Simple Cardigan

Simple Ribbed Crochet Kimono Cardigan by Bobo Stitches

What is Being Made

This is a ribbed crochet kimono cardigan designed by Bobo Stitches as a beginner-friendly crochet project. The cardigan is tailored to fit an average adult male size medium, with finished measurements of 29 inches in total length, 25 inches in arm length, and 24 inches from shoulder to shoulder. The design features a comfortable 7-inch measurement from shoulder to armhole and a 6.5-inch armhole depth, making it a relaxed, wearable garment suitable for everyday wear.

Construction Method

The Simple Ribbed Crochet Kimono Cardigan is constructed using a seven-panel construction method. The garment is worked in individual panels that are later assembled: two front panels, one back panel, two sleeves (arms), and two pockets. The panels are worked side to side, or from left to right, which is a common technique that allows for easier shaping and modification of fit. This modular approach makes the pattern accessible for beginners while providing flexibility—the cardigan can be modified to fit different sizes by increasing or reducing the number of rows worked on each panel.

Crochet Stitches and Techniques Used

This pattern employs several fundamental and intermediate crochet stitches to create the ribbed texture characteristic of the design:

• Chain (Ch) — the foundation stitch used to create the base of each panel
• Half Double Crochet (Hdc) — a basic stitch that creates a medium-height fabric with good drape
• Double Crochet (Dc) — used to add height and texture to the ribbed pattern
• Slip Stitch (Sl st) — used to join rounds and connect panels together
• Front Post Double Crochet (Fpdc) — creates raised stitches on the front of the fabric, essential for the ribbed texture
• Back Post Double Crochet (Bpdc) — creates raised stitches on the back of the fabric, working in tandem with front post stitches to form the ribbed effect
• Front Post Half Double Crochet (Fphdc) — a variation that combines post stitches with half double crochet height
• Back Post Half Double Crochet (Bphdc) — the back variation of the front post half double crochet
• Back Loops Only (Blo) — a technique where the crocheter works into only the back loop of a stitch, creating a textured ridge on the fabric

The combination of front and back post stitches creates the distinctive ribbed appearance of this cardigan, giving it a structured, tailored look while maintaining the flexibility and comfort of crochet fabric.

Materials and Tools

The Simple Ribbed Crochet Kimono Cardigan requires 1225 to 2000 yards of yarn, which equates to approximately 8 to 9 balls of yarn. The pattern specifies Butterfly chunky yarn weight 4, a 100% acrylic fiber that is durable, easy to care for, and beginner-friendly. A size 6.0 mm crochet hook is used to work with this yarn weight. The gauge for this pattern is 11.5 stitches by 9 rows in a 4-inch square, which is important for achieving the correct finished measurements.

Additional tools required include a tapestry needle for weaving in ends and seaming panels together, a tape measure for checking measurements throughout the project, and scissors for cutting yarn. These basic supplies are standard for most crochet projects.

Difficulty Level and Suitability

This pattern is rated as beginner-level, making it an excellent choice for those new to crochet or looking for a straightforward garment project. While the pattern uses post stitches—which require slightly more technique than basic stitches—the overall construction is straightforward, and the seven-panel method breaks the project into manageable sections. The ability to modify fit by adjusting row counts adds to its accessibility, allowing crocheters to customize the cardigan without complex shaping calculations.