Kochi Kimono Modification

Sometimes you can't find just the right pattern for what you want to make. That's when you have to modify! I love modifying patterns to make just what I need. In this case, I was looking for a basic robe pattern but didn't want anything too fussy or feminine. I remembered making the Kochi Kimono by Papercut a few months back and wondered what it would be like as a robe or a duster. So, I dug out the pattern and set to work lengthening.

I had a fantastic fabric—a rayon border print. It nearly blew my mind trying to piece it together so that the print matched up and the detail went down the center back, but I managed to do a decent job. I lengthened the pattern to below my knees, extended the side slits to be mid thigh, and added two belt loops for a tie. It turned out to be exactly what I was wanting—a classic, kimono-style robe.

Front view of Kochi Kimono modification

Back view of Kochi Kimono modification

One thing I learned: it certainly takes a lot of fabric to 1., make a robe, and 2., make a robe with a border print. I think I used almost 4 yards! Also, lesson learned: border prints create a lot of waste. I'm still thinking about what I want to do with the scraps. Possibly handkerchiefs or a pair of matching sleep shorts?