Blue Sky Fibers Esko Kimono Cape Knitting Pattern

Blue Sky Fibers Esko Kimono: Knitted Striped Kimono Cape

What Is Being Made

The Esko Kimono is a versatile knitted cape-style garment designed by Jane Veitenheimer for Blue Sky Fibers. This piece features an elegant draped silhouette with stunning horizontal striping throughout. The kimono can be styled for casual wear or dressed up for more formal occasions, making it a multi-purpose addition to any wardrobe. Available in women's sizes XS/S, M/L, and XL/XXL, with finished lengths ranging from 22½ inches to 24 inches and widths from 28¾ inches to 33¾ inches.

Techniques Used

The Esko Kimono employs several fundamental knitting techniques suitable for advanced beginners. The construction begins with a left panel worked flat, followed by a right panel, which are then joined to create the complete garment. The pattern incorporates color work through alternating rows of two contrasting yarns to achieve the signature striped effect. Shaping is accomplished through strategic bind-offs to create the neckline and define the garment's structure. The piece includes ribbed sections worked in both 1x1 and 2x2 rib patterns for the borders and finishing details, providing elasticity and a polished edge.

Stitches Used

• Garter Stitch: The primary stitch throughout the striped body sections, created by knitting every row to produce a textured, reversible fabric
• 1x1 Ribbing: Used for border and finishing sections, alternating knit and purl stitches to create vertical columns
• 2x2 Ribbing: Applied in shaping sections, alternating two knit stitches with two purl stitches for additional structure
• Three-Needle Bind-Off: A joining technique used to seamlessly bind off stitches while simultaneously connecting two pieces together

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Esko Kimono is designed for use with Blue Sky Fibers Alpaca Silk Sport weight yarn, a luxurious blend of 50% alpaca and 50% silk. This butter-soft fiber composition creates an easy-to-wear garment with exceptional drape and comfort. The yarn is worked at a gauge of 20 stitches and 46 rows over 4 inches in garter stitch, and 22 stitches and 33 rows over 4 inches in 1x1 rib.

Yardage requirements vary by size: the smallest size (XS/S) requires 6 hanks of color A and 4 hanks of color B, while the largest size (XL/XXL) requires 7 hanks of color A and 5 hanks of color B. The colorway shown features Slate (color A, No. 100) paired with White (color B, No. 120) for striking contrast in the striped design.

Needles and Tools

The pattern calls for a size 6 (4.0 mm) 42-inch circular needle, or the size needed to obtain the specified gauge. An extra size 6 needle is required for the three-needle bind-off technique. Additional tools include a stitch holder or waste yarn for holding stitches during construction, and a tapestry needle for weaving in ends and any finishing work.