Why not try making kimono origami with your children to match traditional Japanese events like Shichi-Go-San, New Year’s, and summer festivals? Choosing favorite colors and traditional patterns while you fold becomes a meaningful time that naturally connects you to Japan’s cultural heritage.
When we once folded kimonos in different colors with the kids, they dove in with vivid imaginations, saying things like, “This is a princess’s kimono!” and “Mine is a cool hakama!” Displaying the finished pieces on the wall really enhances the seasonal feel and nurtures both a sense of accomplishment and creativity.
Give it a try as a seasonal craft that parents and children can enjoy together.
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Perfect for playtime too! A simple collection of kimono origami ideas to enjoy with kids (1–10)
An easy way to fold a kimonoNEW!
After folding the origami paper in half to make a crease, fold the top and bottom edges to meet the crease.
Turn the paper over and fold the top and bottom creases so they overlap the center line.
Leave the top and bottom edges on the back side visible on the front.
Rotate the paper 90 degrees, then fold down the top edge by about 1 cm.
Fold up the bottom edge, then make a valley fold to fold it down, and fold the left and right edges to align with the center line.
Fold this part back outward on a diagonal, then open the top pocket into a diamond shape.
Now it has the shape of a kimono, so adjust the sleeves and you’re done.
It’s really easy, and it makes you want to try it with washi-patterned origami paper!
How to fold a kimono girlNEW!
A cute kimono girl who looks just like a little doll! The bob haircut adds to the nostalgic feel of this piece.
Fold the bottom edge of the origami to align with the center line, then crease both the left and right edges along the center line.
Flip the paper over and fold the outer creases inward to meet the center line.
Fold up the bottom edge about 5 mm, open up the pocket in the center and flatten it, then flip the paper over and fold the left and right edges inward.
The parts sticking out on both sides will be the sleeves.
The side opposite the sleeves will be the head, so fold three edges to create a bob hairstyle.
You can customize the hairstyle, so feel free to make it in any shape you like.
A way of folding a yukata that also uses scissorsNEW!
It’s an idea that depicts the back view of a kimono! The lovely thing about this idea is that you can really show off the obi.
You can represent the obi by attaching your favorite parts like ribbons or stars.
First, fold along the top and bottom edges of the origami paper to make creases, then unfold and refold the top and bottom edges along those creases.
Flip the paper over and fold so that the creases line up with the center line.
At this point, don’t fold the top and bottom edges on the reverse side—leave them showing on the front.
Make slits along the top and bottom edges at the central vertical crease, then rotate the paper 90 degrees.
Fold the lower edges on both the left and right toward the center line, then accordion-fold the top edge to form the kimono shape.
Open the pocketed section and fold it into a triangle to make the collar.
Finally, make small triangular folds on the left and right corners of the collar, and you’re done!
Shichi-Go-San girlNEW!
Because the kimono body, collar, obi, and parts are made from separate sheets of origami paper, you can create a festive outfit in any design you like.
Fold the body paper into a triangle, then make stepped folds on the left and right corners to form the sleeves.
This process also completes the torso.
The collar is made by roll-folding a small triangular piece of origami paper.
For the obi, leave a gap in the center and fold the top and bottom edges to represent the obijime at the same time.
Make the face, hair, hands, sandals, and hair ornaments separately and assemble them together.
It also sounds fun to make a hair ornament by layering round stickers into a circular shape!
A boy for Shichi-Go-SanNEW!
Here’s an idea for making a kimono and hakama with origami.
Fold the origami paper into a triangle, make accordion folds to create the sleeves, and use a triangle cut off during the process to make the collar with a wrap fold.
For the hakama, use 7.5 cm origami paper, add creases, and use those creases to express the flared hem.
The round part of the haori cord is made by layering round stickers.
Make the face, hair, and zori sandals with separate origami pieces, then combine them with the kimono to complete a Shichi-Go-San boy.
It’s an idea that encourages you to imagine your favorite kimono and enjoy choosing the origami paper accordingly!
Perfect for summer! Yukata for kidsNEW!
What a cute idea that makes you want to use it on a wall! Fold the origami paper into thirds to make creases, then open it up and fold the top left and right corners outward into triangles, aligning them with the outer creases.
Fold along the creases, then open the bottom corner outward.
Fold it in half by overlapping the top and bottom toward the back, and fold the top left and right corners into triangles.
Make a sash with another piece of origami paper, attach it, and you’re done! By combining different origami papers, you can create various yukata, and using ribbon or tissue paper for the sash would also give it a nice touch.
Kimono Origami Kids Will Love!NEW!
This is an idea I loved at first glance because the sleeves look three-dimensional and beautiful.
Use two 15 cm origami sheets for the kimono and a 7.5 cm sheet for the obi.
First, fold one 15 cm sheet in half, then use that crease to add two evenly spaced creases on each side.
Place the paper so the creases run vertically, then fold the top and bottom edges together to make a crease.
From here, fold the lower left and right corners to form the collar, then fold the paper along the second crease from the outside to shape the kimono.
For the other 15 cm sheet, fold it into a triangle, fold the top corner down, then fold up the side corners to make sleeves, and attach it to the back of the kimono.
For the obi, simply fold the top and bottom edges inward twice, leaving a gap in the center.
Leaving the center open represents the obijime (decorative cord).