There are so many amazing street style ways to rock the kimono-style cardigan. It’s such a huge trend lately and I’m a big fan of it. I think it adds an instant youthful vibe to any outfit while still earning you some major style points. A kimono style cardigan is a must-have item for your closet ladies! Here are some kimono knitting patterns to help you make one for yourself!
I’m a big fan of anything that adds a little sophistication to comfortable at-home wear. With these kimono cardigans below, the possibilities are endless which is great since it can be hard to find a nice one in stores.
17 Kimono Knitting Patterns
I have selected the pick of the best kimono knitting patterns from around the net to make sure you are never short of ideas. Each one is comfortable, and should be easy for most knitters to complete.
1. Kimono Knitting Pattern by Mama In A Stitch
Here’s a beautiful and light cotton kimono that can be worn in any climate including during the warm summer months. This beginner friendly pattern works up effortlessly as it’s created with simple knit stitches and drop stitches. Wear it for a day out with friends or take it on your next beach vacation to cover up in style!
Get the Pattern by Mama In A Stitch here
2. Spring Vibes Kimono Knitting Pattern by Happy Love Co
This fun little spring and summer kimono is ready to be knit up by you! This is a quick and easy knit, perfect for beginners and relaxing for advanced. This kimono cardigan features 5 different colors and an easy fit. Wear it over anthing!
Get the Pattern by Happy Love Co here
3. Diamond Lace Kimono Knitting Pattern by Originally Lovely
This adult sized kimono pattern is worked quickly and easily! It is a perfect knit garment to wear as a coverup during summer or as a sweater in colder seasons.
Get the Pattern by Originally Lovely here
4. Knit Kimono Style Jacket Pattern by Red Heart
Bring any outfit together with this relaxed knit sweater. Knit in your favorite color for a kimono jacket that’s sure to wow your friends. Or, keep it neutral and finish this must-have original as designed. If you’re really feeling creative, introduce a solid on the shawl collar for contrast.
Get the Pattern here
5. Kimono Cardigan Free Knitting Pattern by Jimmy Beans Wool
Light, airy, and flowy, this cardigan just screams springtime! The short sleeves add a fun twist to your classic cardigan shape while the yarn does all of the talking for you. It’s like receiving a warm hug from your favorite person.
Get the Pattern here
6. Eclipse Kimono Knitting Pattern by The Graceful Tangle
This beginner friendly yet super stylish knit kimono is the perfect addition to your wardrobe. Made with a cotton/linen blend yarn, it really is perfect for any time of the year!
Get the Pattern by The Graceful Tangle here
7. Kimono Cardigan Knitting Pattern by Unique Yarns Co
This kimono style cardigan has a casual chic look and feels super soft on the skin! Gives you such a fine touch even with simple jeans! Knit in pieces and sewn together, it is a lovely easy knit project that uses a few basic shaping techniques (really simple)!
Get the Pattern here
8. Telluride Easy Knitted Kimono Pattern by Mama In A Stitch
It doesn’t get comfier or warmer than this cozy, beginner friendly knit kimono. Made with super bulky yarn and large needles, it works up fairly quickly and is a dream to wear on cold days.
Get the Pattern by Mama In A Stitch here
9. Garter Stitch Kimono Knitting Pattern by Happy Love Co
Here’s an easy and fun knit kimono, perfect piece for spring and summer! Light and airy, throw it on over a tank or dress!
Garter Stitch is one of my favorite stitch for cardigans as it’s so full of texture and warmth. This piece is knit entirely in garter stitch, making it perfect for a beginner or a relaxing and fun project for those who’ve been knitting for years!
Get the Pattern by Happy Love Co here
10. Lace Kimono Cardigan Knitting Pattern by Minimi Knit Design
If you love knitting lace but find lace shawl hard to wear, you may love this loose fitting kimono-style cardigan. It comes with lots of free flowing panels that show off the delicacy of lace.
It can either be dressed up as an evening wrap or dressed down as a beach cover up. It can even be rolled up and thrown over the shoulder as a shawl. When used as a shawl, the side slits allow free movement of the arms. As a lace weight cardigan, it can easily be tucked in your purse.
Get the Pattern by Minimi Knit Design here
11. Walkiria Free Kimono Knitting Pattern by Ravin Sekai Designs
This kimono is really great for Spring, Fall, and early Summer weather. It has a great open weave lace pattern that makes sure there’s a lot of air-flow through the panels to keep you nice and cool on warm days, but also enough fabric to keep you warm when it’s cool!
Get the Pattern here
12. Betty Kimono Cardigan Knitting Pattern by Kristin Jones
Glam up your work day with this vintage-inspired kimono cardigan that adds the right pop of color to dresses and high waisted skirts. This keeps you looking casually chic while addition definition to those special curves that you like to show off.
Get the Pattern here
13. Butterfly Kimono Cardigan Knitting Pattern by MONM Knitting
This Butterfly Kimono Cardigan is inspired by traditional kimono design. It is intended for a loose, relaxing fit with extra big sleeves, which creates a butterfly effect.The wide neckline enhances feminine sense. It is a good piece to have during spring time and can be wore with or without belt.
Get the Pattern by MONM Knitting here
14. Knit Coral Kimono Cardigan Pattern by Yay For Yarn Shop
This Coral Kimono Cardigan is one of those garments that you can wear year round. When the weather is warmer, you can spice up a simple tee or tank top and when the weather is cooler, you can layer it over a flannel or long sleeved shirt. Knit as a rectangle, it’s a great pattern for beginners.
Get the Pattern by Yay For Yarn Shop here
15. Hexad Peaks Cardigan Knit Pattern by Interweave
Elongated hexagonal motifs stairstep their way up the fronts of this Hexad Peaks Cardigan, tumble over the shoulders, and finally taper to a single point at the back of the sweater.
This elegant two-tone cardigan uses the intarsia method to join the hexagon motifs to the stockinette body of the sweater. The loose-fitting cropped sleeves are knitted separately.
Get the Pattern here
16. Monaco Kimono Knitting Pattern by Mama In A Stitch
This Monaco Kimono is super pretty and especially fun to knit because you get to play around with several different colors and stitch patterns. The variety of stitches creates a cool visual effect and makes for a nice mix of textures. And no worries, this kimono was made to be simple!
Get the Pattern here
17. Kimono Cropped Cardigan Knitting Pattern by Katherine
Warmer weather is when the spaghetti straps and maxi dresses come out. But even in hot temps, I like to have pretty things to toss over my shoulders when I encounter indoor A/C or evening breezes.
Here’s a modern solution with lots of boho flair! An allover lace pattern is worked in a chunky cotton for maximum texture and lovely openness. Kimono sleeves offer a dramatic touch and allow you to wear this over many types of outfits. The easy cropped shape and a gently curved V-neckline with simple 2-button closure finish the look.
Get the Pattern by Katherine here
Kimono Knitting Patterns Frequently Asked Questions
What is a kimono?
Just like a cardigan or a standard jacket, the kimono can be dressed up, or dressed down. Thanks to its versatility, it can be worn in a variety of ways. It is easy to wear and can instantly glam up an otherwise simple outfit.
Most people think that kimonos are specifically for spring and summer. However, with a little creativity, and some layering, there is no reason why you can’t wear a kimono in the colder months.
Can a beginner knit a kimono?
Yes, even as a beginner knitter, you can make a kimono! Choose a pattern that is rated as “easy” or “beginner friendly,” and look for projects that use your current skills but may include a new stitch or two to challenge you.
You should also start with a child’s or baby kimono to learn on before embarking on a larger project that can become overwhelming.
What’s the best yarn to use to knit a kimono?
It depends upon the kimono pattern. It’s usually best to use whatever the pattern designer recommends. If not the same brand, the same fiber content and yarn weight will give you a similar look. A lot of blends are available that work well for different things.
For garments, washability is usually the primary concern, so a cotton/acrylic or cotton/polyester blend is often the best choice. If you want to stick with natural fibers, look for superwash wool.
How long does it take to knit a kimono?
If you are a fast knitter and spend a lot of time on your project, it can take as little as two weeks to knit an adult kimono cardigan. Again, there are a lot of variables depending on the complexity of the design and the speed of the knitter.
For more complex designs or those who like taking their time to knit at a slower pace, it can take weeks or even months. Don’t be worried if it takes you longer to knit the sweater, we call it slow fashion for a reason. It is better to take your time and enjoy the process.
OF THE LIST, WHICH KIMONO KNITTING PATTERN IS YOUR FAVORITE?
We love to see your in-progress projects! Share them on our Facebook Page for everyone to look up to! And, congratulate yourself for adding a new piece to your handmade wardrobe!
Now that you’ve made yourself a comfy kimono, you can definitely whip up one of these projects below next!
- 14 Cardigan Knitting Patterns for Ladies
- 42 Knit Sweater Patterns
- 21 Jumper Knitting Patterns
- 42 Knit Top Patterns
I hope these kimono knitting patterns bring value to your life! It’s so fun making the stuff we wear or even making something for someone else – it’s just so special.