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Barcelona Summer Crocheted Kimono Cardigan Pattern

Spring is in the air and it’s time to enjoy some summer projects, no? On a recent trip to visit my parents in Arizona, I was in the mood to work on a warm weather pattern with some fun colors.  This easy summer crocheted kimono will be perfect as the weather heats up. It was a fairly quick, mindless project to work on next to the pool so hopefully you’ll enjoy it.

It’s a rarity for me to play with light weight yarns, but this Mandala Yarn is so super soft and the colors are right up my alley.  The kimono itself is made with an airy, open mesh stitch pattern that’s easy enough for advanced beginners and it creates a drapey fabric.  It doesn’t get easier than crocheting two rectangles and seaming them together, does it?  If you follow my blog, you know a lot of my patterns entail making simple shapes and putting them together. 😉  No hard work for this brain of mine. Hehe…

Above: This is my favorite of all the Mandala yarns, but you can see all of the bright and beautiful colors that are available HERE

I’m just loving these colors together! There is a vibrant yellow that is part of the skein which I actually omitted for my kimono.  It was a bit bright for my taste, but my mom loved it and thought I should use it.  Feel free to do as you wish with the colors.  You can see how I just wound up the yellow section in order to save it for a future project.

Above: Working on this kimono by the pool and oh look! The cactus planter matches perfectly.  🙂

This kimono is made up of mostly double crochet stitches.  If you know how to double crochet and make chain stitches, you should be good to go! I also did a section of crossed double crochet stitches along the bottom that could be a little tricky if you’ve never done it. However, you can simply double crochet across those rows if you’d prefer and it won’t make much of a difference at all.

So, are you ready to get started? Here we gooooo…..

 

Barcelona Summer Kimono Cardigan Crochet Pattern

Pattern Description: An easy, breezy kimono that’s perfect for the warm days of spring and summer. A beautiful way to cover up on the beach or simply wear around town with a tank!

Skill Level: Easy +

Materials:

Size J 6.0mm crochet hook

(2, 3) Skeins Lion Brand Yarn Mandala (HERE) in Serpent (150 g/skein ) Pattern uses approximately (236 g, 319 g of yarn) note: the yellow color was removed from the skein for the kimono pictured

Scissors

Tapestry Needle to weave in ends and seam

Gauge: Approximately 14 stitches & 6 rows in 4”

Dimensions (approximate):

Follow this key throughout the pattern for your size

(XS/S, M/L)

The fit and drape of this garment fits various sizes

XS/S  NOTE: I am pictured wearing the kimono in a size XS/S. I’m about 5’6″ and 105lbs. Please note that it’s simple to add more length if needed by crocheting for more rows on each rectangle.

Length: 22”

Bust Circumference: 56”

M/L

Length: 26”

Bust Circumference: 64”

Abbreviations:

ch – chain

dc – double crochet

sk st – skip stitch

ch sp – chain space

Special Stitch:

crossed dc (crossed double crochet) – *skip stitch, work dc in next st, work dc in skipped stitch. Repeat from * across.

Notes:

This kimono is made by crocheting two rectangles and then seaming up the center back and up the sides.  Each of the two rectangles should measure approximately (XS/S 14” X 44”, M/L 16” X 52”).  See assembly instructions on how to seam the rectangles together.  The bottom of the kimono features rows of crossed double crochet stitches. If you find this to be too difficult, you can simple double crochet across the rows in this portion of the pattern.

Important! You may make this piece longer by simply repeating the stitch pattern and adding more rows and length to each rectangle.  Measure yourself to ensure proper sizing.

Barcelona Summer Kimono Pattern Instructions

Ch (52, 66)

Cross Double Crochet Edging:

Row 1 Dc in 4th ch from hook.  Next, work crossed dc stitches (see special stitch instructions above) to the end of the row. (50, 64 stitches)

Row 2 Ch 3 (counts as 1st st throughout pattern), turn. Dc in each st across the row. (50, 64 stitches)

Row 3 Ch 3, turn. Dc in next st (this is also the second stitch of the foundation row).  Next, work crossed dc stitches across the row. (50, 64)

Row 4 Ch 3, turn. Dc in each st across the row. (50, 64 stitches)

Single Mesh Rows Bottom Portion:

Row 5 Ch 4 (counts as stitch and ch 1), turn, sk st, dc in next st (this is also the 3rd stitch inward of the foundation row), *ch 1, sk st below, dc in next st. Repeat from * across to end making final dc into turn ch of previous row. (51,65) NOTE: You will add a stitch to this row by making your final ch1, and dc stitch into the turning ch of previous row

Row 6 Ch 3, turn. *Dc in ch sp below, dc in next dc. Repeat from * across the row (51, 65 stitches)

Row 7 – 18 Repeat rows 5 & 6, 6 times

Double Mesh Rows Bottom Portion:

Row 19 Ch 4 (counts as stitch and ch 1), turn, sk st, dc in next st (this is also the 3rd stitch inward of the foundation row), *ch 1, sk st below, dc in next st. Repeat from * across to end making final dc into turn ch of previous row.

Row 20 Repeat row 19

Row 21 Ch 3, dc in each st across row. (51, 65 stitches)

Repeat rows 19-21 until piece measures approximately (44”, 52”) Tie off and weave in ends.  NOTE: PLEASE CHECK THAT LENGTH, WHEN FOLDED IN HALF WILL WORK FOR THE SIZE THAT YOU WANT. SIMPLY REPEAT THE STITCH PATTERN FOR AS LONG AS YOU’D LIKE TO REACH DESIRED LENGTH.

Repeat pattern above to make second rectangle.

Assembly:

Place both rectangles side by side, long sides together.  With your tapestry needle and length of yarn, seam from the bottom up with a simple whip stitch seam until you reach the center.  Tie off and weave in ends.

Fold rectangles in half and seam up each side, leaving approximately 9-10” for the arm openings. Tie off and weave in ends.

 

 What color would you make yours?

I hope you enjoyed this pattern my friends!

XO,

Jessica

If you like light weight patterns, you might also like:

Azul V Mesh Poncho

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51 Comments

  1. ….and you are adding to my list once again!!! LOL Looks like another great pattern, Jessica! I can’t wait to make one…or two. 🙂 Thank you!!

    1. Haha! Thanks Diane! We all have a list a mile long with projects we want to do….hehe! No worries….So glad you like this and thanks as always for all your support and kind words my friend!

  2. So pretty! I love the Mandala yarn. I just saw Lion Brand has Mandala for Baby! I might just have to get some!

  3. Love it!!! I have a couple of Mandala skeins that I was saving for a project just such as this!!! My color will be Genie. Thanks!! Just beautiful!!

  4. Thank you so much – I love it!.
    My list is also getting longer and longer which means my pattern files are getting more and more. Just such a pity that the LionBrand Mandala or any other LionBrand wool is not available in South Africa. I did order some at the end of January 2018 but still waiting for delivery but I am sure than problem is with the South African postal service. I am so excited and cant wait. Once received I am going to have a difficult to decision what to make and what not to make with my Mandala wool.

  5. What a stunning piece of work! However, I have a question on something I don’t understand. I read the pattern through and looked at the pictures but still confused about when you say to do the next stitch “below.” It doesn’t mean simply in the next stitch? Thanks for any clarification that might help me! Then I can’t wait to get started!!

  6. I just love this and would like to make it for myself…Any tips on making one plus size? Or do you think you will be releasing a plus pattern? Thanks for any help!!!

  7. Hi started this project. On row 5 does it end with two double crochet next to each other? Thanks

  8. I love the summer kimono crochet pattern & the color you chose to make the kimono. I have one small problem, I don’t crochet. Could you please design a pattern similar to this in knit, or do you already have one designed & I have over looked the pattern.
    Thanks a bunch.
    I really do love looking at your crochet patterns.
    Suzy

    1. Hi Suzy,

      Thanks for the suggestion! Occasionally I make knit versions of my crochet patterns. I’ll keep it in mind!

  9. I’m a little confused. You start with the Crossed Double Crochet and then the Single Mesh Rows but don’t repeat them at the end? So the back (or front) has Crossed Double Crochet but the other side doesn’t?

    1. Right Andrea…only the beginning has the crossed double crochet stitches. It’s just a feature for the front of the top.

  10. Thanks for the pattern! I’m having trouble keeping my stitch count to 50 each row. Sometimes it goes to 48 or 49 which drives me crazy. Any tips?

  11. This pattern is beautiful!!! Do you have any recommendations on how to accommodate the pattern for plus size women? Thank you!!!

  12. I love it!! I’m using Mandala now for LBs Dawn to Dusk and I love working with it. I’m definitely grabbing 2 for the Kimono! Perfect for Spring.

    1. actually, i think its Jess’s pattern? Make and Do Crew. It’s really nice the way the colors change with Mandala – and it gives you great stitch detail.

  13. I love this project. Thank you so much for the design. I am, however, having difficulty with row 5. Row 4 is supposed to have 50 stitches, but that doesn’t seem to work for the mesh row. Help!

  14. Just a silly question, but I am confused…in the assembly directions I am to whip stitch only half way up…got it…then I am supposed to fold the rectangles in half…now I am confused! Am I folding down? the outsides to the inside? Agh! Help! This is my first attempt at a sweater/kimono, so Please don’t think harshly of me! So far it is beautiful! Thank you for the lovely pattern!

    1. No worries Cyn! Do you see the photo where it’s laying flat on the floor? This might help you visualize. First, you need to seam up the back (halfway). Then yes, you fold down the sides as pictured. Then seam up each side leaving holes for the arms. I’m so glad the pattern has worked out for you and let me know if I can clarify further!

      1. I’m still so confused on the assembly. I’ve sewn the rectangles on the back halfway up. I’m not understanding folding the rectangles in half and sewing the sides. I’m looking at the pictures and it’s not helping. I’m sorry. Do I fold the rectangles towards the center or downwards ? I really want to finish this project!

        1. Hi Maria – I’m happy to try and help! So the seam up the center is the back. Picture then that the front half of the panels are the front. You need to fold them downward, in half and seam up the sides, leaving openings for the arms. Hope this helps!

  15. I am really struggling with this pattern and I’m not sure why. I can’t seem to keep my stitch count at 51 without fiddling with it a ton. Any advice from anyone?

    1. I count my stitches every 3 or 4 rows that way if I have an error- I don’t have to pull out too much to correct

  16. My kimono seems to be working out to be a trapezoid shape. Is there a video to help?

    1. Oh no! That’s not good! It’s usually the last stitches of the rows that can trip folks up. So sorry but I don’t have a video for this one.

  17. Could you please clarify by what you mean with the term below. It has greatly confused me and I can’t figure out what it means. Please help, I would be very grateful.

    1. I figured it out, Kristen!!! She meant just skip a stitch. I researched her tutorial on simple mesh and it finally clicked! Back in track now and hope you are too!!

  18. Hi Jessica…I just finished my Barcelona Summer Crocheted Kimino. Wow! What a wonderful pattern! I am a plus size so I added 14 stitches to make the rectangulars wider thus chaining 80 chains. I also bought 4 skeins in Mandala in Harpy. It turned out perfectly & I received compliments as soon I left home for the morning! Thanks so much, Jessica!

    1. Hi Karen! This is so awesome to hear! And congrats on modifying it just for you! What a thrill that you got compliments too. Thanks so much for letting me know, and you’re welcome of course!

  19. This is just what I was looking for to use some of my Mandala stash. I bought several colors when LionBrand first introduced this and I’m still drooling over it every time I open my yarn closet. So this pattern looked perfect for what I had in mind. No complicated shaping and easy stitches.
    My question is… I’m a size XXL. I read how to make this pattern longer but need it wider also. Can you help? Would using a larger hook help?
    I’ve seen some of your other patterns (do love your work) but they don’t have XXL or XXXL. There are a lot of plus size woman who love pretty handmade things. Maybe you could add extra sizing to your patterns
    in the future.
    Thank you for any help you can give,
    Dottie

  20. Hi Jessica!
    I just finished this kimono and am very happy with this pattern. I used Lionbrand Comfy Cotton Blend In Chai Latte – I love that yarn for garments and it turned out perfect with your pattern. I know I’ll be wearing this a lot through October, here on the Central Coast in California.
    Thank you for your wonderful designs!

  21. I am excited to try this pattern. I can see it being a simple way to dress up a simple tee or tank top without adding too much warmth. Thank you very much for the free pattern!

  22. Hi.. I love this pattern. But I’m at the second ball of yarn and I’m not even halfway through the first rectangular, Are you sure it doesn’t take more than 300 gm of yarn? I’m making size s. Thank you

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