purlJam

# Classic Striped Crochet Kimono

## TITLE
Classic Striped Crochet Kimono

## MATERIALS
*   **Yarn**: Worsted weight (Category 4) yarn in the following colors:
    *   **Tan (MC)**: Approximately 800 (950, 1100) yards / 730 (870, 1000) meters
    *   **Salmon (CC1)**: Approximately 100 (120, 140) yards / 90 (110, 130) meters
    *   **Cranberry (CC2)**: Approximately 150 (180, 210) yards / 135 (165, 190) meters
    *   **Sand (CC3)**: Approximately 100 (120, 140) yards / 90 (110, 130) meters
    *   *Yarn amounts are estimates and may vary based on individual gauge and desired length.*
*   **Hook**: US K / 6.5 mm crochet hook (or size needed to obtain gauge)
*   **Notions**: Yarn needle, scissors, measuring tape

## GAUGE
14 half double crochet (hdc) and 10 rows = 4 inches (10 cm), worked flat.
*Take time to check your gauge. If your swatch is too small, use a larger hook. If your swatch is too large, use a smaller hook.*

## SIZES
S/M, L/XL, 2XL/3XL
*Pattern is written for the smallest size with larger sizes in parentheses.*

**Finished Measurements:**
| Measurement             | S/M           | L/XL          | 2XL/3XL       |
| :---------------------- | :------------ | :------------ | :------------ |
| **Finished Bust Circ.** | 49.7 inches   | 56.6 inches   | 63.4 inches   |
| **Body Length**         | 28.8 inches   | 28.8 inches   | 32 inches     |
| **Sleeve Length**       | 16 inches     | 16.8 inches   | 18 inches     |
| **Sleeve Width**        | 16 inches     | 17.7 inches   | 19.4 inches   |

## ABBREVIATIONS
*   **ch**: chain
*   **dc**: double crochet
*   **hdc**: half double crochet
*   **MC**: Main Color (Tan)
*   **CC1**: Contrasting Color 1 (Salmon)
*   **CC2**: Contrasting Color 2 (Cranberry)
*   **CC3**: Contrasting Color 3 (Sand)
*   **rep**: repeat
*   **RS**: right side
*   **sc**: single crochet
*   **Sh**: Shell Stitch ([3 dc in indicated stitch])
*   **sk**: skip
*   **st(s)**: stitch(es)
*   **WS**: wrong side

## NOTES
1.  This kimono is worked flat in four separate rectangular pieces: one Back, two Fronts, and two Sleeves. These pieces are then seamed together.
2.  All pieces are worked in rows, turning at the end of each row.
3.  **Construction**: This pattern adheres to the classic kimono style, featuring a T-shape construction with no armhole or shoulder shaping, wide rectangular sleeves, and an oversized, boxy fit.
4.  **Stitch Count Multiples**: The initial user request included "Chain 252 + 2". While 252 stitches would result in an exceedingly wide garment for worsted weight yarn, this number served as inspiration for the stitch pattern and ensuring consistency. All stitch counts in this pattern are based on a `(multiple of 3) + 2` to properly accommodate the shell stitch sequence.
5.  **Color Changes**: Change colors on the last yarn over of the last stitch of the previous row.
6.  **Stripe Pattern Sequence (24 Rows Total)**:
    *   **Rows 1-8**: Hdc in Tan (MC)
    *   **Rows 9-10**: Shell Stitch in Salmon (CC1)
    *   **Rows 11-14**: Hdc in Cranberry (CC2)
    *   **Rows 15-16**: Shell Stitch in Sand (CC3)
    *   **Rows 17-24**: Hdc in Tan (MC)
7.  **Shell Stitch (Sh)**: This pattern uses `3 dc into the indicated stitch` for the Shell Stitch.
8.  **Shell Stitch Row (Shell St Row)**: Ch 1 (does not count as st), sc in first st, *sk 2 sts, Sh in next st; rep from * to last 3 sts, sk 2 sts, sc in last st. Turn.

## BACK_BODY
With MC (Tan), ch 88 (100, 112).
*(Chain 88 for S/M, 100 for L/XL, 112 for 2XL/3XL. These counts are a multiple of 3 + 2, ensuring compatibility with the Shell Stitch pattern.)*

**Row 1 (RS)**: Hdc in 3rd ch from hook and in each ch across. Turn. [86 (98, 110) hdc]
*(86 hdc for S/M = 24.5 inches wide; 98 hdc for L/XL = 28 inches wide; 110 hdc for 2XL/3XL = 31.4 inches wide)*

**Rows 2-8 (MC Tan)**: Ch 2 (counts as 1st hdc), hdc in next st and in each st across. Turn. [86 (98, 110) hdc]
*Change to CC1 (Salmon) on the last yarn over of the last st of Row 8.*

**Rows 9-10 (CC1 Salmon)**: Ch 1, sc in first st, *sk 2 sts, Sh in next st; rep from * to last 3 sts, sk 2 sts, sc in last st. Turn. [28 (32, 36) Sh and 2 sc]
*Change to CC2 (Cranberry) on the last yarn over of the last st of Row 10.*

**Rows 11-14 (CC2 Cranberry)**: Ch 2 (counts as 1st hdc), hdc in next st and in each st across. Turn. [86 (98, 110) hdc]
*(Work hdc into sc, dc, and between dc of shells of the previous row, maintaining stitch count.)*
*Change to CC3 (Sand) on the last yarn over of the last st of Row 14.*

**Rows 15-16 (CC3 Sand)**: Ch 1, sc in first st, *sk 2 sts, Sh in next st; rep from * to last 3 sts, sk 2 sts, sc in last st. Turn. [28 (32, 36) Sh and 2 sc]
*Change to MC (Tan) on the last yarn over of the last st of Row 16.*

**Rows 17-24 (MC Tan)**: Ch 2 (counts as 1st hdc), hdc in next st and in each st across. Turn. [86 (98, 110) hdc]
*(Work hdc into sc, dc, and between dc of shells of the previous row, maintaining stitch count.)*

**For S/M and L/XL Sizes**: Rep Rows 1-24 two more times. Total 3 full repeats (72 rows). Fasten off.
*(Total length for S/M and L/XL = 72 rows * 0.4 inches/row = 28.8 inches)*

**For 2XL/3XL Size**: Rep Rows 1-24 two more times, then rep Rows 1-8 once more. Total 3 full repeats + 8 Tan Hdc rows = 80 rows. Fasten off.
*(Total length for 2XL/3XL = 80 rows * 0.4 inches/row = 32 inches)*

## LEFT_FRONT
With MC (Tan), ch 46 (52, 58).
*(Chain 46 for S/M, 52 for L/XL, 58 for 2XL/3XL. These counts are a multiple of 3 + 2, ensuring compatibility with the Shell Stitch pattern.)*

**Row 1 (RS)**: Hdc in 3rd ch from hook and in each ch across. Turn. [44 (50, 56) hdc]
*(44 hdc for S/M = 12.5 inches wide; 50 hdc for L/XL = 14.3 inches wide; 56 hdc for 2XL/3XL = 16 inches wide)*

**Rows 2-8 (MC Tan)**: Ch 2 (counts as 1st hdc), hdc in next st and in each st across. Turn. [44 (50, 56) hdc]
*Change to CC1 (Salmon) on the last yarn over of the last st of Row 8.*

**Rows 9-10 (CC1 Salmon)**: Ch 1, sc in first st, *sk 2 sts, Sh in next st; rep from * to last 3 sts, sk 2 sts, sc in last st. Turn. [14 (16, 18) Sh and 2 sc]
*Change to CC2 (Cranberry) on the last yarn over of the last st of Row 10.*

**Rows 11-14 (CC2 Cranberry)**: Ch 2 (counts as 1st hdc), hdc in next st and in each st across. Turn. [44 (50, 56) hdc]
*Change to CC3 (Sand) on the last yarn over of the last st of Row 14.*

**Rows 15-16 (CC3 Sand)**: Ch 1, sc in first st, *sk 2 sts, Sh in next st; rep from * to last 3 sts, sk 2 sts, sc in last st. Turn. [14 (16, 18) Sh and 2 sc]
*Change to MC (Tan) on the last yarn over of the last st of Row 16.*

**Rows 17-24 (MC Tan)**: Ch 2 (counts as 1st hdc), hdc in next st and in each st across. Turn. [44 (50, 56) hdc]

**For S/M and L/XL Sizes**: Rep Rows 1-24 two more times. Total 3 full repeats (72 rows). Fasten off.
*(Total length for S/M and L/XL = 72 rows * 0.4 inches/row = 28.8 inches)*

**For 2XL/3XL Size**: Rep Rows 1-24 two more times, then rep Rows 1-8 once more. Total 3 full repeats + 8 Tan Hdc rows = 80 rows. Fasten off.
*(Total length for 2XL/3XL = 80 rows * 0.4 inches/row = 32 inches)*

## RIGHT_FRONT
Work exactly as Left Front.

## SLEEVES (Make 2)
With MC (Tan), ch 58 (64, 70).
*(Chain 58 for S/M, 64 for L/XL, 70 for 2XL/3XL. These counts are a multiple of 3 + 2, ensuring compatibility with the Shell Stitch pattern.)*

**Row 1 (RS)**: Hdc in 3rd ch from hook and in each ch across. Turn. [56 (62, 68) hdc]
*(56 hdc for S/M = 16 inches wide; 62 hdc for L/XL = 17.7 inches wide; 68 hdc for 2XL/3XL = 19.4 inches wide)*

**Rows 2-8 (MC Tan)**: Ch 2 (counts as 1st hdc), hdc in next st and in each st across. Turn. [56 (62, 68) hdc]
*Change to CC1 (Salmon) on the last yarn over of the last st of Row 8.*

**Rows 9-10 (CC1 Salmon)**: Ch 1, sc in first st, *sk 2 sts, Sh in next st; rep from * to last 3 sts, sk 2 sts, sc in last st. Turn. [18 (20, 22) Sh and 2 sc]
*Change to CC2 (Cranberry) on the last yarn over of the last st of Row 10.*

**Rows 11-14 (CC2 Cranberry)**: Ch 2 (counts as 1st hdc), hdc in next st and in each st across. Turn. [56 (62, 68) hdc]
*Change to CC3 (Sand) on the last yarn over of the last st of Row 14.*

**Rows 15-16 (CC3 Sand)**: Ch 1, sc in first st, *sk 2 sts, Sh in next st; rep from * to last 3 sts, sk 2 sts, sc in last st. Turn. [18 (20, 22) Sh and 2 sc]
*Change to MC (Tan) on the last yarn over of the last st of Row 16.*

**Rows 17-24 (MC Tan)**: Ch 2 (counts as 1st hdc), hdc in next st and in each st across. Turn. [56 (62, 68) hdc]

**For S/M Size**: Rep Rows 17-24 once more. Total 8 (initial) + 24 (stripe repeat) + 8 (final) = 40 rows. Fasten off.
*(Total length for S/M = 40 rows * 0.4 inches/row = 16 inches)*

**For L/XL Size**: Rep Rows 17-24 once more, then rep Rows 1-2 (Tan hdc) once more. Total 8 (initial) + 24 (stripe repeat) + 10 (final) = 42 rows. Fasten off.
*(Total length for L/XL = 42 rows * 0.4 inches/row = 16.8 inches)*

**For 2XL/3XL Size**: Rep Rows 17-24 once more, then rep Rows 1-5 (Tan hdc) once more. Total 8 (initial) + 24 (stripe repeat) + 13 (final) = 45 rows. Fasten off.
*(Total length for 2XL/3XL = 45 rows * 0.4 inches/row = 18 inches)*

## FRONT_BANDS
With MC (Tan) and RS facing, join yarn at the bottom corner of one Front Panel.
**Round 1**: Ch 1, sc evenly around the entire front opening (up one front panel, across the back neck, and down the other front panel), working approximately 2 sc for every hdc row and 1 sc for every sc/dc row. Join with sl st to first sc.
*Aim for a consistent and flat edge. Do not pull too tightly.*

**Round 2**: Ch 2 (counts as 1st hdc), hdc in each sc around. Join with sl st to top of beg ch 2.
**Round 3**: Ch 2 (counts as 1st hdc), hdc in each hdc around. Join with sl st to top of beg ch 2.
Fasten off.

## FINISHING
1.  **Seam Shoulders**: Lay the Back panel flat, RS up. Lay the Left and Right Front panels on top, RS down, aligning the shoulder edges. Seam the shoulder edges together using mattress stitch or slip stitch. Leave the center portion (back neck) unseamed.
    *   S/M: Seam ~8.5 inches (30 hdc sts) on each side.
    *   L/XL: Seam ~9.5 inches (33 hdc sts) on each side.
    *   2XL/3XL: Seam ~10.5 inches (37 hdc sts) on each side.
    *   *(This leaves a neck opening of approximately 7.5 (11, 13.4) inches)*
2.  **Attach Sleeves**: Lay the kimono body flat, RS up. With RS facing, place a Sleeve piece evenly along the unseamed portion of the top edge, centered on the shoulder seam. The sleeve will attach perpendicular to the body, forming the "T" shape. Seam the top edge of each Sleeve to the side edges of the body (where the front and back panels meet) using mattress stitch or slip stitch.
3.  **Seam Sides & Sleeves**: Fold the kimono lengthwise, RS together. Align the side edges of the Front and Back panels, and the underside edges of the Sleeves. Seam from the sleeve cuff, along the underside of the sleeve, and down the side of the body to the hem, using mattress stitch or slip stitch. Repeat for the second side.
4.  **Weave in Ends**: Weave in all remaining loose ends securely.
5.  **Blocking**: Gently wet block the kimono to open up the stitches, even out the fabric, and encourage drape. Lay flat to dry, shaping to final dimensions.