Minimal, boxy, Japanese-inspired kimono top worked top-down in DK weight yarn. Clean lines, deep but tidy neckline, wide kimono-style sleeves and a relaxed, slightly cropped body. Knit seamlessly with raglan shaping; sleeves are wide and kimono-like (no shaping) so this is a great easy-shape wardrobe staple.
From back neck to hem: 18" (46 cm) standard. Adjust by knitting more or fewer rounds before ribbing.
Approximately 4" to 8" positive ease depending on size.
DK / Light Worsted yarn. Recommended: cotton, cotton/linen or a smooth cotton-blend for clean drape. Gauge given is in stockinette after blocking.
Use long circulars for the yoke and body; small circulars or DPNs for sleeves if preferred.
20 sts x 28 rows = 4" / 10 cm in stockinette after blocking on US 7 (4.5 mm). Adjust needle size to obtain gauge.
Knitting in the round, provisional cast-on, basic increases (M1L, M1R or kfb), working with stitch markers, picking up stitches, simple ribbing.
Using provisional cast-on, cast on 64 (68, 72, 76, 80, 84, 88) sts evenly. Join for working in the round being careful not to twist. Place 4 raglan markers to divide the stitches into 4 sections: Back / Sleeve / Front / Sleeve. Place a marker for beginning of round if needed.
Round 1: Knit all sts.
Every right-side round, increase as follows at each raglan marker: k to 1 stitch before marker, M1R, sm, k1 (or k next st), sm, M1L. (If you prefer, you can do kfb on the stitch before/after marker but M1 gives a neater line.) Work 1 plain round between increase rounds so increases occur every 2 rounds. Continue this increase sequence until the yoke measures the stated yoke depth or until the total number of stitches on the needle reaches the size-specific target below.
Note: If you prefer a different neckline depth, you may stop earlier or continue until your preferred measurement. The gauge and stitch counts above match the finished busts listed.
When you have reached the target total stitch count: slip sleeve stitches onto holders or scrap yarn as follows: Working in the round, knit across Back section, place next sleeve stitches on holder; remove marker and continue knitting across Front section, place next sleeve sts on holder; finish round. Join body stitches in the round and continue to body instructions below.
Place marker for beginning of round. Knit body in the round in stockinette (knit every round) until body measures 16" (40.5 cm) from underarm or 18" (46 cm) from back neck (adjust based on your preferred finished length). Then work 1" (2.5 cm) of 1x1 or 2x2 ribbing on smaller needles (US 5 / 3.75 mm) and bind off loosely in rib pattern. Weave in ends and block to measurements.
Transfer sleeve stitches from holders onto circulars or DPNs. Pick up 2 sts at underarm join if you prefer to close any gap (optional). Join and work in the round. For a kimono-style short sleeve: knit in stockinette until sleeve measures 8" (20 cm) from underarm (or desired length). For a longer sleeve, work until desired length, decreasing gradually if you want a tapered sleeve (for tapering, decrease 1 stitch each side every 1.5" until desired bicep circumference achieved). Finish with 1" (2.5 cm) 1x1 ribbing on smaller needles and bind off loosely. Repeat for second sleeve.
Carefully remove provisional cast-on and pick up live stitches. Join and work 1x1 rib (k1, p1) for 0.75" - 1" (2 - 2.5 cm) or preferred depth. Bind off loosely in rib. Alternatively, pick up rounds and work a simple folded neckband by knitting a slightly longer rib and folding to the inside and grafting or mattress-stitch finishing.
If you want a written row-by-row sample for your specific size with row counts, reply with the size you want and I will return a size-specific stitch-by-stitch sequence.
Pattern provided by PurlJam. Website: https://purljam.verde.uk Support: team@verde.uk Socials: #purljam