If there is one thing I’m entirely certain about baby clothes, is that it has to be the most comfortable garment, and it has to be super easy to put on and take off. So today, I want to show you how to make a knitted kimono jacket for babies, which, for me, is the star of the tops and your best ally for your baby’s first weeks.
It is as simple as laying the jacket open, putting your baby on top, closing it and you are done! you don’t have to deal with tricky buttons in the back (which may bother your baby while lying on his back) or disturb him by raising his head to dress him. Not only will it make first-time parents’ life so much easier (who have to deal with the unstable head of their newborn) but it will be equally comfortable for the baby.
Apart from the pattern being shown in one size as usual, you can make this pattern in 5 different sizes! This pattern of knitted kimono jacket is available in sizes 1-3 months, 3-6 months, 6-12 months, 12-24 months, and the one shown in the tutorial, size New Born.
You will find the instructions to knit this kimono jacket in the text and images. Still, if you prefer to download the pattern to get row-by-row instructions and print it to make notes without relying on a cell phone or internet connection, you are in luck because everything is ready for you!
You can find all the downloadable and printable patterns with the 5 sizes that I just mentioned here or by clicking on the image below.
You also have the option to buy all sizes together with a good discount on this other link.
Required Knitting stitches and techniques
To knit the NUR knitted Kimono, it is only necessary to have basic knowledge of knitting, nothing that cannot be learned by watching YouTube videos. Here I leave you a selection of videos in which you can learn the stitches and techniques used:
- Cast on
- Garter stitch
- Cast on stitches at the edge
- Knit a stitch Front and back
- Stockinette stitch
- Knit Pop Corn Stitch (explained in the photo tutorial)
- Bind off
Materials to make the Nur Kimono Jacket – Size NEWBORN –
- 100 gr. of cotton yarn or wool for 4 mm needles.) I chose 2 skeins of 50 gr. of Katia Alabama in color 9- Light Beige
- 4 mm needles
- Stitch holder
- 1 small button
- 50 cm. of matching color ribbon
Gauge
10 x 10 cm = 16 stitches x 31 rows in Garter Stitch
How to make a Baby Knitted Kimono Jacket
1. Knit the back of the knitted kimono
We will start by casting on 32 stitches and knitting 36 rows or until the fabric measures 12 cm. From here on, we will start with the increases on each side to make the sleeves of our knitted baby jacket.
2. Start the sleeves of the knitted jacket
To give shape to the sleeves, we will increase 8 stitches to the edge of the work in each of the rows until we have increased a total of 24 stitches for each sleeve. At the end of this, you should have 80 stitches on the needle.
Once the stitches for the sleeves have been increased, knit 18 more rows or approximately 6 cm. Then it is time to bind off the stitches for the neck and begin to knit only with the stitches of one of the sleeves.
3. Knit one of the sleeves of the baby Kimono
To keep knitting with only the stitches of one of the sleeves of the baby knitted kimono, we will have to knit 34 stitches and place them on hold. Then, we will bind off 12 stitches that will make up the opening of the neck of the jacket and finish by knitting all the remaining stitches. It will be only with these last stitches which we will continue knitting
Knit 34 stitches for 3 rows. From here, it is time to start increasing so that the front of the baby-knitted kimono is crossed.
In all the odd rows or every time you start to knit in the neck area, you must slip a stitch, knit 1 front and back, and knit the rest of the row normally. In even rows, or beginning the cuff area of the jacket, knit them normally. Continue in this way until you have 43 stitches on your needle or the cuff measures 12 cm.
We almost have our first sleeve ready! It is time to bind off stitches to finish, giving it its shape. We must bind off 8 stitches at the beginning of each even row until we have cast off a total of 24 stitches. In this way, we must have 21 stitches on our needles.
Remember that in the odd rows, you will have to continue slipping one stitch and knitting a stitch in front and back!
If you find it easier, you can have the downloadable and printable PDF pattern in size New Born for only € 2.99. In it, you will find all these detailed instructions row by row so you do not miss a stitch! Click here to get it or on the following link.
4. Knit one of the fronts of the baby-knitted Kimono
Once you finished one of the sleeves, it is time to continue knitting one of the fronts, in particular, the one knitted completely using the garter stitch. To do so, you only should keep increasing 1 stitch at the beginning of each odd row until you get a total of 32 stitches. Remember to continue doing it as before: At the beginning of each odd row, slip the first stitch (as we always do at the beginning of each row), knit a stitch in front and back and knit the remaining stitches.
Once you have these 32 stitches, knit 14 more rows and in on the 15, bind off all of the stitches.
5. Knit the other sleeve of the baby Kimono
It is time to take back the stitches you placed on hold belonging to the other sleeve of the baby cardigan. You should only pass the stitches one by one of the stitch holders to your working needle (row 1). Once you have all the stitches on the working needle, knit 2 rows of Garter stitch. (rows 3 and 4)
From here, it gets fun since we will start to alternate Garter stitch for the area of the sleeves, Stockinette stitch, Pop Corn Stitches, and increase it to 3 stitches of the edge of the work for the front area. So, you must pay attention!
- Row 1. Take back the stitches you placed on hold
- Rows 2-3. Knit all the stitches
- Row 4. Knit 3 sts, KFB (knit front and back), purl 6 sts, knit 24 sts.
- Row 5. Knit 35 sts.
- Row 6. Knit 3 sts, KFB , purl 7 sts, knit 24 sts.
- Row 7. Pop Corn Stitch Row. Knit 26 sts, PopCorn Stitch, knit 5 sts, PopCorn Stitch, knit 3 sts.
You can guide yourself through the following images to learn how to knit a bobble or a Popcorn stitch.
- Row 8. Knit 3 sts, KFB, purl 9 sts, Knit 24 sts.
- Row 9. Knit 37 sts
- Row 10. Knit 3 pts, KFB, purl 10 sts, Knit 24 sts.
- Row 11. Knit 38 sts
- Row 12. Knit 3 pts, KFB, purl 11 sts, Knit 24 sts.
In this way, you must make a row of bobbles every 6 rows with a separation of 5 stitches between them. Continue knitting this way, knitting the sleeves in Garter stitch and alternating bobbles and Stockinette stitch in the front until you have 43 stitches on your working needle. It is time to bind off the stitches of the sleeve to give it its shape. To do this, bind off 8 stitches at the beginning of each of the odd rows until you have closed 24 stitches. In the even rows, remember that you must continue increasing 1 stitch to 3 stitches of the edge of the work. At this point, you should have 21 stitches on your needle.
6. Knit the other front of the baby-knitted Kimono
At this point, you should be an expert in working and alternating the bobbles, so continue knitting and increasing until you have 32 stitches on your needle. Knit 5 more rows alternating Garter stitch in the first 4 stitches and Stockinette stitch in the remaining stitches, knit 3 rows in Garter stitch and bind off all stitches.
If you prefer to continue knitting the bobbles following a diagram and the instructions row by row, remember that you have at your disposal a downloadable and printable PDF with the detailed pattern row by row and the complete diagram of the NUR Kimono so that you do not miss a single detail!
2,99€Add to cart
- You can download it and check it whenever you need without depending on the mobile connection.
- You can print it to have it always at your side while you are knitting and making notes, tracking rows, etc …
- You will have all the detailed instructions, row by row and stitch by stitch, so you will know always where each increase goes, what are the rows of bobbles, etc, without having to calculate it.
- You will have a graphic guide of the pattern. A diagram where you will see in a very visual way the shape of the garment, the disposition of the stitches, the rows, the details, the different stitches, etc.
- You will contribute to the maintenance of this blog and so we can continue spending time together
You can also knit this pattern only following the instructions in this tutorial as always, the downloadable and printable PDF is an ideal complement to make your work easier.
7. Final touch!
Now that we have all our jacket knitted, we just need to add the final touches to finish, giving it its shape and ensure its closure in the front.
With a wool needle, seam the sides and bottoms of the sleeves by passing the needle through the balls that have formed on the selvedges of the garment. Remember that to form these balls, you must ALWAYS slip the first stitch of a row.
Then, we will cut two small pieces of ribbon of about 12 cm each and sew them inside the jacket and the upper corner of the Garter stitch front, as shown in the following image. This lacing will not be visible once you close the jacket.
To be able to tie the knitted kimono to the other side (lacing that remains visible), I have chosen to finger-knit two small cords and sew small pompoms of hair at the ends.
You can learn how to knit this kind of cord by watching this video:
And finally, although this is optional, you can sew a small button inside the garment to ensure it does not open too much around the neck area.
And if you do not have enough just with the newborn size and want another size, remember that the Nur Baby Knitted Kimono is also available in sizes 1-3 months, 3-6 months, 6-12 months and 12-24 months. And that’s not all! There is no better companion for this cardigan than a knitted legging with feet covered, the perfect tandem! Here, you can see the step-by-step tutorial and the free pattern to knit the matching legging with this jacket in the Newborn size.
If you liked this tutorial and it has inspired you, comment and share your discovery! And, of course, once you have finished your Knitted Baby Kimono, do not forget to show off the result on social networks with the hashtags #kimononur and #creativaatelier.
Kisses!
Design, images
Please respect the designers and their intellectual property. The pattern is for personal use only. Do not distribute copies in physical or digital formats. This pattern is not permitted to make products for sale, workshops, or any other commercial activity. If you have a question about what you can do, please write to me at marta@creativaatelier.com
Knitted Girly Vest – Baby Knitting Pattern & Tutorial
Do you have any photos or videos showing how to seam up the front/back and sleeves of the sweater? Thanks!
Thanks a lot for this pattern, it’s very beautiful.
Regarding the small button inside, so it won’t open. What is used in the other side to hold the button? Just squeeze it between the knits?
That’s it! Since it’s a very small button, it will be more secure if you slide it between the stitches rather than creating a buttonhole. So, there’s nothing else to do—just sew the button on, and you’re all set!
Help, please. How long should the icord be for each side?
Thanks
Hi! The i-cord should be about 12 cm long for each side.😉
I have been looking for a crossover pattern for a newborn baby for ages and I just love this one. Haven’t knitted it yet but will do soon. I knit for a charity which runs a maternity clinic in Ethiopia and I know the mums will just love this
I’ve knitted this pattern numerous times, for new babies. I love knitting it and the recipients loved it too. An easy way to get a bigger size, but in similar proportions, is to use a thicker yarn than the pattern suggests. There are so many excellent yarns suitable for babies. It has worked for me every time, so far.
Bonjour
La largeur du dos 32 mailles = ? cm
Merci de me répondre.
JPS.
Hey Jocelyne! So, for this project we need to make sure we use the right tension gauge. 10 x 10 cm = 16 stitches x 31 rows in garter stitch. If we cast on 32 stitches, our project will be 20 cm wide. We get that number by multiplying 32*10/16.
Hi! I am making this jacket for my granddaughter. Do you have instructions for reversing at the front panels for girls? Please advise. I love this pattern.
I purchased this almost 2 years ago but I do not remember how to access it. Can I get assistance?
It was emailed back to me. Thank you so much!
Hi, I am a beginner and am knitting from the tutorial on this page that says newborn. It seems so small. Will it really fit a baby? Seems like it’s doll size – Haha. If so, any idea what weight the baby would be? THX so much, Lori
Hi Lori!
The measurements of the Nur kimono in size NewBorn are 19 cm. wide x 20 cm. long. It is designed for the first days of a newborn baby with an average weight (3,200 kg approximately). If once you knit your garment, it is smaller than this, it can be mainly due to two factors:
1. The wool/cotton you have used to knit the Kimono is thinner than the one indicated in the pattern. A slight difference in thickness would be enough to give substantial deviations in the size of the garment.
2. Your tension when knitting is greater or less than mine. Each knitter is different, and therefore some knits tighter and others knit looser.
In both cases, the solution is the same. Check your gauge and make sure that your sample of 16 stitches x 31 rows in garter stitch measure 10×10 cm.
If your sample is bigger, is that you knit looser or that your fiber is thicker. In that case, try to knit tighter or use 3.5mm needles instead of 4mm.
If your sample is smaller (which seems to be your case ), you knit more tightly, or the fiber you use is thinner than indicated. In this case, relax and try knitting a little looser. If this is not enough, try knitting with 4.5 mm needles. Maybe the best solution is to change your yarn and choose a thicker one.
I hope these little tips will allow you to make your NUR Kimono entirely to your liking and be satisfied with the result!
Could you give me the size in cm’s of the back. I’m using cotton for ndl 3,5 so need more stiches. Just want to check for dize 1-3 months which I ordered this week. Many thanks
Hi Marilou!
Size newborn measures 19 cm. wide. You will find the measurements for size 1-3 on your PDF pattern, 😉
Hello,
I ve nearly finished this pattern, really a new experience for me!
When sewing button on one side of the front, how do you fasten it to the other side?….thanks in advance
Hi Jean!
As it is a tiny button, you can fasten it by passing it through the knit fabric without opening any eyelet. 😉
Thank you!
Hello Marta, I purchased this pattern from you last week in size 6 – 12 months. I am a little confused with the yarn purchase. On your pattern it states gauge 19 stitches & 40 rows – 10 x10cms but the yarn you have used, is 19 stitches x 26 rows 10 x 10cms, they are both very different? Have you knitted this in any other yarn and which gauge do I use please? Katia Alabama and all the Yarn sub substitutes are not available in UK 🙁 – It is very important to me that I size this correctly as I am sending this to Australia and they only have 4/5 months of the year it can be worn. Thank you for your assistance
Hi Dawn!
The main difference between the gauge given by the manufacturer and mine is that one is knitted in stockinette stitch and the other one (mine) is knitted in Garter Stitch. Knit stitches tend to be a little shorter and narrower than purl stitches, that is why you find this difference in both samples.
To find a perfect yarn substitute you can check this page https://yarnsub.com/yarns/katia/alabama or ask in your local store for a Worsted/medium weight yarn (50gr = 105 meters). If you doubt between two yarns you better go for the thicker one as I am a loose knitter 😉
I hope this helps!
Buenas noches quisiera saber antes de comprar si los patrones en PDF se consiguen en español, muchas gracias
¡Hola Gabriela! ¡Si! Todos mis patrones están disponibles en Español 😉. Solamente debes asegurarte que la pagina está en español cuando formalizas tu pedido.
Hello, I hope you can help me.
Can I simply leave the popcorn stitch out and knit in garter stitch or would I have to alter the amount of stitches on my needle? (Newborn Size)
The popcorn stitch is very cute, but I need to knit this to look plain and simple.
Thank you so much!
Hi! Wondering if you can help me find pom poms like these. Yours match the yarn so beautifully. What color is the yarn that you used for this project?
Hi Laura! To make this project I used Katia Alabama in color 9- Light Beige. I made the pompons myself using this same yarn and some fur yarn leftovers. Regards! 😘
Is it possible for you to do a tutorial on how you made the pompous with the fur yarn leftovers?
Hi! I just finished the newborn kimono, it is gorgeous!
I would like to make another one, using a finer yarn, 4ply perhaps. Is that possible?
Got the 3-6 months pattern, loved knitting it, but looks a bit big? Anyway, sure the new parents will love it!
good day,
Rachel Manuel here,
Could you please share the 3-6 mth pattern with me.
Would appreciate it.
Thanks
Hi Rachel! You can get size 3-6 months from my online store 😉. Here is the link! https://www.creativaatelier.com/producto/size-3-6-months-nur-knitted-kimono/?lang=en
Hi Marta!
Love this pattern! I was all set to start and decided to order the size bigger. I mistakenly ordered the same size I had (3-6) again. Can you please send me the 6-12?
Thanks!
Lisa
How can I purchase the yarn you used– Katia Alabama? I live in Oregon, USA.
Hi Patricia! Katia is an European yarn band and I don’t know if they sell overseas… In any case, I am sure you can find a nice substitute at your local store 😉 Try this link to find some similar yarns https://yarnsub.com/yarns/katia/alabama
I hope this helps!
I find the gauge to be off on the kimono pattern. Is it really 15 stitches & 30 rows = 10 x 10 cm?
Hi Jennifer! I have have already sent it! 😉
Same happened to me. I ordered size 1-3 months
Hey! Do you have this awesome jacket in a crochet pattern?
I have ordered this pattern for the 6-12 months, but it is in Spanish. Can you send it again please, so that I can print it. I couldn’t see anywhere to order it in English, the rest of the website was in English.
Thank you, can’t wait to start knitting this!
You already have it in your inbox 😉
Just love this little jacket……and wish that I could follow a pattern as I would love to be able to knit this for my granddaughter……alas, my knitting skills are limited to scarves where there’s no increasing / decreasing 😂😂
I got this in a email and it said it was a free pattern. So why do I have to pay?
Thak you.
Hi Dazie! As you can tell, online pattern and tutorial is completely free in size New Born. You only have to pay if you prefer to download the printable PDF or you need another size. Regards!
Would love to have this pattern in adult sizes.Is it possible?
Very disappointed , I paid for this pattern thinking I would get all sizes but instead got only the newborn. I would have preferred 1 – 3 months if I had to choose, I actually could have got the new born size for nothing. How do I get bigger sizes?
Hi Terri!
I am so sorry for the misunderstanding. I believe that it was clear that by paying 1,99€ you get only New Born size, as it is specificated on the post. You can get the pattern in other sizes by following this link: https://www.creativaatelier.com/producto/nur-knitted-kimono-pattern/?lang=en
Kind Regards!
I am so excited about following the pattern. Can you tell me what gauge you have here for the new born?
Hi Menna! Gauge is 15 stitches x 30 rows (Garter stitch) = 10x 10 cm 😉
I know right . I’ve looked at it again and again I thought I was going crazy. Please help
The instructions on this page for newborn size are different to the pdf. This page starts with purling 7 stitches on the front and the pdf starts with 6.
It was a typing error, now everything is ok! 😉
Hi Marta,
When you say everything is okay, does that mean the online pattern is correct or the PDF is correct?
Thanks,
Lisa.
Hi Lisa! Both are correct 😉
Row 4. Knit 3 sts, KFB (knit front a back), purl 7 sts, knit 24 sts.
Row 5. Knit 35 sts.
Row 6. Knit 3 sts, KFB , purl 8 sts, knit 24 st
These rows don’t make sense as there are 36 stitches on the needle at row 5.
I know right . I’ve looked at it again and again I thought I was going crazy. Please help
Me too, I have now unpicked it 7 times, thought I was going crazy. Might just end up knitting some Bobbles and stitching them on!
Me too! Until I decided to scroll through the comments, and realized that I am not insane afterall.
I think this is fixed now? It’s just the six rows after the bobble row (rows 8, 10 and 12) – I think the purls should be 8, 9 and 10? Otherwise there’s only 23sts left to knit, not 24. Typo I’m sure! Thanks for the gorgeous pattern xx
The error is still there… I thought I was going crazy too.
August 3rd, 2020.
Wish someone could send me a video of these four rows I’m going crazy.
não para mim tenho 35 , 3pontos+1aumento,+7pontos,+24 da manga=35 pontos no total
Hi, , can you tell me what pts stands for please. Many thanks.
Hi Lesley! pts is the abbreviation of Stitches in Spanish. Were have you read it in the post? It might have slipped in the translation 🤔
Hi, thanks for your prompt reply. It appears after the images for the bobbles, knit 3 pts.
hi! I bought the pattern in size 1-3 months. I have a question. Why don’t you the same number of row for the second front? With less rows (and less balls) I don’t see how I could seam it to the back… gracias por su respuesta
Hi Dorotea, the second front has less rows than the first one because it is knitted using stockinnete stitch. Stockinette stitches are narrower and longer so you will have to compensate and knit less rows to get the same length.
Peut on avoir les explications en français en 12 mois pour l’irresponsabilité kimono jack merci