While inspecting each cloth used for the surface, lining, and bottom of Tabi, 5 meters of fabric are cut from every roll, and 20 sheets* are stacked for cutting at the next step. We are also careful to flatten the sheets when stacking.

*20 sheets are stacked for cutting the outer pattern and the lining pattern

*4 sheets are stacked for the bottom pattern

A fabric layer made in Stage1 is cut by a cutting machine using molds. The upper part of Tabi consists of 4 patterns; the portions for big toe and the other toes, and the lining for the big toe and the other toes. The bottom pattern is cut using a bottom mold.

There are 86 molds for each pattern with 16 sizes for a total of more than 1,300 types of molds.

As patching a cloth, a thread is put through the surface pattern for the big toe in order to attach a Kohaze (metal tab fastener).

The area around Stage 3 is sewn to prevent the Kohaze from detaching.

4 Kohaze are sewn in between the surface and the lining pattern for the other toes.

The process of making Tabi can be divided into 3 parts; the big toe, the other toes, and the bottom. In Stage 6, the parts for the big toe and the other toes are made.

The surface and the lining pattern for the big toe are put together, and the rim from the ankle to the heel is sewn. The patterns for the other toes are sewn in the same way. 

The 2 parts made in Stage 6 are put together creating 4 layers, and the top of the foot area is attached.

The heel area is sewn to be rounded.

The bottom of the pattern and the parts for the big toe and the other toes are put together. The toe area is sewn first. This process requires the skills of the craftsmen to ensure optimum shaping. In our factory, we have been making Tabi for more than 100 years using traditional sewing machines made in Germany.

The remaining portions are sewn, and the bottom and the other 2 parts are assembled.

The seamed areas sewn in Stages 9 and 10 are reinforced with cross stitching to prevent separation and fraying.

Tabi are completed through 4 steps of finishing; they are turned inside out, put on a special shoe tree designed for Tabi, and treated with wooden tools and mallets to adjust the shape for a delicate fit. Lastly, Tabi are ironed, which completes the process.