Lightweight, breezy and great on all body types, the relaxed style of a kimono cardigan is perfect for many warm weather engagements. Also extremely versatile, it can be paired with both sophisticated and festival-friendly ensembles. You can quickly create your own long, flowing kimono cardigan using an old thrift-store dress.
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Things You'll Need
Long, flowing thrift-store dress
Seam ripper
Sharp scissors
Iron and ironing board
Pins
Sewing machine with universal 11/80 needle
Hand sewing needle and thread
Start with a long, lightweight, flowing thrift-store dress.
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Step 1
Remove the shoulder pads from the dress with a seam ripper.
Step 2
Use a sharp pair of scissors to cut off the sleeves as close to the existing seam as possible.
Step 3
Most sheer dresses with have enclosed seams, which means you can cut close to the seam and the edge will still be finished. In this case, you won't have to worry about the edge fraying. If your dress doesn't have enclosed seams, then you'll want to finish your newly cut armhole edges by folding each over twice by 1/4 inch and stitching the hem.
Step 4
Cut directly up the front center of the dress, from the bottom all the way to the top.
Step 5
If your dress has a lining, cut up the front center of the lining as well.
Step 6
Press the center raw edges of the lining and the dress over twice, by 1/4 inch, toward the wrong side of the fabric. Pin to hold in place.
Step 7
Use a sewing machine with an 11/80 needle to sew the pressed edges. Be sure to remove the pins as you sew.
Step 8
To keep the lining and the dress together, hand tack the lining to the dress at the top of the new opening with a few hand stitches.
Layer your new kimono cardigan over your favorite jeans for a fun, breezy look, no matter where you're going.
