knit

kimono
too

simple designs
to mix, match + layer
vicki square

Finished Size
About 48" (122 cm) in
circumference.
Yarn
Worsted weight (#4 Medium).
Shown here: Berroco Bonsai
(97% bamboo, 3% polyamide;
77 yd [71 m]/50 g): #4152 Kaigun
(purple), 20 skeins; #4103 Bamboo,
1 skein.
Needles
Body and sleeves: size U.S. 7
(4.5 mm): 24" (60 cm) circular (cir).
Neckband: size U.S. 6 (4 mm): two
29" (73.5 cm) cir and extra needle
the same size or smaller for three-
needle bind-off. Adjust needle size
if necessary to obtain the correct
gauge.
kumo
Kanbun kosode was a kimono style of dramatic asymmetrical
imagery that trailed in bold fashion from right shoulder
to lower left hem. Genroku was a brief time in Japanese
history (1688–1704) that represented the zenith of this
visual drama. I have followed that aesthetic in this kimono
with stylized cloud forms—a nature reference that spans
the seasons—but I’ve taken artistic license by sweeping my
diagonal in the other direction.
The blue ribbon yarn I used for this kimono is reminiscent of
indigo, but of a lightened, faded shade. Indigo is a common
dyestuff for the peasantry, but the glossy sheen of the ribbon
yarn produces a garment suitable for royalty—a poetic para-
dox. The cloud imagery, worked in crochet-chain embroidery,
is worked mostly on the back. While this surface design is
decidedly Japanese, you may opt for a plain kimono. This
yarn produces a knitted fabric of such glorious drape that it
is a work of art even without embellishment.

Notions
Stitch holders; tapestry needle;
light-colored sewing thread;
crochet hook for embroidery.

Gauge
18 stitches and 24 rows = 4"
(10 cm) in stockinette stitch on
larger needle.

Pair this kimono with the

Under Kosode Shell.
3
project name 4
 shimofuri chairo
ke-bura
Shizen iro, or natural color, describes the subtle shibui
Finished Size neutrals of brown and gray in the marled yarn I used for
About 52" (132 cm)
in circumference. this kimono. The restrained iki style of subdued palette and
Yarn
barely visible woven patterns on the outside of kimono is
Worsted weight (#4 Medium). brought front and center for this garment, which is at once
Shown here: Cascade 220 (100% cozy, comfortable, and classic. The overall cable pattern on
wool; 220 yd [201 m]/100 g): #9539
(MC), 8 skeins; #9471 (CC), 1 skein.
the back and front panels defines the shape and the two-
color garter slip-stitch pattern on the neckband and cuffs
Needles
Size U.S. 8 (4 mm): two 29" (75 cm)
provides a statement of casual refinement.
circular (cir) plus extra needle
same size or smaller for three- Although only a small percentage of historical Japanese
needle bind-off. Adjust needle
size if necessary to obtain correct kimono fashion involved wool, the lure of wool is too great
gauge.
for me to resist. For me, wrapping up in wool’s soft warmth
Notions is a luxury that has become a standard.
Cable needle (cn); stitch holders;
tapestry needle.

Gauge
—17 stitches and 24 rows = 4"
(10 cm) in St st.
—18 stitches and 34 rows = 4"
(10 cm) in garter slip-stitch border.
—22 stitches and 23 rows = 4"
(10 cm) in double hourglass cable
pattern.

Note
To test gauge, CO 30 sts. Work
double hourglass cable patt for
32 rows. BO all sts. Piece should
measure 5½" (14 cm) square.

5
 gallery

Matsuri
Dogi

Go-Hitoe

Shiriku
Tsui-Do

6 knit kimono too project name 6

Murasaki
Akai
contents
Introduction
A Brief Kimono History
Abbreviations
Glossary
Sources for Yarn
Index

The Projects
Ao
Asian Asymmetry
Go-Hitoe
Inperiaru Murasaki
Keshi Murasaki
Mijikui Dofuku
Kogata Akai Tesage
Kumo
Kurenai Ke Take

Suo Matsuri Dogi

Amanuno Murasaki Akai

Nagai Uwagi
Nishiki
Origami Bag
Re-Su Katabira
Re-Su Yukata
Roiyaru Fusuma Karaginu
Shimofuri Chairo Ke-Bura
Shiriku Tsui-Do
Shiro Shiriku
Suo Amanuno
Tokai Tomoshibi
Tsui-Do Hanten
Under Kosode Shell

project gallery + contents 7

Vicki Square is the author
of Knit Kimono, Folk Bags, Folk
Hats, and the bestselling The
Knitter’s Companion. Vicki has
taught knitting for more than
ten years, as well as painting
and drawing at Colorado State
University. She lives in Fort
Collins, Colorado.
Paperback with DVD
8½ x 9
136 pages
ISBN 978-1-59668-239-9
$26.95
Available December 2010
knit simple
and timeless kimono designs!
From the bestselling author of
Knit Kimono comes a brand new collection
of kimono and Asian-inspired tops with
simple shapes and unique details. In more
than 20 new designs, Vicki Square has
created a pattern collection of kimonos
and other Asian-inspired tops, tunics, and
vests, blending traditional inspiration
with projects that contemporary knitters
can’t resist. You’ll love the stunning look
of each kimono design and relish in the
easy-to-follow instructions for shaping
and construction.
Knit Kimono Too focuses on lighter weight
knits for layering, plus unique stitch pat-
terns, colorwork, and openwork designs.
Vicki also offers innovative shaping,
interesting closures and edgings,
and clever knitting techniques. Each
project—from vests, coats, lightweight
shells, and short-sleeve tops to a
wide assortment of kimono jackets
featuring various weights of yarn—is
shown off in clear photography and
step-by-step instructions. On the
included instructional DVD, Vicki also
demonstrates the special techniques and
stitches that make these garments so
elegantly wearable, including two-color
slip stitch, surface embroidery, two-hand
stranded colorwork, garter-stitch short-
rows, attaching knitted cord, making
origami folds, double knitting, and more.