DIY Poolside Pattern Kimonos — Keep cute and cool with these DIY Poolside Pattern Kimonos! We’ve got free downloadable patterns in flamingo, eye and leaf prints.
After being on the hunt for the perfect kimono that didn’t have fringe longer than my entire body or overly weird florals from top to bottom, I have finally decided to make my own.
To start, I needed the actual kimono itself which I found in the form of what Amazon calls a “sheer cardigan”. No clue why, considering it has no buttons or closures, is knee length, and is almost totally sheer.
Alas, I refuse to bite the hand that feeds my Amazon Prime addiction. So I’ll let them call it whatever they want. Around here though, we’re going to call it a DIY Poolside Pattern Kimono!
Materials Needed To Make A DIY Poolside Pattern Kimono
- Sheer kimono/cardigan — The ones I found are sold out but you can find similar ones here, here and here.
- Fabric transfer paper for light fabrics — I used about 3.5 sheets of paper per kimono.
- Iron
- Scissors
Free Digital Pattern Downloads
*Downloads are for personal use only and are not to be redistributed or sold.
How To Make A DIY Poolside Pattern Kimono
Once you’ve printed the designs onto fabric transfer sheets, it’s really as easy as cutting them out and ironing them on. That said, I DO have some tips I learned along the way.
— I ironed my designs for about 30 seconds longer than the instructions said, and it worked MUCH better.
— I also peeled the adhesive backing off of the designs before they cooled onto the fabric which meant I didn’t get weird glossy edges as bad.
— If you cut around the edges of the design as closely as possible (this is easiest for the leaves), it gives a far better outcome as far as avoiding the crafty looking clear transfer border.
Before I ironed anything on though, I made a place of where I wanted to design to go to get an idea of the general spacing beforehand, which saved me a ton of time once I realize how many more designs we’d have to cut if I made the pattern closer together!
By the time I realized what a time suck this project was after making two kimonos (too honest?) I gave up on the eye print. But I decided to offer it here for you still just in case someone preferred it best!
Now the only catch is that you have to enjoy your new kimono verrrry carefully because it’s hand wash only. Muahaha! Just kidding, we all know that’s not funny, especially for me and my clumsy self.
Styling Sources
- Chocolate bars from Compartes
- Leaf print towel from H&M
- Cool graphic face masks from Artifact Skin Co.
- Astro turf from Home Depot
Love your designs. Flamingoes have alwats been my favorite And your leaf designs are beautiful.
I tried to find the kimono on amazon. Maybe they are sold out but I could not find the one you purchased. Can you tell me which one it was? I really love the style and thought I’d try one on my own.
This is an awesome way to upgrade a plain kimono!!Love the flamingos
This is so incredibly clever! I can never find enough kimonos with prints I like. Thanks for sharing!
This looks amazing! I wish I’d seen this earlier – I’m about to go on a beach holiday and I’ve been searching and searching for a kimono I love with no luck! The patterns are gorgeous xx
http://crafternooncabaretclub.com
I love these so much, Ash! I think I’m going to make a matching mama and baby one for me and Miss V!
so stinkin cute!!!
that flamingo one is really lovely
Oh my goodness. These are beyond cute and totally easy! I personally adore the flamingos.
www.annescribblesanddoodles.blogspot.com
I love this!
The flamingo one is so rad! I’ve been on the hunt for the perfect kimono as well so thanks for the links to some awesome inexpensive ones :D
Vanessa
http://cafecraftea.blogspot.com
These are AWESOME! Super easy and so cute! Especially loving the palm fronds!
Let’s Mingle Blog
Love it!!!
can i hire you to make me a flamingo one! :)
i seriously love this!
just bought the kimono and will be using this when i go to vegas. which is just as awesome because i will be staying at the Flamingo so you know which one im going to fail at attempting! :D
Those kimonos are so cute! I want to try and make one!
Paige
http://thehappyflammily.com
These turned out so well! I’ve never tried anything with fabric transfers…you make it look easy, though. Such a cute and inspiring DIY :)
Love the flamingo one! These are great and look better than a lot of the “kimonos” they have out there! Thanks for sharing! :)
LOVE LOVE LOVE! I would totally buy the flamingo one from you!
Definitely taking in the summer with all these bright clothes and flamingos!
PS. that would make scary looking macaron with the eye template. I think I might try it. :o