Making patterns and how to make things from patterns.

How to Make a Kimekomi Doll

1. Preparing the Washi Paper

Figure 1

Figure 1: Preparing the washi paper

Figure 2

Figure 2: Softening the washi paper

Gently crumple the washi paper to soften it, and then spread it out again.

2. Making the Paper Pattern

Figure 3

Figure 3: Marking the paper pattern

Place the washi paper over the doll body and lightly press it into the grooves to mark their positions. Do not apply glue at this stage, as the paper will be removed later.

Figure 4

Figure 4: Marking the grooves on the washi paper

Figure 5

Figure 5: Shaping the washi paper around the doll body

Figure 6

Figure 6: Cutting notches in the paper pattern

Figure 7

Figure 7: Cutting out the washi paper pattern

As shown in Figures 4–7, cut the washi paper approximately 1 cm outside the marked groove lines. Make small notches where necessary so that the paper can follow curves, corners, and folded areas smoothly.

Figure 8

Figure 8: Removing the paper pattern from the doll body

Carefully remove the paper pattern from the doll body.

Figure 9

Figure 9: Tracing the groove lines with a pencil

Trace the marked groove lines with a pencil.

Figure 10

Figure 10: Labeling the paper pattern

Be sure to mark the direction of the fabric and identify the part of the doll body to which each pattern piece belongs.

3. Applying the Fabric

Figure 11

Figure 11: Pinning the paper pattern to the fabric

Secure the completed paper pattern to the fabric with pins.

Figure 12

Figure 12: Cutting the fabric around the paper pattern

After all the pattern pieces have been secured, cut the fabric to match each paper pattern.

Figure 13

Figure 13: Removing the pins from the cut fabric

Remove the pins from the fabric after cutting.

Figure 14

Figure 14: Positioning the cut fabric on the doll body

Figure 15

Figure 15: Checking the size and coverage of the fabric

Place the cut fabric over the appropriate section of the doll body and confirm that it completely covers the area.

Figure 16

Figure 16: Applying glue to the grooves

Apply glue to the grooves in the doll body.

Figure 17

Figure 17: Lightly marking the groove through the fabric

Use a Kimekomi spatula or tucking tool to lightly mark the position of the groove through the fabric.

Figure 18

Figure 18: Trimming excess fabric

Tucking all the excess fabric into the groove will create a bulky and untidy finish. Trim the excess fabric, leaving approximately 2 mm beyond the groove line.

Figure 19

Figure 19: Tucking the fabric firmly into the groove

Firmly tuck the trimmed edge of the fabric into the groove.

Completed

Completed fabric finish on a Kimekomi doll

This section is complete when the edges of the fabric are neatly and securely tucked into the grooves.