A Tasuki Cord.

A tasuki (襷/たすき) is a fashion accessory used for holding up the long sleeves of the Japanese kimono. It is a sash made from either cloth or cord that loops over each shoulder and crosses over the wearer's back.

Tasuki were traditionally worn in Japan by everyone from the samurai to the average individual as a means of tying back the long sleeves of kimono sode or sleeved garments.

The tasuki allowed the kimono wearer to work without large sleeves getting in the way of the job, and without risking damage to the garment's sleeves.

In modern Japan, tasuki were used by many people as everyday practical accessories, but in ancient Japan they were an exclusive accessory used by the Shinto clergy during ceremonies. Tasuki can be made of silk or cotton.

The length is generally about 230 cm / 89 inches. The width can be up to 4 cm approx 1.5 inches.

Here is a useful guide to tying a tasuki.

How to tie tasuki  https://youtu.be/qs6y2gOfQfI

Another way is this:

How to tie up your kimono sleeves.

https://youtu.be/S19eKA_8AW0?si=5b3kTpQ7fm9-6GXA

 How to tie a belt for men 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UcitAROOg7I

I first became aware of tasuki whilst watching a Kurasawa film, Sanjuro,  many years ago. In it a group of young samurai quickly ready themselves for action. 
I have two beautiful haori jackets. I have woven a tasuki cord for both of them.

Here is the band I wove in warp faced plain weave in 16/2 cotton. 

My woven tasuki cord

This is my second haori jacket.  I designed a band in orange and brown with sufficient variation so that the band shows against the silk cloth.

This is a single layer band with 73 warp ends of 16/2 cotton. 

The weft was 16/2 cotton used triple. 

The length after washing is 240 cm. The width is 17 mm. 

This cord was too narrow so I designed a new wider cord.  It is woven in 16/2 cotton. The width is 3.7 cm.

Two tasuki cords.

Here is the drawdown

 Happy weaving 

Susan J Foulkes  July 2025