Baby Kimono in Lion Brand Homespun - 80868AD

Baby Kimono Knitting Pattern in Lion Brand Homespun – Pattern 80868AD

This free downloadable knitting pattern from Lion Brand Yarn guides crafters through creating an adorable Baby Kimono, a classic wrap-style sweater designed for growing infants and toddlers. The adjustable, wrap-and-tie fit makes this kimono a practical and thoughtful handmade gift that accommodates little ones across multiple stages of growth. The design is worked in Lion Brand Homespun yarn in the colorway Ocean, a self-striping or "painterly" shade that adds subtle, beautiful color variation without any extra effort from the knitter.

What Is Being Made

The finished project is a baby kimono top, also described as a wrap-sweater, suitable for children sized 12–18 months, 2 years, and 3 years. The finished chest measurements range from 23 inches (58.5 cm) for the smallest size up to 26½ inches (67.5 cm) for the largest, with finished lengths ranging from 12 to 14 inches (30.5 to 35.5 cm). The kimono features a front wrap neckline secured with crocheted ties, making it easy to put on and take off — a feature parents of wriggly babies will especially appreciate.

Skill Level and Sizing

This pattern is rated Easy, making it an excellent choice for knitters who have moved past the absolute beginner stage and are comfortable with basic shaping techniques. The pattern is written for the smallest size, with changes for larger sizes noted in parentheses throughout. Knitters are encouraged to circle all numbers pertaining to their chosen size before beginning to avoid confusion mid-project.

Techniques Used

• Flat knitting – the garment pieces are worked back and forth in rows rather than in the round
• Sleeve shaping – stitches are bound off to shape the sleeve edge, creating a clean armhole and sleeve cap
• Neck shaping – the front neckline is shaped to create the characteristic kimono wrap opening
• Seaming and finishing – completed pieces are joined together using a blunt needle
• Crochet tie construction – a crochet hook is used to add functional ties at the neckline, one measuring 10 inches (25.5 cm) and one measuring 24 inches (61 cm), which secure the kimono wrap in place
• Gauge swatching – the pattern strongly emphasizes checking gauge before beginning to ensure correct sizing

Stitches Used

• Stockinette stitch (St st) – the primary stitch pattern, worked as knit stitches on right-side rows and purl stitches on wrong-side rows, creating a smooth, classic fabric ideal for baby garments
• Bind off – used at the sleeve shaping and at the end of each piece
• Crochet slip stitch – used to join yarn at the neckline when beginning the crocheted ties
• Crochet chain stitch – used to create the neckline ties that fasten the kimono

Materials and Tools

The pattern calls for Lion Brand Homespun yarn (Article #790) in the colorway Ocean. Homespun is a bulky-weight yarn composed of 98% acrylic and 2% polyester, making it soft, machine-washable, and durable — all ideal qualities for baby knitwear. Each ball contains 185 yards (169 meters) and weighs 6 oz (170 g). The pattern requires 1 (2, 2) balls depending on the size being made.

• Knitting needles: Lion Brand Size 10 (6 mm) straight or circular needles
• Crochet hook: Lion Brand Size I-9 for working the crocheted neckline ties
• Stitch holders: Lion Brand Stitch Holders to hold live stitches during shaping