Making a (Katazome) Kimono

Overview

Katazome is a traditional Japanese method of dyeing fabrics using a resist paste applied through a stencil. Pigment is added by hand-painting or immersion in a dye vat. Try designing fun kimono using different patterns and colors. Katazome on thin fabrics shows a pattern through to the back; on thicker or more tightly woven fabrics, the reverse side is a solid color, usually indigo blue for cotton fabrics. Futon covers made from multiple panels of fabric, if the stencils are properly placed and the panels joined carefully, exhibit a pleasing over-all pattern in addition to the elements cut into the stencil.

Materials

Worksheet (see “Downloads”)

Stencil paper (substitute with cardboard or waxed paper)

Markers or colored pencils

White cardstock paper

X-acto knife

Scissors

Optional: stencil brush, tempera paint

Procedure

1. Print out the kimono line drawing on a piece of white cardstock paper.

2. Draw decorative patterns on stencil paper with pencil (or copy the provided patterns). Using an x-acto knife, carefully cut out the patterns.

3. Place the stencil on the kimono line drawing and apply colored pencils or markers through the holes of the stencil to create your own design (you may use tempera paint and stencil brush instead of markers).

4. Use transitional colors, having one color fade into the next.

5. Afterwards, cut out the kimono carefully along the outline.

6. Try using multiple stencils and various colors to come up with a creative and beautiful kimono!