Baby Kimono Dress Knitting Pattern

Baby Kimono Dress Knitting Pattern by Lion Brand

What Is Being Made

This is a Baby Kimono Dress (Pattern Number 80868AD) designed as an adjustable wrap-style sweater top for infants and toddlers. The kimono construction features a classic wrap silhouette that grows with the child, making it an ideal gift for babies who are rapidly increasing in size. The garment is available in three child sizes: 12-18 months, 2 years, and 3 years, with finished chest measurements of 23, 25, and 26.5 inches respectively, and finished lengths of 12, 13, and 14 inches.

Knitting Techniques Used

This project is rated at an Easy skill level, making it accessible to beginner and intermediate knitters. The construction employs fundamental knitting techniques including flat knitting on straight needles, shaping through bind-offs for sleeve caps, and working in stockinette stitch as the primary fabric. The pattern uses a straightforward approach with minimal shaping, relying on the inherent drape of the yarn and the wrap-front design to create the kimono silhouette.

The garment features adjustable ties that are created using basic crochet techniques rather than knitting, adding a functional and decorative element to the neckline. Two sets of ties are worked: shorter 10-inch ties and longer 24-inch ties, both created with a crochet hook using simple chain stitches.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch used throughout this pattern is stockinette stitch (abbreviated as St st), which is created by knitting on the right side rows and purling on the wrong side rows. This classic stitch produces a smooth, flat fabric with a V-shaped texture on the front and horizontal bumps on the back, making it ideal for a baby garment that requires softness and drape.

The finishing ties are worked in chain stitch using a crochet hook, providing a simple yet elegant closure mechanism. The pattern also involves basic bind-off techniques to secure stitches and shape the sleeve caps.

Materials and Yarn

This pattern calls for Lion Brand Homespun Yarn in the Ocean colorway (Article #790). The yarn composition is 98% acrylic and 2% polyester, making it durable and easy-care for baby garments that require frequent washing. The yarn is supplied in 2-ball packages, with each ball weighing 6 ounces (170 grams) and providing 185 yards (169 meters) of yardage. The self-striping or "painterly" color characteristic of Homespun creates subtle color variation without requiring color changes, adding visual interest while maintaining the ease of a single-color project.

The pattern requires Size 10 (6 mm) knitting needles for the main fabric work, which is appropriate for the weight and fiber content of Homespun yarn. A Size I-9 crochet hook is needed for creating the decorative and functional ties at the neckline. The pattern also recommends using Lion Brand stitch holders to temporarily hold stitches during construction and Lion Brand large-eye blunt needles for weaving in yarn ends during finishing.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 13 stitches and 22 rows equal 4 inches (10 centimeters) in stockinette stitch. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for ensuring the finished garment matches the intended dimensions. The pattern is written for the smallest size (12-18 months) with size variations provided in parentheses for the two larger sizes, allowing knitters to easily customize the project for their intended recipient.