Tatami Kimono

Tatami Kimono by Melissa Wehrle

What Is Being Made

The Tatami Kimono is an intermediate-level knitted cardigan designed by Melissa Wehrle. This garment features a kimono-inspired silhouette and is available in eight sizes ranging from 33 inches to 53 inches finished bust measurement. The cardigan is designed to be worn with zero ease for a close, tailored fit and offers finished lengths between 23 and 27 inches depending on size.

Techniques and Construction

This knitting project employs a distinctive drop stitch pattern as its primary design element, combined with traditional stockinette stitch sections. The drop stitch technique creates an openwork, lacy effect by intentionally dropping stitches to elongate them vertically, giving the cardigan a lightweight and elegant appearance. The pattern requires careful gauge checking both before and after dropping stitches, as the fabric transforms significantly during this process. A crochet hook is used during finishing to assist with the drop stitch technique, bridging knitting and crochet methods in a single project.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette Stitch: The foundational stitch used throughout the cardigan, creating smooth, flat fabric with a characteristic V-pattern texture on the right side
• Drop Stitch Pattern: A specialty stitch technique where selected stitches are deliberately dropped and elongated, creating an openwork effect that reduces fabric density and adds visual interest

Materials and Tools

The Tatami Kimono is worked in Louet Gems Sport, a 100% Merino Wool yarn available in Caribbean Blue. Yarn requirements range from 986 yards for the smallest size (33 inches) to 1,651 yards for the largest size (53 inches), with skeins provided in quantities of 5 to 8 depending on size selection. Each skein contains 225 yards and weighs 100 grams.

The project requires US size 5 (3.75mm) circular needles measuring at least 36 inches in length, which accommodate the cardigan's width and allow for seamless, in-the-round or flat construction. A US size D (3.25mm) crochet hook is included for finishing work related to the drop stitch sections. Additional notions include one stitch marker for tracking pattern repeats and a tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends.

Gauge Information

Achieving proper gauge is critical for this pattern due to the dramatic difference between pre- and post-drop stitch measurements. In stockinette stitch with US size 5 needles, the gauge is 24 stitches and 31 rows per 4 inches. When working the drop stitch pattern before dropping stitches, the same gauge of 24 stitches and 31 rows per 4 inches applies. However, after dropping stitches as directed, the gauge shifts to 18 stitches and 31 rows per 4 inches, reflecting the vertical elongation created by the dropped stitches. Knitters are advised to swatch and measure gauge carefully in both states to ensure the finished cardigan achieves the intended dimensions and drape.