Komorebi Kimono Crochet: Brioche Leaf Texture, Yarn & Sizes

KOMOREBI

“When sunlight filters through the leaves of the trees, a visually stunning and deeply evocative play of light and shadow is created, capable of connecting people with nature…”

In Japan, that delicate, fleeting moment is called KOMOREBI.

And that effect has something deeply human: it reminds us that we are part of nature, that we need its rhythm, its stillness, its breath.

That word was the spark that gave life to this design: the Komorebi Kimono, a garment that tries to capture that feeling of calm and connection with nature, and transform it into yarn, texture and movement.

Every stitch is inspired by that play of light and shadow that reminds us that beauty isn’t always in the obvious, but in what is sensed, in what changes with the wind.

The Komorebi Kimono was born between my hooks while I was testing and making swatches with a new technique for me, one that many crocheters may not know: it’s a type of “brioche crochet” where interlocking leaves are formed, each made of 2 petals, drawn with stitches of different heights worked in the back loop with unexpected turns. As if crochet captured the very essence of a quiet forest.

It’s not a project to rush. It’s a piece to crochet slowly, enjoying the repetition of the stitches and how, little by little, the leaves appear under your hands, creating a pattern that seems to move with the light.

I learned this technique in a workshop taught by a designer I admire very much: Linda Skuja. She taught me, shared her knowledge with me, and I turned it over and over until I got my own version of the texture.

And there’s more: the word Komorebi wasn’t my idea; it was coined by one of my friends and testers, Sonia (@miganchillo). At first I only knew that I wanted to make a design with my interlocking leaves, but she went further and gave it feeling and emotion. Her idea captivated me instantly.

“SALVAJE”

Komorebi Kimono crochet kimono with brioche crochet leaves, photo 2

I was already immersed in my pattern, I already had my texture, I already knew it would be a loose, airy garment… It was underway.

Then one day the yarn brand Casasol asked me to take part as a designer in a publication with the publisher The Sewing Box. They told me about the idea of a compilation book of knitting and crochet patterns that would be called “Salvaje”: a collection of designs that pay tribute to nature, to the slow pace and to the art of mindful making.

Animals, plants, earth, sea, air… everything would revolve around mother nature. And my design was perfect for it. The book was officially presented on November 15 at the Barcelona Knits Festival and I was there to see each and every one of the wonderful creations that more than 50 designers contributed, projects that celebrate the wildness that lives in every stitch.

THE PATTERN

Crocheted entirely, this design is intended for an intermediate level of skill, and requires knowing the basic stitches: chain, slip stitch, single crochet, half double crochet, double crochet and treble crochet, as well as knowing how to crochet flat, from side to side.

The Komorebi Kimono is crocheted vertically and in one piece, with no seams in between, allowing the fabric to flow like a leaf slowly falling to the ground.

Komorebi Kimono crochet kimono with brioche crochet leaves, photo 3

Komorebi Kimono crochet kimono with brioche crochet leaves, photo 4

The pattern includes three sizes, designed with an ease of between 2 and 4 in (5 and 10 cm), to keep its fluid, comfortable drape:

Size	Equivalent
1	XS/S (31.5–35.5 in / 80–90 cm)
2	M/L (39.5–43.5 in / 100–110 cm)
3	XL/2XL (47–51 in / 120–130 cm)

The kimono I’m wearing is size 2 (M/L).

Komorebi Kimono crochet kimono with brioche crochet leaves, photo 5

MERINO WOOL

KnitPro Symfonie Yarns – Viva Collection

Komorebi Kimono crochet kimono with brioche crochet leaves, photo 6

When this fiber fell into my hands I knew it was destined to be crocheted into the Komorebi Kimono.

100% merino wool with a soft, fluffy feel and a natural sheen that highlights the leaf design and gives the fabric a fluid drape.

Hand-dyed, which gives it unique, unrepeatable shades, as if each skein held a small fragment of landscape.
The shades in the collection are inspired by the colors of nature: greens, browns, beiges, ochres and warm pinks that evoke vegetation, stone, clay, sunset.

I chose the shade Café Rose, which recalls sunlight as it passes through the treetops and falls on the tree trunks.

To crochet your Komorebi Kimono you’ll need:

4 (4, 5) skeins of KnitPro Symfonie Yarns – Viva Collection, a 100% merino wool DK weight yarn (100 g / 220 m; 3.5 oz / 241 yd).
Crochet hook size 4.5 mm (US 7) (or the size needed to match the gauge).
Stitch markers, tapestry needle, scissors and measuring tape.

You can also use other yarns with similar characteristics. For example, the Casasol Bamboo L is another very interesting option; its weight and drape make it ideal for crocheting this garment. It’s also perfect for warmer climates.

CROCHETING LIGHT

The Komorebi Kimono is not just a garment: it’s an experience.
Every row, every leaf, every finishing touch is designed to remind you of the power of the natural, of the handmade, of what is crocheted with intention.

When you finish it and see it hanging, the light will reflect off it like in a forest at sunset. And in that moment, you’ll understand why this kimono is called what it is.

Available in the book “Salvaje” (Spanish language)

Link here: https://transactions.sendowl.com/stores/17860/335413

This exclusive pattern is part of the book Salvaje, by The Sewing Box, in collaboration with Casasol Filicor. The official launch was on November 15, 2025 at the Barcelona Knits Festival.

KOMOREBI KIMONOS TO INSPIRE YOU

Here’s a treat for your eyes: the Komorebis that have already been crocheted by the team of testers and that amaze me every time I see them.

Endless thanks to all of them; without their dedication and effort none of this would have been possible.

Click on each name to go to their Instagram profiles and get to know them a little better.

Komorebi Kimono crochet kimono with brioche crochet leaves, photo 7

Komorebi Kimono crochet kimono with brioche crochet leaves, photo 8

Vir @lesacdewool. Size 1. Crocheted with Madrilana DK by Dlanayarns 100 g/235 m (3.5 oz/257 yd), color camel merzuoga

Komorebi Kimono crochet kimono with brioche crochet leaves, photo 9

Komorebi Kimono crochet kimono with brioche crochet leaves, photo 10

Sonia @miganchillo. Size 2. Crocheted holding two strands together: Casasol Lino Flamé 1 Cabo in ecru, 100 g/400 m (3.5 oz/437 yd), and Cristal by Rosas Crafts in bronze, 50 g/300 m (1.75 oz/328 yd)