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Knit and Crochet Kimono Shirt Patterns
The kimono is a traditional Japanese garment. However, the kimono shirt is a more fluid term. It refers to several different shirt designs, generally loose-fitting, often with a wrap front. While you don’t find too many knit and crochet kimono shirt patterns, they do exist. They provide you new options with designs for your tops. So, we wanted to round up some of those patterns for you today.
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What Is A Kimono Shirt?
Of course, it’s important to be accurate when talking about things that derive from a culture other than your own. The kimono is a traditional Japanese garment with a long, rich history. It’s typically a floor-length T-shaped garment. However, the exact length, pattern, sleeve style, and other details vary a lot and have specific meaning with the culture.
A kimono shirt, on the other hand, is a more general term from the world of fashion. It’s inspired by the kimono, of course, but it’s a different thing. Japanoscope explains that the word “kimono” actually translates to “clothing.” They further explain that the kimono shirt usually refers to a style that would actually be more likely to be called a Happi or a Hanten in Japan; these are often considered jackets rather than kimono.
Generally, a kimono shirt is loose and free-flowing. It is cardigan-shaped, so it is split at the front, rather than being a sweater shape. It’s often got a cross-body front or wrap front, although not always. It often has a V-shaped neck, but, again, not always.
Naked and Famous Denim sells a version they explains is a “Noragi: open-front, straight silhouette, front-tie closure.” In their version, the tie is across the center of the kimono shirt, which would be similar to the obi belt worn over traditional kimono. In other versions, including my crochet kimono shirt, which you’ll find the pattern for below, the tie is closer to the neckline.
Knit Kimono Shirt Patterns
Here are some knit kimono shirt patterns for you to try:
Kimono Knit Jacket Pattern
One common design for knit kimono jackets is to create an open front with wide lapels that edge the opening all the way from the neck to the waist band. These are usually waist-length or typical jacket-length designs, although, of course, this varies. The sleeves are typically loose and mid-length. This is an easy knitting pattern and a great place to start if you want to learn the kimono shirt style.
Kimono Sleeve Cardigan Pattern
This knit kimono pattern is similar in style. However, as you can see, the lapels are wider. They drape loosely in a flattering style that also showcases the texture of the knit fabric. The sleeves are nice and loose on this one. It’s wonderfully flowy, perfect for summer.
Eclipse Knit Kimono Pattern
This knit summer cardigan pattern is made with cotton yarn so it’s a great cover-up even in warmer weather. With the blue and white stripes, it has a nautical feel. You can dress it up or down. The pattern is written in six sizes from small through 3X.
Kids’ Knit Kimono Shirt Patterns
Yarnspirations offers four cute designs for knit kimono shirts for kids. They all have wrap fronts, which is characteristic of a traditional kimono, although the design of those necklines varies. Sleeve length varies as well. If you’re looking for some really cute new knit clothing for kids, then check these out:
- Red Heart Cute Kimono Sweater, for ages 2-6
- Caron Nordic Kimono, for ages 2-6
- Bernat Garter Stitch Kimono, for ages 6 months – 2 years
- Knit Colorblock Kimono Cardigan, for ages 6 months – 2 years
Crochet Kimono Shirt Patterns
First, let me tell you about my kimono shirt:
Amimono Kimono Crochet Shirt Pattern
This is my version of a crochet kimono shirt. It’s an open front cardigan, with a button and tie closure at the low neckline. The sleeves are loose but not oversized. It’s a great summer cardigan pattern.
And here are some other crochet kimono shirt patterns for you to try:
Kimono Jacket Crochet Pattern
If you just glanced at this crochet pattern, then you might mistake it for a typical crochet cardigan. However, note the wide lapels, which are one of the signatures of crochet kimono patterns. The drape and the sleeve flow and length add to the design. As you can see in the image, when you style a knit or crochet kimono with a wide obi-style belt, it enhances the effect.
CARON X PANTONE Crochet Kimono Cardigan Pattern
If you take a kimono shirt and cross it with a crochet crop top pattern then you might get something cute and trendy like this. It’s an open-front cropped crochet cardigan, built from motifs, with wide crochet lapels. The sleeves are short and wide.
Lace Crochet Kimono Pattern
This lacy crochet kimono pattern with well-draped flowing sleeves cinches at the waist with a thin belt. It’s a perfect top for summer and also work as a crochet beach cover up.
Lindy Kimono Crochet Pattern
This is a longer version of a kimono-inspired crochet shirt. It’s made with a simple granny stripe using cotton yarn that’s great for summer.
I love all of these designs, but the kids ones might be my favorite. Thanks for sharing all the patterns and I am very happy I stay up to date using Instagram. Thanks for the inspiration.