Erika's Chiquis: Hakama Pants

Project Level - Easy to Moderate Easy
Project List-

1.Depending how tall you are 4 1/2 to 5 1/2 yards of your choose of fabric.

2.2 1/2 inch wide elastic

3.Measuring tape

Pattern measurements-List on bottom

I wanted a new look for pants besides harem/pantaloons and add some martial arts look to a costume I was going to wear for a bo staff belly dance piece. I found these modified Hakama pants pattern that would be great for my new costume.

What are Hakama pants?http://www.japanesekimono.com/japanese_pants.htm

Traditional Japanese Hakama pants are worn today by Martial artists or in traditional Japanese ceremonies,etc.

I saw this pattern here and modified it.

http://www.geocities.com/anne_liese_w/Japanese/japmakemenshakama.htm

It has this long tie around which I took apart and redid an elastic waistband instead.

The waist band is about 3 inches wide with 2 1/2 inch wide elastic.

I also sewed it up on the sides where traditionally the sides aren't sewn all the way up.

http://www.members.shaw.ca/dragonsanctuary/cosplay/Costume3.jpg

They are quite easy to sew up and the pleats on this modified one are easy. Traditional Hakama pants have a back board on them.

http://www.bubishi.com.au/shop/images/hakama.jpg

I wasn't interested in getting this technical with it. I just omitted this and I think this pattern doesn't even have a section to add to it.

The pleats are easy but they also mean something.

http://www.kendo-usa.org/reference/hakama_meaning.htm
I plan on making another pair sometime.