviewing the Willow Kimono – feeling very honoured.
Cheers xx
Kind Regards
Ann at Designer Stitch
Thanks for the great pattern, Ann! 🙂
Thank you for your review but especially the pictures!! I’ve wanted to make a kimono for some time & have looked at this pattern before but the website pictures turned me off — too much volume, too much material. However, your pictures look amazing, gorgeous, not overwhelming — exactly what I was looking for. I’m copying your example of longer fringe on the shorter kimono — absolutely a great idea.
Thank you so much! I hope you love your kimono too!
Love your komono’s. Did you make the gorgeous swim suit as well? Love it as well.
Thank you! I did make it. It’s the Patterns for Pirates Siren Swim top and Sailor Swim bottoms made to look like a one piece. 🙂