Shibui Knits Akeley Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Shibui Knits Akeley Cardigan Pattern Summary

What Is Being Made

The Akeley Cardigan is an essential summer cardigan designed by Tuulia Salmela. This garment features a generously shaped, boxy silhouette that is easy to knit, wear, and love. The cardigan is available in seven sizes ranging from XS to XXL, with finished bust circumferences from 49 inches to 65 inches. The design offers a relaxed fit with approximately 16 to 17 inches of positive ease, making it a versatile layering piece suitable for warm-weather wear.

Construction Technique

The Akeley Cardigan is worked flat from the bottom up in three separate pieces that are later seamed together. The back and front pieces are knitted even to the underarm, where increases are worked to form the curve of the underarm shaping. Sleeves are cast on separately and shaped using short rows, then worked simultaneously with the back and fronts. This construction method allows for precise shaping and control over the garment's fit.

The three pieces are joined using professional finishing techniques: the shoulder seams are closed with a 3-Needle Bind-Off, which creates a strong, invisible seam. Side seams are sewn together using mattress stitch, a method that produces a neat, nearly invisible vertical seam. The back neck is finished with a narrow trim for a polished edge.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Akeley Cardigan is primarily worked in stockinette stitch (St st), which creates a smooth, classic fabric with a V-shaped knit texture on the right side and horizontal bumps on the wrong side. Stockinette stitch is fundamental to knitting and provides an excellent canvas for showcasing the subtle color variations and texture of the yarn combination used in this design.

The pattern includes slip stitch edge stitches worked at the beginning of rows, which create a neat, finished edge. Short-row shaping is employed for sleeve cap construction, a technique that involves turning the work before completing a row to create gradual shaping without visible gaps or holes.

Materials and Yarn

The Akeley Cardigan is designed to be knitted with one strand of Shibui Knits Reed held together with one strand of Shibui Knits Twig throughout the entire project. This two-yarn combination creates the signature look and drape of the finished garment.

Shibui Knits Reed is a 100% linen yarn with 246 yards per 50-gram skein. Linen provides excellent breathability and a natural drape, making it ideal for summer garments. The yardage requirements for Reed are 5 to 8 skeins depending on size.

Shibui Knits Twig is a blend of 46% linen, 42% recycled silk, and 12% wool, with 190 yards per 50-gram skein. The combination of linen and silk creates a soft, lustrous hand, while the wool content adds elasticity and warmth. The yardage requirements for Twig are 6 to 10 skeins depending on size.

Together, these two yarns create a fabric with excellent drape, breathability, and a subtle sheen that is perfect for a summer cardigan. The pattern was shown in the colorway Twilight.

Needles and Tools

The Akeley Cardigan is knitted on size 6 (4 mm) needles. A 32-inch circular needle is used for working the pieces flat, and a spare size 6 needle is required for the 3-Needle Bind-Off technique used to join the shoulders. Additional tools include stitch holders for holding stitches between sections, stitch markers to track pattern repeats and shaping points, an optional locking stitch marker, and a tapestry needle for seaming the pieces together with mattress stitch.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern is worked at a gauge of 18 stitches and 27 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch after blocking, using one strand of Reed and one strand of Twig held together on size 6 needles. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for obtaining the finished dimensions specified in the pattern. The cardigan is available in seven sizes to fit bust measurements from 32.5 inches (XS) to 48.5 inches (XXL), with finished bust circumferences ranging from 49 inches to 65 inches.

Skill Level