Jojoland Leaf Collection Kimono Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Jojoland Leaf Collection Kimono

What is Being Made

The Jojoland Leaf Collection Kimono is a knitted cardigan-style garment designed in a top-down construction method. This intermediate-level project creates a sophisticated kimono silhouette available in two finished bust sizes: 42 inches and 54 inches. The design incorporates a series of geometric shapes (referred to as Shape A, B, C, D, and E) that are strategically placed throughout the garment to create visual interest and textural variation.

Techniques Used

This kimono is constructed using several key knitting techniques that define its construction method:

• Top-Down Construction: The garment is worked from the top of the body downward, allowing for easy fitting adjustments and seamless integration of sleeve stitches into the body.
• Worked Flat: Rather than working in the round, this project is created on flat needles, which allows for the seaming technique used to join pieces together.
• Seamed Construction: Individual shaped sections are knitted separately and then seamed together to form the complete garment, providing clean, defined edges and structural integrity.
• Wrap and Turn (W&T): This advanced short-row shaping technique is employed to create three-dimensional shaping within the geometric shapes. The wrap and turn method involves wrapping stitches and turning the work to create gradual increases and decreases without visible gaps.

Stitches Used

The pattern employs fundamental knitting stitches executed with precision:

• Knit Stitch: The primary stitch used throughout the construction of all shapes.
• Purl Stitch: Used strategically between shape sections and for creating texture and definition.
• Bind Off: Used to secure stitches at designated points, particularly for creating the front opening of the kimono.
• Cast On: Used at the beginning of the project and when adding stitches for specific sections such as the front panels.

Materials and Tools

The Jojoland Leaf Collection Kimono requires specific materials to achieve the intended finished garment:

• Yarn: Jojoland Rhythm Shape B Superwash yarn in two colors. The project requires 12 to 20 balls depending on size, with a total yardage of approximately 1,300 yards. The sample shown uses color RS103 (Color A) and color RS90 (Color B).
• Needles: One 4 mm/U.S. size 6 circular needle (used for its length during flat knitting) and 4 mm/U.S. size 6 double point needles (for knitting in round sections).
• Gauge: 4.5 stitches by 6.3 rows equals 1 inch square, which is critical for achieving the correct finished measurements.

Construction Overview

The kimono is constructed through a systematic series of steps that build the garment progressively. Beginning with 72 cast-on stitches in Color A, the pattern creates Shape A sections, then alternates between Color B and Color A while introducing Shapes B, C, D, and E in specific sequences. The body is built to 216 to 288 stitches depending on size, with the front opening created by binding off stitches strategically. Both sleeves are worked separately using similar shape sequences, with the left and right sleeves potentially varying in their construction order. The intermediate skill level reflects the complexity of managing multiple shapes, color changes, and the wrap and turn technique required throughout the project.