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Kimono Series: Footwear and Other Accessories

This should round out the things you can make or acquire for your kimono ensemble. This is not an exhaustive list but there are a few things I wanted to cover.
  • Tabi 
  • Geta or Zori
  • Korin Belt
  • Haori Himo
  • Haori/Nagabaori
  • Kanzashi Hair Pins
  • Fans and Bags

Footwear

Tabi are socks made to be worn with sandals. Although, based on construction, Tabi can also be slippers or proper shoes themselves! It all depends on how it is made. 

Knit Tabi Socks are a modern version of tabi that behaves just like a sock. It's stretchy because it's knitwear. And as you know, I've knit my own tabi, so you can learn how to knit your own too! 

Sewn Tabi are a bit more like making clothe shoes if you are familiar with the process. The outer sole of the shoe may be a fairly thick or leather-ish material because these can be used as indoor shoes and may need that extra protection to last longer. The outer and inner material can be made from stretch or non-stretch fabric. 

Zori and Geta

The difference? Geta is made of wood and Zori (or Zouri) is cork or foam. 
These come in several different styles all for different occasions and formalities of course. 

Geta are made from wood and are sometimes elevated with "teeth". Geta are outdoor shoes and the teeth help lift you so your kimono hem doesn't touch the ground, especially in the rain! Geta are more informal shoes. 

Zori can be formal or informal depending on color and materials. 

Zori

Shoe making is a new avenue of craft that I am looking into more. I have copious notes on my research on how to make geta and zori. I can't make Geta in my apartment since I lack space for power tools, but I do have some resources for those interested in making wooden shoes. 👞

Zori is made of cork or foam which IS more crafter friendly. My plan is to make a dedicated post for how to make Zori. 
But here's some inspiration:

Korin Belt

My homemade korin belt

A korin belt is a loop of elastic that ends in clips. These can replace a himo belt when dressing. It is easier to dress yourself with korin belt but it is a Japan-only kind of product so you'll have to buy an imported product which is pricey. BUT there is a way to make your own. 

You will need a length of flat elastic, a tri-glide slide or suspender slider, and some pacifier clips (plastic). 
I strongly suggest using plastic clips for particularly delicate fabrics. You can find the metal suspender clips at many craft stores, but I'd worry about tearing. BUT if you use it on tough fabric, the metal ones are fine. 
  1. Measure enough elastic to go around your waist, then subtract about 10 cm. (Standard sizes are 58 cm or 23")

  2. On the tri-glide slide, loop the end of the elastic around an outer post. Sew the elastic down.  
  3. Slide on one of the pacifier clips towards the tri-glide slide.
  4. Take the raw end of the elastic, fold the length in half or so then, loop the raw end around the center post of the tri-glid slide. This should lock the pacifier clip into the loop.  
  5. Loop the raw end of the elastic around the 2nd pacifier clip, fold and sew down. 
  6. Adjust the slide to suit your dressing. 
    This video illustrates the basics of what I mean, but it uses a suspender slider. 
     

Haori Himo
My handmade haori himo

Haori himo are little belts that clip into a haori to help keep it on. Haori will have loops sewn in at the chest that you can hook or clip into. The himo can be two pieces that you tie into a knot in the middle (or clip in the middle like my homemade ones) or a decorative single piece that just hooks in. 

Example of a single piece haori himo

You can use Kumihimo weaving (similar to obijime) to make your own haori himo, but you can also just use beaded string. 

If you have just the two cords, here's how you can tie them: 

Haori/Nagabaori

I didn't really go over how to make these things. Haori is the "short coat" that is typical of a masculine kimono ensemble. Nagabaori is the longer coat, typically more feminine. (It's what Nezuko from Demon Slayer wears.) 

The construction is similar to a kimono but with some different measurements and collar things. I'm going to be a tinge lazy on this an simply show you this tutorial video here: 

Kanzashi Hair Pins


Kanzashi are flowers and other things made from folded fabric and glue. You can use leftover fabric from your kimono making or ribbon. 
I've got a Playlist of Kanzashi Flower tutorials. (Kurokami-kanzashi also has a written tutorial if you prefer.)

Once you make a flower you can attach it to a hair pin, hair comb, barrette, headband or something to place in your hair. Kanzashi flowers can also be used to make obidome, jewelry, brooches, or other fun embellishments. 

There are seasonal kanzashi for the months of the year if you need inspiration. See MyLokoVille for a nice list with pictures. 

Fans and Bags

So this is something you can look into with any scrap fabric you have from your kimono project. 
A draw-string bag is a fairly common scrap fabric project that you can utilize with your kimono ensemble. 

Fans are not always made with fabric (usually some kind of paper in my experience.) BUT I do have cloth fans as well so it is possible. Here are are a few tutorials: 


And that's all I want to write about these things. We're getting close to the end of this series! I'm already planning my next one. 😵

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