Sewing project: Gotei 13 Haori

Hi all,

Let’s start with the hard fact I never have made an outfit or something similar before. One of the clothing pieces I love are the Gotei 13 outfits. And especially the Captain haori.

I read a lot about using patterns and tried to find one suitable. Sadly I couldn’t find one for a haori and the yukata pattern is like Chinese to me.

So I decided to make my own pattern out of paper and see if that works for me.

The result of the pattern making is here below.

Tips and tricks are welcome. 

 

 

 

Thank you for reading.

Seeya,

Rajke

Your pattern looks pretty workable at a glance. Are you going to have a seam at the shoulder? That would make it significantly easier to cut out than doing it all as one piece. 

One trick for doll patterns is to use paper towels for testing patterns; Viva brand towels are recommended because they have a more fabric-like texture. That way you can see how it will drape better than with normal paper. You could also do this with the yukata pattern you found confusing. While pattern pieces are often mystifying on their own, once you start assembling them, you can see how they fit together. So you could follow the exact instructions to make a paper towel yukata, modify the finished garment to meet your needs, and then take it apart and see what the pieces look like now. 

3 hours ago, Tira said:

Your pattern looks pretty workable at a glance. Are you going to have a seam at the shoulder? That would make it significantly easier to cut out than doing it all as one piece. 

One trick for doll patterns is to use paper towels for testing patterns; Viva brand towels are recommended because they have a more fabric-like texture. That way you can see how it will drape better than with normal paper. You could also do this with the yukata pattern you found confusing. While pattern pieces are often mystifying on their own, once you start assembling them, you can see how they fit together. So you could follow the exact instructions to make a paper towel yukata, modify the finished garment to meet your needs, and then take it apart and see what the pieces look like now. 

Thanks for your reply. As this is the first time sewing a clothingpiece…. Eh sewing at all I discovered some difficulties along the road. I believe the needle hits my thumb and fingers multiple times. I had a lot of respect for people who can make doll clothes. That respect has been growing. 

The paper towel is a nice idea. The pattern is in sizes correct but was difficult to transfer to the cotton. Mainly by the folds I made in the paper. 
The Haori is indeed one piece without seam on the shoulders. You are correct about cutting out. It was really difficult to do.

I will take a look at the yukata pattern once more. If this one succeeds I think I want a few more for the other girls. And Dollfie’s have a slightly different size. 

I must say that sewing is enjoyable. 

And a small update. It is my first time sewing ….. anything. But so far so good.

I wanted to make some photo’s but I also want to avoid that Shisha got some needles in her skin.

Let me know what you think so far.

Greetz,

 Rajke 

Looks like it's coming along well. I'm very impressed you're sewing all that by hand. I just don't have the patience for it.

17 hours ago, Tira said:

Looks like it's coming along well. I'm very impressed you're sewing all that by hand. I just don't have the patience for it.

Thanks, it takes some time but that is fine. It is more work than I thought but I wanted to create the first one without any machine in the old fashioned way. The first part was hard but I think I got the hang of it. What also surprises me is how much thread goes into this one piece of clothing. 
 

And a small update with fitting and pinning. 

And the Haori is finished. Love the result. It is far from perfect but I am happy with it. 

That came out really well. I love the little black details you added.

19 hours ago, RiverRealms said:

That came out really well. I love the little black details you added.

Thanks. The black details have been made in three attempts. It is surprisingly difficult to cut small pieces of felt in the correct shape. 

4 hours ago, Rajke said:

Thanks. The black details have been made in three attempts. It is surprisingly difficult to cut small pieces of felt in the correct shape. 

Ouch yes, I recall giving up entirely on using felt for details on a tiny plush I made a long time ago for that very reason. You have some amazing patience

Wow you did a fantastic job!!!

 

I can't believe this is your 1st time making an outfit . . . let alone a pattern!

 

Thanks for sharing your progress! 😀