Sewing a Hakama ..?

Hello everybody,

I have wondered where it is possible to find a good pattern for sewing my own Aikido Hakama..
(nonono.. not zebra or camouflage.. just plain durable black or blue hakama.. )
Any ideas would be appreciated.. maybe also knowledge on suitable fabric..?

In aiki,
Lars

At the bottom of some pages there is a sponsored link for Budo Bear - have a look. Given the increasing price of cotton / greige etc not sure if it the most cost effective way forward though. Good luck all the same.

Budo Bear is Round Earth (Carol Shifflett of Ki Exercises book fame)
http://www.round-earth.com/
I vouch for the hak pattern having proofed it and rewritten the instructions some years ago :-)

Janet Rosen wrote: Budo Bear is Round Earth (Carol Shifflett of Ki Exercises book fame) http://www.round-earth.com/ I vouch for the hak pattern having proofed it and rewritten the instructions some years ago :-)

Sounds great to me, Ill give it a try. Thanks a lot Janet and PhylMyKi
Regards
Lars

For fabric a medium weight cotton twill is best.

Janet Rosen wrote: For fabric a medium weight cotton twill is best.

Ok, you mean like denim, but lighter..?

yes, lighter weight and also softer with more drape.

I've made two hakamas myself some years back. No pattern - just a measuring stick and somebody elses hakama as a template. Took some math work since the dimensions for fabric I could buy differed from what was used on the original.

It was okay and a lot cheaper than buying one of those insanely expensive hakamas from the shops. However I wouldn't do it again.

BTW: for material inside the Koshita I used old vinyl samples. I tried first to dip them in boiling water thought to make sure they could survive washing.

Also remember to wash the fabric before sewing the hakama. I forgot that on the first one I made, and it turned out to short for me.

JJ

Best thing i ever found for inside koshita is plumbers gasket (soft, pliable vulcanized rubber sheeting)

Jørgen Jakob Friis wrote: I've made two hakamas myself some years back. No pattern - just a measuring stick and somebody elses hakama as a template. Took some math work since the dimensions for fabric I could buy differed from what was used on the original. It was okay and a lot cheaper than buying one of those insanely expensive hakamas from the shops. However I wouldn't do it again. BTW: for material inside the Koshita I used old vinyl samples. I tried first to dip them in boiling water thought to make sure they could survive washing. Also remember to wash the fabric before sewing the hakama. I forgot that on the first one I made, and it turned out to short for me. JJ

Hi Jacob
Thanks for your advice
Mange tak

Fred.. (peace) :P
Lars

Janet Rosen wrote: Best thing i ever found for inside koshita is plumbers gasket (soft, pliable vulcanized rubber sheeting)

Plumbers gasket...... ok wait.. Plumbers gasket.. !? !!??

Lars Beyer wrote: Plumbers gasket...... ok wait.. Plumbers gasket.. !? !!??

Well the top quality ones use rubber sheet. It sounds like it would work beautifully.

Robin Boyd wrote: Well the top quality ones use rubber sheet. It sounds like it would work beautifully.

Ok thanks

Dear Lars,

I've also done two black hakama by myself. No pattern, used the width of the fabric for the width of one leg. Fabric was viscose-polyester-blend twill. The second was even a bit elastic... (liked this after a little while). For the koshita I experimented with various things but best (in my opinion) is, as already mentioned, a thick rubber plate (seal plate?).

I've both worn until the knees split and one is now patched and serves as my spare hakama. I have to admit the one I'm wearing currently I bought. but only because I got the chance to go to Tozandos in Kyoto. They are much cheaper there than over here in Germany.... (but only if you don't count the costs of the trip... ;-))

Good luck!
Simone

Simone Koerner wrote: Good luck! Simone

Dear Simone,
Thanks a lot for your comment, I will see what I can do.. Thanks
Regards
Lars