Nordic Kimono in Caron Simply Soft and Simply Soft Collection - Downloadable PDF

Nordic Kimono Knitting Pattern by Margret Willson – Children's Embroidered Kimono Jacket in Caron Simply Soft

The Nordic Kimono, designed by Margret Willson and published by Caron, is a charming children's knitted kimono jacket adorned with flower and butterfly embroidery. This downloadable PDF pattern is rated beginner difficulty, making it an approachable and rewarding project for knitters who are still building their skills. The finished garment is described as a stylish gift for girls, sized to fit ages 2, 4, and 6 years, with finished bust measurements of 23 inches (58.5 cm), 25 inches (63.5 cm), and 27 inches (68.5 cm) respectively, and finished lengths ranging from 11 to 13 inches (28–33 cm).

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a kimono-style jacket for young children. The kimono silhouette is a classic, relaxed wrap shape with wide sleeves and an open front, traditionally inspired by Japanese garment design. Here it is reimagined as a cozy knitted piece with a Nordic aesthetic, brought to life through colorwork stripes and decorative surface embroidery. The result is a lightweight layering piece that works beautifully as a gift or a special occasion garment for toddlers and young girls.

Sizing and Fit

• 2 years: Finished Bust 23" / 58.5 cm, Finished Length 11" / 28 cm
• 4 years: Finished Bust 25" / 63.5 cm, Finished Length 12" / 30.5 cm
• 6 years: Finished Bust 27" / 68.5 cm, Finished Length 13" / 33 cm

Yarn and Materials

The pattern calls for Caron Simply Soft, an aran weight yarn, used in multiple contrast colors throughout the design. The specific colors referenced in the pattern include:

• Contrast A – Lavender Blue (9756): The main body color, used for the bulk of the stockinette fabric
• Contrast B: Used for the seed stitch border sections
• Contrast C – Pistachio (0003): Used in the stripe color sequence on the fronts
• Contrast D: An additional accent color used in the design

Each skein of Caron Simply Soft contains 170 g / 6 oz and 288 m / 315 yards. Yardage requirements vary by size, with larger sizes requiring up to 2 skeins of Contrast A. Caron Simply Soft is a well-loved acrylic yarn known for its softness against sensitive skin, its easy-care machine-washable properties, and its broad color palette — all qualities that make it especially well suited for children's garments.

Additional materials required include:

• One pair US size 6 (4 mm) straight needles for borders and smaller sections
• One pair US size 7 (4.5 mm) straight needles, or size needed to obtain gauge, for the main body
• One US size 6 (4 mm) circular needle, 24" / 61 cm long for finishing
• A US size G-6 (4 mm) crochet hook for edging or finishing details
• A stitch holder for holding back neck stitches during shoulder shaping
• A tapestry needle for seaming and working the surface embroidery

Gauge

The pattern gauge is 21 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches / 10 cm in Stockinette stitch using the larger US size 7 (4.5 mm) needles. Achieving correct gauge is important for ensuring the finished kimono matches the intended measurements for each age size.

Techniques Used