DIY Reversible Kimono Jacket

One of my go to pieces in my wardrobe has always been a blazer. A blazer gives an outfit a classy feel whether dressed up or casual. Another one of my favorite pieces is a cardigan. I wanted to marry the two together to create my own vision of a blazer mixed with a cardigan and a touch of kimono/robe feel. When I created the jeweled ladies pattern called “Adorned”, the image in my mind was of a flowing robe. The large print is best displayed with a longer garment, so I took my inspiration and ran with it. To make this project even more wearable, I decided to make it reversible. So join me in my joy of creating my diy reversible kimono style jacket.

Choosing the Fabric

I ordered swatches first from Spoonflower and confirmed that satin was the way to go. I choose to work with satin for this kimono jacket as I loved the sheen and brilliance of the jewels. After being settled on satin and tweaking the pattern a touch, I placed the order for two yards of satin.

Design

The design process started with a sketch of what I wanted my jacket to look like. Next, I drafted out a collar piece and placed it on my neck to get a feel for what it would look like as part of the robe. After making measurements based on my previous DIY Kimono, I drafted up the front and back pattern pieces. I used my basic sleeve block from my blouse pattern except I gave it a larger armhole opening. Lastly, I worked on the sleeve pattern piece which I used from my basic sleeve block as well.

For the reverse, I chose a pink satin. It was a beautiful piece that I had purchased at a thrift store. It would peek through on the cuffs and collar just enough to contrast with the brilliant forest green. The pink satin worn on the outside would be perfect with a floral tank or blouse.

First Draft

After I created the pattern pieces, I used some thrift store satin that I had accidentally washed on the wrong cycle. After I was pleased with the results of the first draft, I knew I could cut out the pattern pieces to make my DIY Reversible Kimono Jacket.

Check out this quick video showcasing the reversible feature of this one of a kind jacket!

I couldn’t believe my project turned out just as I had hoped! My favorite outfit to pair with this reversible kimono jacket is a pair of distressed jeans and solid colour tank in a flowy fabric. How would you wear this kimono jacket? Would you wear a slip dress or maybe tied with a sash over a pencil skirt? I hope you are dreaming of the possibilities just as I am.

If you would love to make your own reversible kimono jacket, pop your email in the box below and you will be the first to know when I launch the official pattern!