Today we are sharing a free pattern for an accessory with a very long history: it originated in Japan in the early eleventh century and has aged wonderfully, remaining as chic and modern as ever. We are talking about the obi, the iconic belt used to fasten sumptuous kimonos.

We have created our own version using a fancy yarn with a base of recycled cotton adorned with a fine bouclé thread, Pop, here in the Mediterraneo colourway. On our online shop you can find the full Pop collection, with many shades, each one more beautiful than the last. Before you start, remember: the success of this project depends largely on using Pop yarn.

Tutorial: how to crochet an obi belt

MATERIALS
Pop yarn col. Mediterranean 400 g / 14.1 oz (for size M)
Crochet hook n° 5.5 EU / I-9 US
4 white mother-of-pearl buttons
Tapestry needle

GAUGE – OPENWORK TRIANGLES STITCH
10 cm x 10 cm / 4″ x 4″
7.5 pattern repeats and 6.5 rows

CROCHET STITCHES USED
Chain
Slip stitch
Single crochet
Double crochet
Openwork triangles stitch:
(worked over an odd number of stitches)
row 1 (foundation row): chain 3 (counts as 1 double crochet), repeat [skip 1 stitch and in the next stitch work (1 double crochet, 2 chains and 1 double crochet)] to the last 2 stitches, skip the next stitch, 1 double crochet in the turning chain of the previous row, turn
row 2: chain 3 (counts as 1 double crochet), work (1 double crochet, 2 chains and 1 double crochet) into each 2-chain space across, 1 double crochet in the turning chain of the previous row, turn.
Repeat row 2.​​
Mesh stitch:
(worked over an odd number of stitches)
chain 4 (counts as 1 double crochet and 1 chain), skip 1 stitch and work 1 double crochet in the next stitch, repeat [1 chain, skip 1 stitch, 1 double crochet in the next stitch] to the last 2 stitches, 1 chain, skip the next stitch, 1 double crochet in the turning chain of the previous row, turn.

SIZES
Instructions are given for size S (M, L)

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS SIZE S (M, L)
Bust circumference 78 (88, 94) cm / 30.7″ (34.6″, 37″)
Total height 21 (23, 26) cm / 8.3″ (9″, 10.2″)

DIFFICULTY
Easy

INSTRUCTIONS

The obi is worked flat as a single rectangular panel, which is then closed at the centre with buttons to form back and front.

With crochet hook size 5.5 EU / I-9 US chain 117 (133, 141).

Row 1: chain 1 (counts as 1 single crochet), work 1 single crochet in each foundation chain, turn
row 2: chain 1 (counts as 1 single crochet), work 1 single crochet in each single crochet, turn
row 3: (mesh stitch row) chain 4 (counts as 1 double crochet and 1 chain), skip 1 stitch and work 1 double crochet in the next stitch, repeat [chain 1, skip 1 stitch, 1 double crochet in the next stitch] to the last 2 stitches, chain 1, skip the next stitch, 1 double crochet in the turning chain of the previous row, turn
row 4: chain 1 (counts as 1 single crochet), work 1 single crochet in each chain and each single crochet across, turn
row 5: chain 1 (counts as 1 single crochet), work 1 single crochet in each single crochet, turn
row 6: (foundation row of openwork triangles stitch) chain 3 (counts as 1 double crochet), repeat [skip 1 stitch and in the next stitch work (1 double crochet, 2 chains and 1 double crochet)] to the last 2 stitches, skip the next stitch, 1 double crochet in the turning chain of the previous row, turn
rows 7 to 15 (16, 18): (openwork triangles rows) chain 3 (counts as 1 double crochet), work (1 double crochet, 2 chains and 1 double crochet) in each 2-chain space across, 1 double crochet in the turning chain of the previous row, turn
row 16 (17, 19): chain 1 (counts as 1 single crochet), 1 single crochet in the next double crochet, repeat (1 single crochet in the next 2-chain space, 1 single crochet between the next 2 double crochets) to the last 2-chain space, 1 single crochet in the last 2-chain space, 1 single crochet in the next double crochet, 1 single crochet in the turning chain of the previous row, turn
row 17 (18, 20): chain 1 (counts as 1 single crochet), work 1 single crochet in each single crochet, turn
row 18 (19, 21): (mesh stitch row) chain 4 (counts as 1 double crochet and 1 chain), skip 1 stitch and work 1 double crochet in the next stitch, repeat [chain 1, skip 1 stitch, 1 double crochet in the next stitch] to the last 2 stitches, chain 1, skip the next stitch, 1 double crochet in the turning chain of the previous row, turn
row 19 (20, 22): chain 1 (counts as 1 single crochet), work 1 single crochet in each single crochet and chain across, turn
row 20 (21, 23): chain 1 (counts as 1 single crochet), work 1 single crochet in each single crochet.

The main piece is complete. Do not cut the yarn and work 1 round of single crochet all around the edge of the panel; at the corners, to round them off, work 2 or 3 single crochets in the same stitch as needed. Close with a slip stitch, then cut and fasten off.

Finishing

The obi closes at the back. Sew 4 buttons along the left back edge, placing the first and last in line with the mesh stitch rows (worked at the beginning and end of the piece) and the other 2 evenly spaced between them; adjust the distance of the buttons from the side edge according to your measurements. Use the spaces between the stitches on the opposite side as buttonholes.