#basting thread

@vampiregokudera Hello! I've been in love with your blog ever since i found it <3 all the kimonos are so pretty! And you seem to know a lot about kimono so i was wondering if you could help me with a question i had.

I ordered a kimono from ebay (seller sou-japan who sells used kimono and other traditional japanese items) and when it arrived i noticed it had loose sticking along the sleeves and other seams. (Kind of like how suit pockets or skirt flaps get sown shut for keeping them safe during transport and stuff) and i was wondering if you know if it's save to remove these loose stitches? I really don't want to ruin the kimono so i've been afraid of touching them ^^;

______________________________________________________________

Hi there :) I think you are describing white basting threads called "shitsuke ito" (躾糸). Those are fine threads, sewed in quite long stiches along the hems, sleeves openings etc (pic source):

Those stiches are done to prevent wrinkles and folds when putting a kimono away, and removed before wearing. Those basting threads also mean your kimono as been probably cleaned/was unworn before being put away so it's usually a good sign when buying a kimono :)

Exception are only for the small decorative ones (called kazari jitsuke 飾り仕付け) found on collar and back areas of kurotomesode and mofuku (=black kimono). But they are easily reconignizable as those are suuuper regular and tiny (and would be a pain to take away anyway), see my kurotomesode:

On basting thread subject, you can have a look at this video by Billy Matsunaga ^^ Hope it helps !