Telluride Easy Knit Kimono Pattern
This particular knit kimono pattern is completely beginner friendly and it’s made with my all time favorite super bulky yarn and large needles. It’s so comfortable to wear and it’s warm too as it’s made with a wool blend (a soft wool blend – I don’t do that itchy scratchy stuff too well). It’s also just super easy!
And if you can’t wear wool, you can easily substitute any super bulky yarn that you like for this pattern. It’s perfect to curl up with on the couch or throw on for a brisk morning stroll. I’ve been enjoying some amazing fall strolls and I’ll share a shot of some changing Aspen leaves at the bottom of this post.
Anyway, this project actually reminds me a bit of the Easy Knit Blanket Sweater, and it’s just as comfortable to wear if not more so since you don’t need a button to keep it in place. It also could probably be classified as a poncho, but since the sides are seamed it is a bit more of a cardigan than a poncho to me.
Call it what you want, but call it cozy cause it is! (I’m so cheesy) And do you like to wear grey too? It’s such a versatile color and it’s always been a fave of mine to wear since it doesn’t show dirt and it’s a good, soft neutral.
Above – the flowers are from my backyard and the deer antlers were found on a hike near Woodland Park, Colorado. The deer shed them naturally and then they regrow.
This is just another pattern that is beginner friendly yet super chic to wear. If you scroll to the bottom of the pattern below, you can see the photos and how it’s basically two rectangles seamed together.
If you can knit and purl, this will be easy for you to make for yourself or as a gift for a friend or loved one. If you haven’t learned to knit, you can find my tutorial and video in this post HERE using the method that I find easiest.
Below you’ll find the free pattern or you may choose to purchase the ad-free, printable PDF version from my Etsy shop here.
Telluride Easy Knit Kimono Pattern
It doesn’t get comfier or warmer than this cozy, beginner friendly knit kimono. Made with super bulky yarn and large needles, it works up fairly quickly and is a dream to wear on cold days.
You will need:
US Size 17 12.0 mm, 24″ or 36″ Circular Knitting Needles
5 (S/M), 6 (L/XL) skeins Lion Brand Wool Ease Thick & Quick Super Bulky Yarn in Grey Marble (Kit from Lion Brand with Pattern and Yarn HERE)
Pattern uses approximately 725 g (S/M) 960 g (L/XL)
Scissors
Tapestry Needle to weave in ends
Sizes:
S/M
L/XL
Follow the key for your size throughout the pattern (S/M, L/XL)
Measurements:
S/M
32” across and 22.5” long
Bust Circumference 64”
L/XL
36” across and 26.5” long
Bust Circumference 72”
Skill Level:
Beginner
Gauge:
Just under 2 stitches per inch and 2 ¾ rows per inch
Skills & Abbreviations:
k – knit
p – purl
Notes:
This kimono is made by knitting two simple rectangular panels (knit flat) and seaming them together at the center back and sides. If you are comfortable with the knit and purl stitch, you can easily make this kimono! The sides of each panel are worked in garter stitch and the center is stockinette. There isn’t any fancy ribbing or shaping involved. Slip the first stitch of each row in order to keep cleaner edges. Circular knitting needles are used in order to fit all stitches on the needle, but panels are worked flat just as you would do with straight needles.
*This is a fairly short kimono. You can make it longer by knitting more rows for each panel. If you are making this for someone who is tall or with a large bust size, consider adding more rows to each panel in order to make the kimono longer. In addition, just before casting off, you may place the panel centrally over one shoulder as it will be worn in order to see if you are happy with the length. Adjust accordingly.
Pattern
Cast On (31, 35) stitches
Rows 1-5 Knit across row (31,35)
Row 6 Knit 4, purl (23,27), knit last 4 stitches (31,35 total)
Row 7 Knit across row (31,35)
Repeat rows 6-7 until piece measures approximately (43”, 51”) long
Next, knit 5 more rows
Cast off, weave in ends.
Repeat above pattern to make second panel.
Assembly:
Place panels side by side with wrong sides facing up. With a length of yarn and your tapestry needle, whip stitch seam (or use your preferred seaming method) from the bottom of the pieces upward until you reach the center of the panels. Tie off and weave in ends. Fold upper portion of panels down and seam up the sides of each panel with whip stitch seam or preferred method approximately 5” inches on each side. Tie off and weave in ends.
Above – there are the two panels
Seamed up the center back and fold down front.
Next seam up the sides.
That’s all there is to it!
I hope that you enjoy your new, super cozy kimono and happy knitting!
XO
Jessica
I love the kimono pattern! I can’t wait to try it. Hugs,
Oh my gosh yay!!! This is exactly what I’ve been looking for!! Thank you!!!
Jessica, I love this pattern. So easy and it will be nice and warm for fall and in early spring. I am definitely going to try it and will try to post a picture when I finish it. Thanks for all the great patterns.
Gorgeous as always! I love all your pics too!
so glad to have found you!!! so many amazing patterns to make!! thank you!!
This is cute as pie, and looks easy to make.
Thanks Debi! Yeah, it’s super easy.
If I wanted to make it one size larger (for larger around), how many stitches would you suggest? Thanks!
Hi 🙂 I don’t know if you got an answer yet, but I’m a size 14 and I wanted it oversized so I cast on 45 stitches and it’s perfect for me.
Here is what I did. I didn’t want super bulky yarn, had enough yarn #4 I wanted to use. I cast on 70 stitches and knitted about 10 rows then measured from my neck down my are where I wanted it to reach. Likewise, laid it over my shoulder to determine length front and back. Almost finished.
I forgot to add I used size 10 1/2 size needles.
Was this for a small size
Hey! I have a question I want to use this yarn that is bulky… not super bulky what size needles should I use?? Should I Size down or up? thanks in Advance!
Love! Starting tomorrow! Thanks!
Yay! Let me know if you have questions Kay!
I do thinking about it. You say to slip the first stitch of each row. On row 6 does the first stitch of the k4 include the slip 1. Would I slip 1 then k3? Thanks!
Good question Kay, I was wondering the same thing. Also she says to leave a “Generous opening” for the sleeves but how big is that?
Hi Beverly,
In the assembly instructions I’ve written to seam up each side just 5″ which leaves a large opening. 🙂 Hope that helps!
Add one stitch to any knitting pattern to slip before you knit your pattern. Gives a fabulous edge. So glad I learned this. With this kimono pattern its not necessary to add one just get the width you want, slip one and then follow the pattern.
I have the same question as Kay (newbie knitter) about the slip one at beginning of each row. Thanks!
Hi! I always slip the first stitch of my knitting (when I knit flat on projects like these). If it’s a knit stitch, slip it knit wise. A purl stitch, slip it purl wise. Hope this helps!
Hey I’ve started knitting this gorgeous kimono and its super easy so thank you for that. Just a quick question is the length really 51 inches that seems long can you clarify for me please
Angela x
Each panel is the length (51″), but once folded and worn, of course it’s about half that! Hope this helps!
Two thumbs WAY up This looks so chic it’s hard to believe how simply it’s made. It’s similar in shape to the cardigan I am knitting right now. Thank you Jessica, how do you crank these out so quickly?
Thank you. I need something to back my knitting mojo back and now I have found it. Happiness is……
The knitting mojo returns … hehe! I sure hope you enjoy it Linda. And you’re welcome of course. Happy knitting!
Jessica, I adore this kimono! I don’t have any bulky yarn but do have plenty of DK & sock so I want to try it with some strands held together. We’ll see what happens 🙂 Thank you for sharing your pattern!
I’ve just started back knitting after 25 years so this pattern is fantastic for me to get the hang of everything again. Thank you Martina
That’s great to hear Martina. Congrats on getting back into the hobby!
This is awesome! I am casting on tonight. I just happened to have this yarn in my stash. 🙂
How fun! Happy knitting Diane!
Picking up the yarn for this tomorrow! AND Woodland Park is basically in my back yard. The trees changing on the way to Cripple Creek are always amazing
Well hey my neighbor! I do love driving to Cripple Creek in the fall. Hope you enjoy this project.
Thank you Jessica I love the pattern ,A lovely easy knit
You’re welcome Kathy!
Waah! simple and beautiful! like it. Thanks for sharing.
You’re welcome! It’s fun to share.
You’re welcome Alka!
Thank you so much for this ! It is just perfect. I love the length and will make it as well as a longer duster version so I can wrap around more when traveling . I can see worked both pieces simultaneously with gradient yarn as well ! Oh, what fun I will have. Starting now for my daughter’s bday!
So happy you like it Linda – great idea about making it longer. 🙂
Would you consider making into a dress /tunic to wear over long sleeved t and leggings? Not quite a full perhaps. And a hooded version. Thanks again!
Thank you so much for sharing your knitting and crocheting patterns and inspiration. I also love Aspen trees and they are a favourite subject for my paintings. I you would like to see my paintings and creations check out Christine Simpson Art on FB & Instagram. I recently crocheted one of your scarfs “The triangle revival scarf” I love it. I am going to try the Kimono as well. It so difficult to decide what to make because all your creations are do beautiful.
Truly inspiring!
Christine Simpson
Oops sorry it was the “Smoky Mountain Triangle Crochet Wrap” ✨ love it!
Another beautiful project!!! Thank you so much !
I just love this pattern Jessica. Thank you for sharing it. You are a true artist with knitting needles :). I can hardly wait to get my knitting needles clicking away on this beautiful project in which you’ve created. Your photos are wonderful. Happy fall to you & yours.
Hi Audrey! Thanks for taking the time to leave me a note and for your kind words. Hope you enjoy making it and let me know if you have questions. Happy fall to you and yours also!
Thanks so much for this great pattern Jessica – looking forward to making it!!
You’re welcome! So glad you like the pattern and let me know if you have questions as you make it!
Probably a silly question, but do you slip your first stitch each row? I’m starting this now 🙂
Thanks!
can I use a smaller knitting needle # so that it will not be as large?
You can go down to a US 15 or so. Or just adjust the number of cast on stitches (make less) if you want it to be smaller.
I love this! Wonder if you are going to do s crocheted version?
Made it in a validated gray, navy and burgundy wooly thick and quick yarn.
Looking forward to being cozy.
Sounds lovely! Thanks for sharing and enjoy!
Dear Jessica . . . I love this pattern and rushed out to buy yarn last night. I am making the L/XL and cast on 35 stitches and have measured my one panel and it is 24″ at the most . . that would be a 48″ circumference. I knit very tightly . . but that’s quite a difference . . . what am I doing wrong? Also . . I’m using size 17 needles and 6 weight yarn . . thanks.
Hi Linda! Sorry for the delay! So, note that the panels are folded in two so the circumference is actually 4 of the width of one panel. Does that make sense?
Perfectly . . just finished sewing it together . I absolutely love it . . made it in a sky blue color and am thinking I definitely need it in another color . . perhaps steel grey. . . Thanks for the inspiration!
I would like to use a much smaller needle size. What is the best way to calculate? I haven’t adjusted a pattern, soon am not sure how to proceed.
This is a cool pattern. I’m glad I ran across this, I’ve been wanting something cozy. I think I might make it a little longer.
Hi Natalya! Awesome! It will be very easy to make it longer. Hope you enjoy!
Hi Jessica,
I made your beautiful Kimono pattern for my daughter and give it to her this weekend. It turned out really nice and she loved the look and how cozy it was. I do have a question though–the ends in the front seem to turn outward and I’m wondering what I did to cause this to happen??
I was going to send a picture to show you but couldn’t figure out how to do it in this reply.
Thank you so much for sharing all of your beautiful projects!
Hi Marcia! Sorry for the delay. I don’t know why the ends would turn outward to be honest? I wonder if a simple blocking would help. Feel free to email me a photo if you’d like.
I could not possibly love this kimono more!! I made it with Caron Sprinkles, it took almost exactly 3 balls. I’m a size 14 and I wanted it oversize so I cast on 45 stitches instead of 35 (for the L/XL in the pattern) and it came out perfect. Thanks so much!! I’m all wrapped up in it right now. Oh and my dachshund approves, he’s cuddled up next to me partially in/on one of the sleeves. 😀
So awesome Beth!
One done and it came out great! I already have a second one started.
Hehe! Amazing! So glad it turned out great for you!
I am a beginner knitter and really thought I’d be limited to scarves. (How many scarves can one person knit before they get bored?) I am SO thrilled to be able to make apparel! I started this yesterday evening and am already 1/3 way done with the first piece. This pattern is so beginner-friendly!! Thank you!
Thank you so much for this pattern! I love it, love it, love it!
Super excited to knit this up! Alas, the lionbrand.com kit is no longer… ?
Actually, found it when I searched, but the link in your post is broken.
Thanks for letting me know! I’ll try to get the link fixed.
I love this pattern! Wondering if I can make it in medium weight yarn instead of chunky since I live in Bay Area and our winter is pretty mild. How do I adjust the needle and how many cast on stitches? (Brand new knitter here :)) thanks!!
Hi Jennifer! You will have to make a swatch with the needles and yarn that you have to see how many stitches are in one inch. Then do the math to see how many stitches to cast on to match the width of each panel that I’ve done here. 🙂
Thanks for the reply. I might try that. What do you think of making this into a poncho? Maybe stitch up the front few inches or adding button to close the front. Will that work with this kimono? Or to make things easier, will do your aspen relaxed poncho instead and use 2 strands of medium weight to knit 🙂
I just made a Kimona from a different link which used crochet for the panels instead of knit. .
Hi Jessica: Maybe I’m not reading this pattern correctly. I see 22/1/2 longI see another for 43 inches
Which is correct?
Hi JoAnn – I believe what you are seeing is the finished length when wearing, and then the length of the entire panel before it’s folded in half. The panel is two times the length when finished as it’s folded. Hope this makes sense!
The Telluride Kimono is beautiful. However, here in our country we don’t really need heavy clothes so i would like to use a lighter yarn and using US 10 or 11 needles. Would you be able to adjust the pattern?
I m in a wheelchair.when I go to the Drs. In the fall an winter,it s a hassle putting on a coat. This is PERFECT!
So glad this can work for you! Wow.
Hi!
Love LOVE LOVE this pattern!! I can’t believe how easy it is! Just wondering – how long did it take everyone else to make this? I’m thinking of making it for my friend’s birthday, but I’m wondering if I can finish it in time. Also- Jessica, I think my friend is about the same size as you; did you use the S\M pattern, or the L\XL one? I noticed that in the example panels photo, it looked a lot shorter than the one that you were wearing. Thanks!
Hi Kiki! I am in the S/M size!
Hi!
Love LOVE LOVE this pattern!! I can’t believe how easy it is! Just wondering – how long did it take everyone else to make this? I’m thinking of making it for my friend’s birthday, but I’m not sure if I can finish it in time. Also- Jessica, what type of cast-on did you use? In the picture, your panels have such a nice, clean edge; did you get that with a simple loop cast-on, or did you use some other method? Thanks!
Regarding slipping a stitch before starting a pattern: best advice ever. It creates a looped edge that will astonish you. The only thing you do is add one stitch to your pattern then at the beginning of each row you slip the first stitch from the left needle to the right and then start your pattern.
In the directions for the Telluride Kimono the extra stitch to slip was not added to the directions. Example: if you cast on 35 stitches then knit 4, purl 27 and knit 4, which equals 35, you have not allowed for the slip stitch. Solution is to add one stitch or purl 26 instead of 27. I am starting this kimono this evening. Great for Arizona cool evenings, when we get them!
Thank you for clarifying this, Deborah Goodacres. I haven’t used this and was wondering the same thing. You finally gave the answer people have been asking!
Hi Jessica,
Please could you give the measurement of the width of each panel? I have some different wool the gauge of which is 4″ x 4″ = 10sts x 14 rows on 9mm needles. I started casting on 31 stitches but thought it does not look big enough and because I am not sure how big it should be I am not sure how many more stiches to make. Can you tell I am a beginner?
Many thanks in anticipation, and I love the pattern!
thank you for writing this pattern for knitters…..I have just the yarn for this !
Is it possible to cast on double the stitches, I.e. 75 then follow the pattern with 4 knit stitches at beginning and end of rows with 8 knit in middle. I was thinking of doing this and slipping half of stitches to another needle to “hold” then completing panels to desired length. Then there would be no stitching to hold panels together.
Yes! You can definitely do that in order to avoid seaming!
At the begining it says circular needle ,confused can you use two needle method
hi I was wondering if this could be knit up in one piece? Im horrible at seaming haha.
Thank you!!!
Yes – you certainly!
Dear Jessica,
Thank you very much for sharing the pattern. I can’t wait to try it!
Just one question, the wool spec recommends 9mm needle. Your pattern uses 12mm needle. Would that make the garment too loose (i.e. holy)?
Thanks a lot for your help.
I often use larger needles than what the yarn calls for – it sometimes gives it a better drape!
can’t find a coat. might make myself one. thanks
I am making a tiny telluride kimono for my 8 month old granddaughter. Cant wait to see it on her. Thank you for this pattern!!
Can’t wait to try this! How do you get it to curve around your neck? When I picture folding 2 rectangles, I see them staying side by side.
Very nice, kimono I made a sweater almost like this pattern loved it and miss placed it in August of this year,my husband and I were in Alaska, I’m sad that I don’t have it but I’m also blessed if it is in good hands of some one who needs it to keep warm.
Hi this is Cindy again I also live in Colorado I know where Woodland Park is I live in Colorado Springs thx
Hello I would like to knit the Telluride Easy Knit Kimono in Plus size. I also like the Wool Ease Yarn!!! But I also like the Breckenridge Knit Kimono Topper Cardigan posted using the Comfy Cotton Yarn – the pattern includes plus sizes. How can I make the Telluride Kimono is plus size? I’m a newbie at knitting and really enjoy it – I’ve used Wool Ease to knit basic hats – nice to work with. Thank you
I want to use bulky yarn I have the cutest stuff but I don’t know what size needle to use should I gauge up or down??
Just found the Telluride Kimono pattern. Just too easy- will start it in a few days. Thanks Jessica
Pretty design for everyone. It looks so beautiful and attractive.
I was wondering if I could do this same pattern on a round loom, working back and forth on the rows. I love the pattern, I’ve been knitting for close to 50ty years! I always look for something new, You always have such neat ideas-thanks!