It’s here! The Raven Kimono! Over the past few weeks we’ve worked hard to learn the Cherry Blossom stitch. The Cherry Blossom scarf introduced you to working this stitch in rows, then you learned how to seamlessly go from one round to the next with CB Infinity Now you can put them both together to make this beautiful kimono!
The story that made it happen
This is Raven. She is sassy, classy, and a bit of a smart ass. Hahaha. I met Raven during my photo shoot for my fall beanie styles last year. She rocked the photo shoot and was so much fun to work with! We became friends and the rest is history.
But what inspired this Kimono was this picture. I was looking for inspiration for a new design. Covid was just becoming rampant in the US and the quarantine had just started. As I scrolled Pinterest looking for new stitches to learn, I came across the Cherry Blossom stitch and new at once I had to find something to use it with. Then I saw this photo on Raven’s Instagram. The loop was complete! I new exactly what to create next and got started.
I wanted the project to incorporate Raven’s style and personality, so I called her up to tell her my idea. She go on board and together, we designed the Raven Kimono.
What makes this pattern unique
The pattern is truly unique because it uses the same stitch in two different ways. The first way we use the stitch is by working it in rows. These rows create the panels for the back body and front panels.
The second way we use the stitch is in rounds. These rounds are so unique because the stitch allows us to seamlessly go from one round right into the next without having to change the sequence of the stitch.
One more element that makes this pattern unique is how the sleeves are worked directly on to the armhole. Instead of crocheting the arm then attaching at the end, the arm is crocheted right onto the armhole opening giving you more control over the length and width of the the sleeve.
What you will need
Yarn: #3 DK or similar weight yarn. I used Lion Brand Truboo; 100% rayon from bamboo 3.5ox/100g; 241yd/220m; color Seafoam
Hook(s): 6mm/ J-10
Yarn Needle, Scissors, Stitch Markers, Row Counter (optional)
Two buttons for front closures (optional)
Let's talk fiber!
What you will look for between labels is,
Is the weight the same?
Are the fibers similar, such as Acrylic, wool, alpaca, nylon, etc.?
Is the gauge similar or close enough to make it work?
Are the recommended hook sizes the same?
Another piece of information you can look for is the number of wpi (wraps per inch). This information is not always available so me be more difficult to compare.
What I really love about this yarn
Truboo is one of those yarns where once you get used to it you can’t stop using it for everything! It has a beautiful sheen that allows the yarn to slide on and off you hook so nicely. There is very minimal drag so your project works up quickly, and evenly.
It also has a spread effect. This is when the yarn is lightly twisted during production, then when you are working with it the fiber strands spread out and help to form a more full bodied stitch. This also means it splits easily which can be a bit of a pain, but if you are willing to put the time into working with it more and more the payoff is sooooo worth it!
The other thing I love about this yarn for this project is the weight. When crocheting with this yarn it feel so lightweight, then you get some rows in and you will start to see how the weight of the yarn accumulates and the piece starts to pull on the stitches giving it the lacey design of the Cherry Blossom stitch.
Of course there are other yarns you can use. I also made crocheted this pattern using Yarn Bee Soft and Sleek DK. The stitch also has its lacey texture with this yarn due to how fine the yarn is.
Do you know these stitches and abbreviations?
Other things you should know
Gauge and measurements
The gauge for this piece is a bit tricky. But to check to see that your tension is loose enough to get the same measurements as I did work a 6X6″ square using the pattern repeat.
Place your tape measure, or measuring instrument at the very beginning of a tripuff stitch. measure over 4″ or 10 cm. You should be able to count 7 individual puff stitches (or 2 tripuff stitches plus one individual puff).
Next, place your measuring tool at the very bottom of one of the first single crochet of the pattern repeat. Measure from the bottom of that single crochet to 4″ or 10 cm. You should be able to count 4 puff rows, these rows include the 3 building rows plus the puff row.
If you are still unsure, then begin the pattern and measure your piece after your first puff row is complete. Compare your measurements to the measurements listed in the pattern.
Making personal adjustments
If your feeling that the measurements are just not working for you, no worries. You can easily adjust your sizing by adding or decreasing you starting number by 16.
If you are truly talented with math, ( am am not!) you can try adjusting your staring number by 4 or 8, you will have to be able to adapt to ending with different stitches than what is specified in the pattern.
Change up the sleeves
The sleeves on the pattern are designed to be straight down with no increased flare. The reason I chose to write the pattern this way is because the truboo yarn has such a natural stretch and drape to it that it did not need any increasing. However, if you choose to go with a lighter weighing yarn you may want to add an increase to give your sleeves a little flare for a more flowing appeal.
To do this, work the pattern until the sleeve measures just above the elbow. You will want to be starting a 3dc round. Mark the bottom center of the sleeve with a stitch marker. Continue to work the pattern until you come to the stitch marker. Work 3dc, ch2, 3dc. Continue the pattern until your sleeve is the length you want it. If you still want more flare, you can keep adding increases of 3dc, ch2, 3dc where they will line up with your previous increase. you can also begin your increases further up the arm adding more increases at the bottom center of each 3dc round.
Put on those finishing touches
The front panels are designed to be slightly oversized to give the person wearing it enough to fabric to overlap one side over another. The kimono looks beautiful by itself, or add some extra elegance with a broach, pin, ribbon tie, or whatever your heart pleases!
Don’t forget to weave in all your ends too!
Thanks for following along with me. I hope you enjoy making working up this pattern!
Want even more?
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Holiday Market- City of Refuge 2023
10 N Garth Ave
Columbia, MO 65203 United States