purlJam

<pattern>

# SLOUCHY BALLOON SLEEVE KIMONO CARDIGAN

A relaxed, oversized kimono-style cardigan featuring textured Jordan stitch in cheerful four-colour stripes. The distinctive balloon sleeves gather at the cuff for dramatic effect, while the classic T-shaped construction creates an effortless, flowing silhouette. Perfect for layering, this intermediate-level project combines simple rectangular pieces with eye-catching texture and colour.

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## MATERIALS

**Yarn**: DK weight yarn (light worsted, 8-ply)
- Colour A (Pink): 300 (350, 400)m
- Colour B (Lime): 300 (350, 400)m  
- Colour C (Yellow): 300 (350, 400)m
- Colour D (Pale Blue): 300 (350, 400)m
- **Total yardage**: 1200 (1400, 1600)m

Suggested yarn: Any DK weight yarn with good drape (cotton blends, merino, bamboo blends work beautifully)

**Needles**: 
- 4mm (UK 8, US 6) straight needles for main body
- 3.5mm (UK 9/10, US 4) straight needles for cuffs and edging
- Spare needle or stitch holder

**Notions**:
- Tapestry needle for seaming
- Stitch markers
- Measuring tape
- Optional: 1 large decorative button or toggle for closure

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## TENSION (GAUGE)

**22 stitches × 28 rows = 10cm × 10cm (4" × 4") in Jordan stitch pattern using 4mm needles**

Jordan stitch creates a denser, textured fabric. Take time to check your tension carefully.

To measure: Cast on 30 sts, work 10cm in Jordan stitch pattern, block lightly, and measure the central 10cm square.

**Tension is critical for proper fit.** If you have more stitches per 10cm, use larger needles. If you have fewer stitches, use smaller needles.

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## SIZES

**S/M (L/XL, 2XL/3XL)**

**To fit bust**: 81-97 (102-117, 122-137)cm / 32-38 (40-46, 48-54)"

**Finished measurements** (with generous positive ease for slouchy fit):
- **Bust circumference** (closed): 110 (130, 150)cm / 43.25 (51.25, 59)" 
  - *Positive ease: 13-29cm (15-33cm, 13-28cm)*
- **Body length** (from shoulder): 60 (62, 64)cm / 23.5 (24.5, 25.25)"
- **Sleeve length** (from shoulder): 42 (44, 46)cm / 16.5 (17.25, 18)"
- **Sleeve width** (at widest point): 50 (52, 54)cm / 19.75 (20.5, 21.25)"
- **Cuff circumference**: 20 (21, 22)cm / 8 (8.25, 8.75)"

**Choose your size** based on desired fit. Sample shown in size L/XL with approximately 20cm positive ease for a relaxed, slouchy drape.

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## ABBREVIATIONS

- **k** = knit
- **p** = purl
- **st(s)** = stitch(es)
- **RS** = right side
- **WS** = wrong side
- **rep** = repeat
- **beg** = beginning
- **cont** = continue
- **rem** = remaining
- **inc** = increase
- **dec** = decrease
- **k2tog** = knit 2 stitches together (right-leaning decrease)
- **ssk** = slip, slip, knit (left-leaning decrease)
- **yo** = yarn over
- **pm** = place marker
- **sm** = slip marker
- **MC** = main colour
- **CC** = contrast colour

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## NOTES

**Pattern Overview**: This kimono is constructed from four flat, rectangular pieces worked from bottom to top using straight needles. The Back and two Front pieces form the body, while oversized Sleeves create the balloon effect when gathered at the cuff. Pieces are seamed using the classic T-shaped kimono construction with no armhole or shoulder shaping.

**Jordan Stitch Pattern**: A lovely textured pattern that creates a dense, cushioned fabric with a subtle geometric texture. The 4-row repeat is easy to memorize and works beautifully with stripe sequences.

**Stripe Sequence**: The four colours rotate throughout in a regular pattern, creating vibrant horizontal stripes. Each stripe is 8 rows (2 pattern repeats) for balanced colour distribution. Carry unused colours loosely up the side edge.

**Construction Notes**:
- All pieces begin with 3.5mm needles for a neat edge, then switch to 4mm for the main body
- The balloon sleeve effect is achieved by working a wide rectangular sleeve, then gathering it into a narrower ribbed cuff
- Leave long tails when changing colours for seaming later
- This is a very forgiving pattern—perfect tension is less critical due to the oversized fit

**Kimono Construction**: 
- NO armhole shaping—sleeves attach at right angles
- NO shoulder shaping—straight horizontal seam
- Dropped shoulders for relaxed, contemporary fit
- Can be worn open or closed with optional button/tie

**Skill Level**: Intermediate—requires basic knitting skills, following a stitch pattern, simple shaping, and seaming.

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## BACK BODY

The Back is worked as a simple rectangle from hem to shoulder.

**With 3.5mm needles and Colour A**, cast on **121 (143, 165) sts**.

[Math check: 121 sts ÷ 22 sts/10cm × 10cm = 55cm ✓]
[Math check: 143 sts ÷ 22 sts/10cm × 10cm = 65cm ✓]
[Math check: 165 sts ÷ 22 sts/10cm × 10cm = 75cm ✓]

**Set-up rows** (garter stitch border):
- Rows 1-4: Knit all sts.

**Change to 4mm needles.**

**Begin Jordan Stitch Pattern and Stripe Sequence**:

Continue in Jordan stitch (see Chart A) following the Stripe Sequence:
- Rows 5-12: Colour A (Pink) - 8 rows
- Rows 13-20: Colour B (Lime) - 8 rows  
- Rows 21-28: Colour C (Yellow) - 8 rows
- Rows 29-36: Colour D (Pale Blue) - 8 rows

Repeat these 32 rows (4 complete colour stripes) throughout.

**Work straight** in pattern until piece measures **60 (62, 64)cm** from cast-on edge, ending after completing a WS row and finishing with Colour A if possible for symmetry.

[Math check: 60cm × 28 rows/10cm = 168 rows ✓]

**Cast off** all sts loosely in pattern.

---

## LEFT FRONT

The Left Front is worked as a half-width rectangle with minimal neck shaping.

**With 3.5mm needles and Colour A**, cast on **61 (72, 83) sts**.

[Math check: 61 sts ÷ 22 sts/10cm × 10cm = 27.7cm ≈ 27.5cm ✓]
[Math check: 72 sts ÷ 22 sts/10cm × 10cm = 32.7cm ≈ 32.5cm ✓]
[Math check: 83 sts ÷ 22 sts/10cm × 10cm = 37.7cm ≈ 37.5cm ✓]

**Set-up rows**:
- Rows 1-4: Knit all sts.

**Change to 4mm needles.**

**Begin Jordan Stitch Pattern and Stripe Sequence** (as for Back).

**Work straight** until piece measures **50 (52, 54)cm** from cast-on edge, ending after completing a WS row.

[Math check: 50cm × 28 rows/10cm = 140 rows ✓]

**Shape Neck** (gentle slope for kimono neckline):

**Next row (RS)**: Work in pattern to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. [60 (71, 82) sts]

**Next row (WS)**: Work in pattern.

**Rep these 2 rows** 4 more times. [56 (67, 78) sts]

**Continue straight** in pattern until Front measures same as Back: **60 (62, 64)cm** from cast-on edge, ending after completing a WS row.

**Cast off** all sts loosely in pattern.

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## RIGHT FRONT

The Right Front mirrors the Left Front.

**With 3.5mm needles and Colour A**, cast on **61 (72, 83) sts**.

**Set-up rows**:
- Rows 1-4: Knit all sts.

**Change to 4mm needles.**

**Begin Jordan Stitch Pattern and Stripe Sequence** (as for Back).

**Work straight** until piece measures **50 (52, 54)cm** from cast-on edge, ending after completing a WS row.

**Shape Neck** (mirroring Left Front):

**Next row (RS)**: K1, ssk, work in pattern to end. [60 (71, 82) sts]

**Next row (WS)**: Work in pattern.

**Rep these 2 rows** 4 more times. [56 (67, 78) sts]

**Continue straight** in pattern until Front measures same as Back: **60 (62, 64)cm** from cast-on edge, ending after completing a WS row.

**Cast off** all sts loosely in pattern.

---

## SLEEVES (make 2)

The Sleeves are wide rectangles that gather into a narrow ribbed cuff for the balloon effect.

**CUFF**:

**With 3.5mm needles and Colour A**, cast on **44 (46, 48) sts**.

[Math check: 44 sts ÷ 22 sts/10cm × 10cm = 20cm ✓]

Work in **k2, p2 rib** for 8cm (approximately 22 rows):
- **Row 1 (RS)**: *K2, p2; rep from * to end.
- **Row 2 (WS)**: *P2, k2; rep from * to end.
- **Rep Rows 1-2** until cuff measures 8cm.

**INCREASE FOR BALLOON SLEEVE**:

**Change to 4mm needles.**

**Next row (RS - increase row)**: Working in Colour A, *k1, k into front and back of next st; rep from * to end. [66 (69, 72) sts]

**Next row**: Purl all sts.

**Next row (RS - increase row 2)**: K1, *kfb, k1; rep from * to last st, k1. [98 (103, 107) sts]

**Next row**: Purl all sts.

**Next row (RS - increase row 3)**: K2, *kfb, k1; rep from * to end. [110 (114, 118) sts]

[Math check: 110 sts ÷ 22 sts/10cm × 10cm = 50cm ✓]
[Math check: 114 sts ÷ 22 sts/10cm × 10cm = 51.8cm ≈ 52cm ✓]
[Math check: 118 sts ÷ 22 sts/10cm × 10cm = 53.6cm ≈ 54cm ✓]

**MAIN SLEEVE**:

**Begin Jordan Stitch Pattern and Stripe Sequence** (starting with Colour A, rows 5-12).

**Work straight** in pattern until sleeve measures **42 (44, 46)cm** from cast-on edge (including cuff), ending after completing a WS row.

[Math check: 42cm × 28 rows/10cm = 117.6 rows ≈ 118 rows ✓]

**Cast off** all sts loosely in pattern.

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## FRONT BANDS

Front bands are picked up and worked after assembly.

**RIGHT FRONT BAND** (as worn - buttonhole side if adding closure):

With **RS** facing, **3.5mm needles**, and **Colour A**, starting at lower right front edge, pick up and knit approximately **132 (136, 140) sts** evenly along right front edge to neck shaping.

[Math check: 60cm × 22 sts/10cm = 132 sts ✓]

**Row