Knit Kimono: 18 Designs with Simple Shapes

The classic boxy shape is recognized worldwide as an icon of Japanese life and culture and is used as a canvas for color, pattern, and design. In Knit Kimono, author Vicki Square has created 18 unique designs, each illustrating a knitted interpretation of a style or feature of traditional kimono. The styles and shapes of the garments run the gamut from short to long, rectangular sleeves to shaped, straight to overlapping front opening, with sleeves or without, casual to dressy. The knitted fabric matches traditional kimono design as much as possible – yarns are composed of natural fibers like silk, cotton, linen, bamboo, and wool, and stitch patterns are chosen that drape and move much as their woven counterparts.

In addition to 18 kimono projects, Knit Kimono offers a brief history of the traditional kimono shape and how it has endured through centuries of political and social change. Although the projects may look difficult, they are based on simple rectangular shapes that require very little shaping on the knitter’s part. These are ideal first-garment projects for knitters wanting to venture beyond scarves. These are also ideal projects for experienced knitters wanting classic, wearable garments. Create your own timeless and wearable work of art with Knit Kimono.