Knit Kimono: 18 Designs with Simple Shapes

Jun 10

With its simple approach to garment making, this book shows you how to create a kimono from rectangles and just how varied the style can be. The book begins with a basic introduction on kimono, beautifully illustrated with line drawings. I do like the patterns, however, in most cases I feel the choice of yarn is too heavy to imitate that flowing, lightweight look of a kimono. Useful for styling and how to use a basic design and present it in numerous ways but I would want to change the yarn. These versatile designs should be achievable to a broad range of knitting skills.

March 2008

A kimono looks an intricate garment with all its fold and extravagant sleeves, but Vicki Square reveals that it is, in fact, just a series of rectangles sewn together. So, if you can knit a scarf, you can knit a kimono and there is a wider variety of styles than you might think. The book begins with a fascinating introduction to this classic Japanese garment, delving into its history, the range of shapes, the anatomy of the kimino and its significance. An inspirational chapter shows how you can easily design your own kimono, showing how to choose yarn and how the rectangular pieces fit together. There are 18 projects that illustrate the different looks a kimono can have; long or short, with sleeves or without, casual or opulent, deep or cuffed sleeves. This creates a choice of knit from a smart everyday cardigan to a signature piece such as the uchikake with the traditional stylised wave pattern and curved sleeves. The kimonos are worked in many interesting stitches that give the pieces texture and interest that is shown off to the full in the large rectangular panels. There are lattice stitches, crossover stitches, medallion motifs, fan stitches and herringbone stitches worked in a fabulous selection of yarn fibres that tie up very well with kimono theme.