THIS PATTERN IS PART OF A THREE-PATTERN GUIDE

Typical of authentic kimonos, the design is composed of one large back rectangle with two shorter ones for the fronts. Here the fronts and back are knit as one. Once the main piece is completed but before the sides are sewn together, ornamental extensions consisting of long stitch and garter are picked up and knit along both right and left long edges. From these extensions, the sleeves are picked up and knit, too. The final finishing touch is the addition of a long front band extending around the kimono’s front edge and dangling below the hem in artful insouciance.
The design is easy to knit in seed, long stitch, and garter but a single challenging stitch is included for the experienced knitter. Newer knitters or those who would rather keep things simple can substitute the 4-row Thousand Branches Stitch for a 4-row band of garter or seed.
This is a design that will take nearly any type of yarn but, naturally, the heavier the yarn, the bulkier the kimono. Best to stay within the lace-weight doubled to DK (double knitting) weight, though thicker yarns in small doses can be used in small doses. Drape matters.
The main body of the piece, extensions, and front band are worked across size 6mm/10 US needles with the sleeves worked on size 9mm/13 US.

MEASUREMENTS & SIZING
The back is fulsome, deliberately wide to make the most flowing of fiber and to follow in the one-size fits all tradition. Before extensions, the back measures 24 inches/61 centimeters wide. With the extensions, it expands to 33 inches/84 centimeters making a total girth of 60 “/150 cm plus, depending on blocking.
So consider this a generous one-size fits all, just fits differently. If you are generously-proportioned or a large to a medium, cast on as per instructions. My model, Hannah Epstein, is a size 6 but tall, making the kimono hang in sleek elegance from her frame though I wear the same piece as my lumpier and shorter self. A petite person, however, might be swallowed whole. Please check suggestions for going smaller.

Color-wise, I remained with a neutral winter palette, exploring browns, grays and cream but I show another version in the guide for one knit in hand-dyed silk/merino blend (‘Voodoo’ from Twisted Sisters). This more intense color minus the pure silk and beaded luxuries makes a combination perfect for tossing over jeans as well as for dressier occasions.

The design takes approximately 1200 yards of mixed yarn.

This pattern is part of a 29 page three-pattern Design Guide, Winter Forest Evocative Knitting Guide. Other designs include a cowlet and a vest profiled here Woven Woods Vest
It’s available as part of the Inspired Knitting Club. More information here Inspired Knitting Club

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