Azure Dune Kimono Cardigan Free Pattern – Breezy Knit with Shell Lace

Wrap yourself in the effortless elegance of the Azure Dune Kimono, a lightweight knit cardigan with a delicate shell lace border that evokes sun-soaked coastal escapes. This free pattern guides you through creating a flowing, open-front layer perfect for warm evenings and beachside strolls. Whether you're a seasoned knitter looking for a relaxing project or a confident beginner ready to tackle your first garment, this kimono offers a rewarding experience with stunning results. The combination of smooth stockinette stitch and an airy lace edge creates a beautiful contrast that drapes elegantly over any outfit.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following materials to ensure a smooth knitting experience. The quality of your materials will directly impact the final look and feel of your cardigan, so choose a soft, breathable yarn that you love.

• Yarn: Worsted weight cotton or cotton-blend yarn (approx. 900-1100 yards for sizes S/M). For the M/L size, you will need closer to 1100-1300 yards. A cotton blend with a slight sheen will beautifully mimic the coastal aesthetic.
• Needles: US 7 (4.5 mm) circular knitting needles, 32-inch or longer. The long circular needle is essential for holding the large number of stitches for the body panels.
• Notions: Stitch markers, tapestry needle for weaving in ends, scissors, and a measuring tape.
• Gauge: 18 stitches and 24 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch. Always knit a gauge swatch first to ensure your finished cardigan matches the intended measurements.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This pattern is worked flat in pieces and then seamed together. Follow each step carefully, and you'll have a beautiful, breezy kimono cardigan in no time. The instructions are detailed to guide you through every stage of the process.

Sizes and Abbreviations

Sizes: S/M (M/L) – Finished chest: 40 (46) inches, Length: 28 (30) inches. The instructions are written for the S/M size, with the M/L size in parentheses.

Abbreviations:

• CO: cast on
• BO: bind off
• k: knit
• p: purl
• yo: yarn over
• k2tog: knit two together (right-leaning decrease)
• ssk: slip, slip, knit (left-leaning decrease)
• pm: place marker
• sm: slip marker

Pattern Notes

• The cardigan is worked flat in one piece from the top down for each panel, then seamed at the sides.
• The shell lace pattern is used for the bottom border and sleeve cuffs, adding a delicate, airy finish.
• Always end with a WS (wrong side) row before beginning shaping, unless otherwise instructed.

Back Panel

CO 90 (104) sts.

Work in stockinette stitch (k on RS, p on WS) until piece measures 20 (22) inches from cast-on edge, ending with a WS row. This forms the main body of the back.

Shape armholes: BO 4 (5) sts at beginning of next 2 rows. This creates the armhole curves. Continue in stockinette until piece measures 28 (30) inches from cast-on. BO all sts.

Left Front Panel

CO 45 (52) sts.

Work in stockinette stitch for 20 (22) inches, ending with a WS row.

Shape armhole: BO 4 (5) sts at beginning of next RS row. Continue in stockinette until piece measures 24 (26) inches from cast-on, ending with a WS row. This positions you for the neck shaping.

Shape neck: BO 10 (12) sts at beginning of next RS row, then decrease 1 st at neck edge every RS row 5 times. To decrease at the neck edge, work to the last 3 stitches, k2tog, k1. Work even until piece measures 28 (30) inches from cast-on. BO remaining 26 (30) sts.

Right Front Panel

Work as for left front, reversing all shaping. This means the armhole BO will be on a WS row, and the neck shaping will be on WS rows. To decrease at the neck edge on a WS row, work to the last 3 stitches, p2tog, p1. Work even until piece measures 28 (30) inches from cast-on. BO remaining 26 (30) sts.

Sleeves (make 2)

CO 50 (58) sts.

Work in stockinette stitch, increasing 1 st each side every 6 rows until you have 70 (80) sts. To increase, k1, M1L (make one left), knit to last stitch, M1R (make one right), k1. Continue even until sleeve measures 18 (20) inches from cast-on. BO all sts.

Shell Lace Border

This beautiful lace edging is worked along the bottom edge of the body and the sleeve cuffs. With RS facing, pick up and knit 1 st for each bound-off st along the bottom edge of the back and front panels (or sleeve cuff). The number of stitches you pick up should match the number of bound-off stitches.

Row 1 (WS): p all.

Row 2 (RS): *k1, yo, k2tog, yo, k3, ssk, yo, k1; repeat from * to end.

Row 3: p all.

Row 4: *k2, yo, k2tog, yo, k1, ssk, yo, k2; repeat from * to end.

Row 5: p all.

Row 6: *k3, yo, k2tog, yo, ssk, yo, k3; repeat from * to end.

BO loosely on WS. This loose bind-off is crucial to maintain the stretch and drape of the lace pattern.

Finishing

Sew shoulder seams using a mattress stitch for an invisible join. Set in sleeves, matching armhole edges. Sew side and sleeve seams. Weave in all ends with a tapestry needle. Block to measurements, opening up the lace pattern. Wet blocking is recommended for cotton yarn to relax the fibers and enhance the lace definition.

Your Azure Dune Kimono is now complete! This breezy, elegant cardigan is perfect for layering over a simple tank or dress. The flowing silhouette and delicate lace details make it a versatile piece that transitions beautifully from a beach cover-up to a chic evening layer. Enjoy wearing your handmade creation, and don't forget to share your finished project with the knitting community!