Midnight Grid Kimono Kaftan: Free Crochet Pattern

Introduction

The Midnight Grid Kimono Kaftan is a wide, boxy, open-front layer that looks far more complicated than it is. It is made from one flat rectangle of double crochet, folded in half and seamed at the sides, so there is no shaping, no separate sleeves, and no collar to fuss over. The deep navy body is broken up by thin white and grey block stripes that run across the full width, giving it a calm Scandinavian feel and a dense, grid-like texture. It is perfect for anyone ready to move past scarves and blankets who wants a wearable, drapey kaftan they can throw over a swimsuit, a tank, or a dress.

Materials Needed

• Yarn: DK weight (3), cotton or cotton blend. Color A (navy): 800 yards. Color B (white): 100 yards. Color C (grey): 100 yards.
• Hook: 4.5 mm (US 7), or the size needed to match gauge.
• Notions: Tapestry needle for seaming and weaving in ends, stitch markers (optional, for marking armhole depth), scissors, tape measure.
• Finished size: One size fits XL. Width 50 inches (127 cm), length 30 inches (76 cm).

Abbreviations

• ch — chain: make a loop of yarn and pull it through the loop on your hook.
• dc — double crochet: yarn over, insert hook in stitch, pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through two loops, yarn over and pull through the last two loops.
• sc — single crochet: insert hook in stitch, pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through both loops.
• st(s) — stitch(es).
• R — row.

Gauge

6 dc x 3 rows = 1.5 inches (4 cm). Work a small swatch in double crochet and measure the middle of the fabric; if you have more stitches than this in 1.5 inches, go up a hook size, and if you have fewer, go down.

Tips Before You Start

• Count your chains carefully at the start. The foundation chain of 201 gives you 198 dc, and every row must stay at 198 sts for the rectangle to fold squarely.
• Change colors on the last yarn-over of the final stitch of a row so the new color begins cleanly at the start of the next row.
• Keep your turning chain consistent: ch 3 at the start of every row counts as the first dc, so your first real dc goes into the next stitch.
• Lay the rectangle flat and measure it before seaming. It should be about 50 inches wide and 30 inches long; adjust rows if your gauge runs slightly off.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Rectangle (worked in one piece, 60 rows total)

Setup: With A, ch 201.

R1: Dc in 4th ch from hook and in each ch across (198 dc).

R2–3: Ch 3, turn, dc in each st across (198 sts). Change to B.

R4–5: Ch 3, turn, dc in each st across (198 sts). Change to A.

R6–8: Ch 3, turn, dc in each st across (198 sts). Change to C.

R9–10: Ch 3, turn, dc in each st across (198 sts). Change to A.

R11–13: Ch 3, turn, dc in each st across (198 sts). Change to B.

R14–15: Ch 3, turn, dc in each st across (198 sts). Change to A.

R16–18: Ch 3, turn, dc in each st across (198 sts). Change to C.

R19–20: Ch 3, turn, dc in each st across (198 sts). Change to A.

R21–23: Ch 3, turn, dc in each st across (198 sts). Change to B.

R24–25: Ch 3, turn, dc in each st across (198 sts). Change to A.

R26–28: Ch 3, turn, dc in each st across (198 sts). Change to C.

R29–30: Ch 3, turn, dc in each st across (198 sts). Change to A.

R31–33: Ch 3, turn, dc in each st across (198 sts). Change to B.

R34–35: Ch 3, turn, dc in each st across (198 sts). Change to A.

R36–38: Ch 3, turn, dc in each st across (198 sts). Change to C.

R39–40: Ch 3, turn, dc in each st across (198 sts). Change to A.

R41–43: Ch 3, turn, dc in each st across (198 sts). Change to B.

R44–45: Ch 3, turn, dc in each st across (198 sts). Change to A.

R46–48: Ch 3, turn, dc in each st across (198 sts). Change to C.

R49–50: Ch 3, turn, dc in each st across (198 sts). Change to A.

R51–53: Ch 3, turn, dc in each st across (198 sts). Change to B.

R54–55: Ch 3, turn, dc in each st across (198 sts). Change to A.

R56–58: Ch 3, turn, dc in each st across (198 sts). Change to C.

R59–60: Ch 3, turn, dc in each st across (198 sts). Fasten off.

Side Seams (armholes)

Fold the rectangle in half widthwise with right sides together. The fold becomes the shoulder line. On each side edge, seam from the bottom edge upward 10 inches (25.5 cm) for the armhole, leaving the top 20 inches (51 cm) of each side open as the sleeve opening. Repeat on the other side.

Edging

With right side facing, join A at the bottom front corner. Sc evenly along the front opening and around the neckline, working one sc into each row end and spacing stitches evenly around the fold. Fasten off.

Assembly and Finishing

Seam both side edges with a simple whipstitch or mattress stitch using A and a tapestry needle, working from the bottom edge up 10 inches (25.5 cm) on each side. Try the kaftan on before fastening off the second seam to check the armhole depth. Weave in all ends on the wrong side, working them through several stitches in the same color. Block lightly by misting with water and laying flat to dry, shaping the rectangle and the front opening so the edging lies flat.

Pro Tips and Variations

• For a lighter summer version, work the body in a cotton-linen blend and skip the side seams entirely for a poncho-style drape.
• Swap the grey stripe for a soft sage or dusty rose to change the mood while keeping the same 3-2-3-2 rhythm.
• Add a second sc round along the front opening and neckline for a slightly firmer, more defined edge that holds its shape.