Post by Kou Hiko on May 25, 2002 11:48:30 GMT -5
This won't be a very detailed answer, but this is what I know.
It is true that when a kimono/haori is cleaned, it is taken apart, cleaned, and sewn back together as if it were brand new - including basting stitches.
When you buy a kimono brand new it will also have basting stitches on it. I don't know the purpose of the basting stitch, but I do know that it gives the kimono a "new" look and feel to it. That is why when a kimono is displayed, it usually has basting stitches, so that when people see it displayed they will think it is new.
When I bought my first kimono, it had basting stiches in it, but most had been worn off from being in storage and being transported, etc. The kimono was OLD but in great condition. It didn't look like it was worn but obviously had (it had a slight wrinkle on the back seam from being worn). It originally had silver leafing on it but it had worn away. My guess was that the previous owner wore it until she got married (the kimono is furisode) and then put it in storage (after cleaning it and adding basting stiches) to keep until she had a daughter who would wear it.
When it comes to wearing it, the basting stiches must be taken out, or else the underkimono (or kimono if it's haori) won't fit into the sleeves.
I'm sure someone else can tell you the purpose of the stiches better than I can, all I know is about the "new" feeling. Maybe Kiyoaki could help you, if he isn't busy. My best guess is that the stiches help the kimono get it's fold lines back. When kimono are folded there is a slight impression that stays there. When it's newly put together, those fold lines are not there. So the stiches could be there to start the "fold-line forming process". It's kinda hard to explain, but that's my best guess. Someone correct me on that.
It is true that when a kimono/haori is cleaned, it is taken apart, cleaned, and sewn back together as if it were brand new - including basting stitches.
When you buy a kimono brand new it will also have basting stitches on it. I don't know the purpose of the basting stitch, but I do know that it gives the kimono a "new" look and feel to it. That is why when a kimono is displayed, it usually has basting stitches, so that when people see it displayed they will think it is new.
When I bought my first kimono, it had basting stiches in it, but most had been worn off from being in storage and being transported, etc. The kimono was OLD but in great condition. It didn't look like it was worn but obviously had (it had a slight wrinkle on the back seam from being worn). It originally had silver leafing on it but it had worn away. My guess was that the previous owner wore it until she got married (the kimono is furisode) and then put it in storage (after cleaning it and adding basting stiches) to keep until she had a daughter who would wear it.
When it comes to wearing it, the basting stiches must be taken out, or else the underkimono (or kimono if it's haori) won't fit into the sleeves.
I'm sure someone else can tell you the purpose of the stiches better than I can, all I know is about the "new" feeling. Maybe Kiyoaki could help you, if he isn't busy. My best guess is that the stiches help the kimono get it's fold lines back. When kimono are folded there is a slight impression that stays there. When it's newly put together, those fold lines are not there. So the stiches could be there to start the "fold-line forming process". It's kinda hard to explain, but that's my best guess. Someone correct me on that.