Obi / Sash

I'm working on my Jedi costume, and I'm not very happy with the sash. Somehow, a big rectangle with velcro just doesn't seem *right*

Anyone have interesting suggestions on fastening it? How about on length?

I made mine such that it only overlapped about 2 inches, and fastened with velcro. It looked too... costumey. By that I mean it looked like a costume item one would wear for halloween, not something one would wear all of the time as regular clothing.

There is an idea on padawansguide involving 2 sides that cross over each other and tie. right now that is my main candidate.

Too bad I used the $12/yard fabric right away, thinking that the sash was so simple I didn't need to do a mockup first

 

I like the version from the padawansguide with the overlap and tie.

Comfortable and allows for adjustment in sizing. The tie can be tucked behind the fabric and it looks tidy.

I give it two thumbs up

 

Snag the Simplicity kimono pattern (sorry, don't have the number) - I think there's a .99 cent sale coming up. It has a more or less traditional obi pattern with the cross and tie. Also, check Google for Japanese culture sites, specifically for ones about outfits, and I believe you can find a lot about the Obi, how they're to be tied, etc. It's a fairly common piece of clothing in traditional Japanese attire, so it shouldn't be too hard to find some references.

 

I used the cross over technique but I still went with velcro fastening instead of tying it. I also pleated it slighty in a few spots to give it more depth. Works for me

 

update: i oopsed in the original... the crossover isn't from padawansguide, it's amber's meditation chamber.

 

And Amber's site clearly credits it to Jedi Sauja:
Jedi Sauja's world

This is how I made mine. I just pin it with 2 safety pins.

 

i ended up going with the crossing / overlapping style mentioned about. i'm quite happy with it.

i used a slightly different fabric than the outer tunic. it was a bit more stiff than the tunic linen. now on to the tabbards. at least that part should be pretty easy.

 

Since there's already a thread about this, I'll just hijack it

I'm using Sauja's wrap and tie method for the sash. How did you guys go about it? Did you double layer it? Hem a single layer? How'd you make the tying string part?



Ah, so many questions....

 

My humblest apologies for bumping this so soon but I need this info asap.

Thanks!

 

I sewed two together and turned it...no small task considering how narrow the ends are. Sauja's doesn't have strings....the ends just narrow.

I pin mine rather than tie it.

 

That's the main issue I've found is the ties. They can't be easy to sew and I'm not very good at it. Is there a way to integrate a cord/string of some sort since the tie shouldn't be visible anyway?


Another question: Should I stiffen the fabric in the sash, maybe with interfacing? I don't want it bunching or rolling up on me.

 

When I did mine I made it narrow until it was smaller than the belt but not really small. Then I turned it inside out. I used the normal velcro method on the overlapping ends as when the belt is on top it hides it anyway and means nothing comes loose.

 

I've made both types of Obis, the Japanese wraparound and the one witht he velcro.

Witht he japanese type, youcan't intergrate a cord in it without looking weird. Things I wish I'd done with my first Obi was place some interfacing in the widder part and have another layer of fabric.

My second Obi with the velcro at the back. I had 2 layers of fabric doubled over,sewed then turned right side out. (Seam would be at my body side at my belly, it isn't seen on the other side.)


Now the 4 layered Obi will bunch a little bit without interfacing. it does look more movie authentic, theirs DO do that. Only reason they aren't most of the time is they wardrobe gusy are busy steaming them flat again while it's ON the actor.

You could place interfacing between each layer and see. You don't want it SO stiff it hasn't any give. My Obis are made from Raw Silk, it has a little 'play ' lenghwise, so I don't feel like I'm wearing a croset. <Gasp>/


Do you guys want me to post images of the obis?

Mynn

 

i did 2 layers of fabric, turning it inside out.

i left one end open (duh) and in the other end i pinned the cord (twill tape) in, so that it was sewn in place when i went around the edges. i turned it right side in, then tucked the edges under, pinned in the other side of the twill tape, then sewed it up. after pressing, it all seemed to work nicely.

i'm hoping to take pix of it all tonight, since i finally finished the leather belt, and can now put it all together.

 

Thanks for all the suggestions.

Yeah, pics would be cool if it's not too much trouble, Jauhzmynn.

 

Sure no problem Rogue. NO trouble for me to post some pics for you.

Bunicula, your idea sounds great, can't wait to see your progress. How does it feel on ya'?

Mynn

 

This is cool, people still talking about my design. Yay me!

I did the "sew two pieces together and turn inside out" thing.

Getting the ends to go insideout was a b*tch.

Were I to do it again I'd chop off the narrow ends and use cord or fabric ribbon or something that won't fray (facing inward with a bit sticking out ) and sew over them so they'd be on the inside until I turned the whole thing inside out.

I'd also tapper it more gratually, I find the corner show up too much unless it's positioned just right (which lasts like 10 minutes when it's on!!!)

Sauja

This is so cool.

 

Yes, Sauja-Dupen, your design has pretty much remained the standard! I saw your 'return to the boards' post, above. Glad you're back.

 

I put interfacing into my obi-s to keep them from folding up and looking sloppy. I've noticed that the episode 2 robes have a much cleaner look to them that I like so I try to go for that.

A good trick too is to have an "under sash". I use a second thinner sash beneath the top one to hold the layers together. It's ultrasuede so it's "sticky" and keeps the tabbards from sliding around as well.

As for ties, I've found nothing beats a safety pin mainly because you can pin through multiple layers. I use a large pin and pin all the way through to the under sash so my tunics stay neat all day.

-e

 

I agree, I HAVE started using interfacing, too. I also use it on the band which finishes the edge of the tunics.

I've taken to using a very narrow belt to hold the tabbards in place under the obi.

 

I haven't had any problems with my Obi crinkling with I used 2 layers of fabric doubled over. It has a nice weight, a little stretch lengthwise, and looks good. Raw silk for Tabbords and Obi is great, has a NICE look and 'grabs' the fabric.

Now the Japanese version of the obi, the seeing the cornor, don't worry about it, Just a normal part of a peice of clothing, Your belt will hide it.

I don't safty pin ANYTHING onto my waist, I had one of those buggers come open and YOUTCH!. Not a happy Jedi. It's better to make a hook/eye or velcro closure if no ties will be used. I will use a safty pin to attachthe Tabbords to the tunic shoudlers. I pin from underneath so the metel isn't visable.

TO make the seams lie down, wet them with water, and iron 'em flat, THEN turn it rightside out and iron it again. it should stay put. It worked great for mine and even after being washed they haven't shifted. Although I do handwash them and smooth them flat.

Does it help any?

Jauhzmynn