How to make a genuine collars

How to Make a Kimekomi Doll

1) Preparation

Fig.1 Collar parts
Fig.1 Collar parts
Fig.2 Collar parts
Fig.2 Collar parts

Figures 1 and 2 show the collar parts. Fold B–D in the center as a mountain fold. Part A is the outermost collar and should be folded into three.

Fig.3 Apply chirimen cloth behind the neck
Fig.3 Apply chirimen cloth behind the neck

Apply white chirimen cloth to the back of the neck. For this doll, insert wire to secure the neck.

2) Attaching the Head

Fig.4 Apply glue to the neck area
Fig.4 Apply glue to the neck area

Apply glue where the neck will be attached.

Fig.5 Protect the face when attaching
Fig.5 Protect the face when attaching

Wrap the head above the chin to protect the face. Do not cover the neck. Part H is where the collar will be tucked in later. Deepen the groove beforehand. Wait until the glue dries completely before proceeding.

3) Making the Collar

Fig.6 Trim back cloth after attaching head
Fig.6 Trim back cloth after attaching head

After the head is secured, trim the chirimen cloth at the back of the neck.

Fig.7 Check collar alignment
Fig.7 Check collar alignment

Check the alignment by layering the collars.

Fig.8 Make cuts in collar A
Fig.8 Make cuts in collar A
Fig.9 Create a tongue piece
Fig.9 Create a tongue piece

Cut collar A in two places to create a tongue (E).

Fig.10 Cut center of BD collar
Fig.10 Cut center of BD collar
Fig.11 Overlap collar at back
Fig.11 Overlap collar at back

Make a small cut at the center of parts B and D, so collars overlap neatly at the back.

Fig.12 Apply glue at position G
Fig.12 Apply glue at position G

Apply glue at point G.

Fig.13 Attach collar B
Fig.13 Attach collar B

Shift slightly (about 1mm) and attach part B.

Fig.14 Smooth collar into shape
Fig.14 Smooth collar into shape

Press to fit collar smoothly around the neck.

Fig.15 Repeat collar work
Fig.15 Repeat collar work
Fig.16 Overlap collars C and D
Fig.16 Overlap collars C and D

Repeat the same process with collars C and D, offsetting slightly.

Fig.17 Finished collar assembly
Fig.17 Finished collar assembly

The collars are complete. Apply glue on the outside of tongue E of collar A.

4) Attaching the Collar

Fig.18 Attach tongue E to neck
Fig.18 Attach tongue E to neck

Attach tongue E at the base of the neck, glue over the white chirimen cloth, and cover the tongue.

Fig.19 Raise collar and secure
Fig.19 Raise collar and secure

Raise the collar and secure with pins.

Fig.20 Layer collars for balance
Fig.20 Layer collars for balance

Layer the collars in order to check the balance before final attachment.

Fig.21 Trim excess parts
Fig.21 Trim excess parts

Trim any unnecessary parts.

Fig.22 Cut overlapping parts
Fig.22 Cut overlapping parts

Cut off the lower overlapping part to reduce thickness.

Fig.23 Attaching collar in progress
Fig.23 Attaching collar in progress
Fig.24 Apply glue and attach
Fig.24 Apply glue and attach

Apply a small amount of glue and attach as in Fig.25.

Fig.25 Repeat same work for collar C
Fig.25 Repeat same work for collar C

Repeat the same process for collar C as for collar D.

Fig.26 Attach collars A and B together
Fig.26 Attach collars A and B together

Attach collars A and B simultaneously.

Fig.27 Collar finishing step 1
Fig.27 Collar finishing step 1
Fig.28 Collar finishing step 2
Fig.28 Collar finishing step 2
Fig.29 Final tucking into groove
Fig.29 Final tucking into groove

Finally, tuck the collar into the groove H prepared earlier.

Finished

Finished Kimekomi doll
Finished Kimekomi doll