Yukata & Silk Packs

The name "Yukata" comes from the word "yu" (bath) and "katabira" (under clothing ) and refers to not only the tradition Yukata kimono but also to the fabric from which they are made. Because it is light weight, the Yukata is a summer kimono worn by both men and women. Hundreds of years ago, the Japanese nobility wore linen "yukatabira" which were worn loosely after taking a bath. The Yukata Kimono gradually became worn by Japanese warriors and then by the general public when the Japanese public baths became popular. Today, the traditional Japanese Yukata is widely used for everything from festivals to summer daily wear to simple night attire. In Japan, the Yukata is beloved for its 100% light weight cotton fabric. The fabric designs vary from traditional geometric patterns to more colorful designs depicting flora and fauna. Japanese Yukata fabrics are ideal for both garments and quilt making. Traditionally yukata were mostly made of indigo-dyed cotton but today a wide variety of colors and designs are available. The cotton will soften and shrink a bit with cool water washing, and will age gracefully. Yukata fabric has a slightly crisp but soft touch.

Tulips Purple	Yellow, Pink & Blue Floral	Large Sakura Navy	Bunnies & Plum Blossoms Navy
Dragons in the Clouds White	Blue Bells & Morning Glories - Navy	Blue Bells & Morning Glories - Black	Floral Branches Navy
Bunnies Leaping Navy	Plum Blossoms Navy	Plum Blossoms Burgundy	Blue Bells & Morning Glories - Orchid Pink
Snowflakes & Maple Leaves Black, White & Pink	Morning Glory Shadows Blue	Floral Blossoms Teal	Mum in Bloom Tan
Sakura Blossoms Orchid Pink	Sakura Blossoms Navy	Small Floating Blossoms Purple	Floating Sakura Blue

Shōwa Yukata

These Yukata are old stock but in new condition. They were produced during the Shōwa period (which literally means "period of enlightened peace"), from December 25, 1926 to January 7, 1989. The cotton will soften and shrink a bit with cool water washing, and will age gracefully. The fabric has a slightly crisp but soft touch and the indigo is very dark sometimes almost to the black side. The design is dyed through, making this fabric reversible. The dyeing was a labor intensive procedure that entailed many pairs of hands.

You can tell if a yukata fabric is done with hand-dyed stenciling because the pattern goes through to the other side of the fabric. When a yukata is factory printed, the design is only on one side of the fabric. Today, hand-dyed stenciled fabrics are being replaced by the printed kind in order to lower the cost and appeal to more people. Hand-dyed stenciled fabrics will probably disappear within the next 30 years, so when you purchase hand-dyed stenciled yukata, you are purchasing a piece of history and one you should consider a soon-to-be collector’s item.

$ 24.95 yard

Small Grid
Indigo

Floating Fans
Indigo

Mesh
Indigo

Flowers with Dotted
Beads - Indigo

Geometric Columns
Indigo & White

Diagonal Squares
Indigo

Dotted Asanoha Fans
Navy

Leaf Fans
Indigo & White

Large Scale Orange
Morning Glory

YUKATA CUT IT
by Diane Weber

The first in a series of patterns designed for Japanese Yukata and similar type fabrics. Yukata is a light weight cotton Japanese fabric used to make a summer kimono.

This 48" x 48" quilt is designed to use these fabrics in an artistic but repeatable way. By following the guidance in the pattern, you too can create a beautiful piece of quilt art from Japanese Yukata or other specialty fabrics.

YUKATA BY NUMBERS
by Diane Weber

Yukata By Numbers' is the second quilt designed to use Japanese Yukata fabrics in an artistic but repeatable way. By following the guidance in the pattern, you too can create a beautiful piece of quilt art from Yukata or other specialty fabrics. The pattern includes instructions for a 48" x 52" art quilt. You can substitute oriental print fabrics or any specialty fabrics for the Yukata fabrics.