Shibui Knits Barton Jumper Knitting Pattern

Shibui Knits Barton Cowl Neck Pullover

What Is Being Made

The Barton is a dramatic, standout sweater designed for fall and cooler seasons. This cowl neck pullover features distinctive proportions and is worked in an allover 1 x 1 rib pattern that creates texture and visual interest. The design is sized to fit bust circumferences from 44 to 60 inches, with finished dimensions ranging from 24 to 27.75 inches in back length from shoulder, offering generous ease for comfortable wear.

Construction Techniques

Barton is constructed using seamless, top-down construction, which allows for easy fitting adjustments during the knitting process. The sweater begins with the collar, which is worked first and then divides into two saddle shoulders. This saddle shoulder construction is a sophisticated shaping technique that creates smooth, professional-looking armholes.

The front and back stitches are picked up along the saddles and worked separately before being joined by casting on stitches at the underarms. The body is then worked in the round to the hem, creating a seamless tube. Stitches are picked up around the sleeve openings, and the sleeves are worked in the round to the cuffs, eliminating the need for seaming and ensuring a polished finished garment.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch pattern throughout Barton is a 1 x 1 rib pattern, worked consistently in an allover design. This rib stitch creates vertical lines of texture and provides natural elasticity to the fabric, making it ideal for a fitted garment. The rib pattern is maintained across the collar, body, and sleeves for visual cohesion.

The pattern also incorporates saddle shoulder shaping, a technique that involves strategic decreasing to create the distinctive shoulder line. Additional stitch techniques include picking up stitches along edges and casting on stitches at specific points to join sections seamlessly.

Yarn and Materials

Barton is designed to be worked with two strands of yarn held together: one strand of Shibui Knits Echo and one strand of Shibui Knits Nest.

Shibui Knits Echo is composed of 52% silk noil and 48% fine merino, providing a luxurious blend with excellent drape and sheen. Each skein contains 160 yards and weighs 40 grams. The project requires 7 to 10 skeins depending on size.

Shibui Knits Nest is made from 75% fine highland wool and 25% alpaca, offering warmth and softness. Each skein contains 175 yards and weighs 50 grams. Like Echo, the project requires 7 to 10 skeins depending on size. The combination of these two yarns creates a sophisticated fabric with the luxury of silk and merino paired with the warmth of highland wool and alpaca.

Tools and Needles

Barton is worked on size 6 (4 mm) needles in multiple configurations to accommodate different sections of the sweater. The project requires a 16-inch circular needle for the collar and sleeves, a 24-inch circular needle for the collar, a 32-inch circular needle for the body, and size 6 double-pointed needles for sleeve shaping. Additional tools include stitch markers, locking stitch markers, stitch holders, and a tapestry needle for finishing.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern is worked at a gauge of 16 stitches and 24 rows/rounds over 4 inches in the rib pattern, achieved with one strand of Echo and one strand of Nest held together on size 6 needles or the size needed to obtain gauge. The pattern includes seven sizes ranging from extra small to extra extra large, with finished bust circumferences from 44 to 60 inches.

An important note: the unblocked fabric will be significantly narrower than the blocked fabric, so blocking is essential to achieve the intended finished dimensions. The model shown is 5 feet 9 inches tall wearing size small with 12 inches of ease in the bust and 11 inches of ease in the hip.

Skill Level

Barton is rated for experienced knitters. The combination of seamless top-down construction, saddle shoulder shaping, working in the round, and managing two strands of yarn held together requires solid foundational knitting skills and comfort with intermediate techniques.