Shibui Knits Cirrus Jumper Knitting Pattern

Shibui Knits Cirrus Sweater

What is Being Made

The Shibui Knits Cirrus is a soft, draped pullover sweater designed with a distinctive silhouette featuring wide sleeves, a curved hem, and a luxurious cowl neck. This garment combines delicate and substantial yarns to create a piece with both visual interest and elegant movement. The sweater is available in two sizes: S/M and M/L, with finished dimensions of 52 (60)″ from cuff to cuff and 18 (20)″ in length from shoulder to hem.

Techniques Used

The Cirrus is constructed using seamed, worked-flat knitting techniques. The body is worked from one cuff across the sleeve and shoulder in a single piece, with strategic splitting of the work to create the neck opening. Once the main body sections are completed, they are rejoined to finish the work to the final cuff. The cowl collar is picked up and knit around the neck opening after the body is complete, adding a refined finishing detail to the neckline.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

This pattern employs fundamental knitting stitches appropriate for its Easy skill level. The primary stitch used throughout the body is stockinette stitch (St st), which creates a smooth, classic fabric. The cuffs and cowl collar are worked in 1×1 ribbing (k1 × p1), providing elasticity and a refined edge finish.

Shaping is achieved through strategic increases and decreases:

• Increase Pattern: On right-side rows, knit 3 stitches, make 1 right-leaning increase (M1R), knit across to the last 3 stitches, make 1 left-leaning increase (M1L), then knit 3. Wrong-side rows are purled.
• Decrease Pattern: On right-side rows, knit 3 stitches, slip-slip-knit (ssk), knit to the last 5 stitches, knit 2 together (k2tog), then knit 3. Wrong-side rows are purled.

Materials and Gauge

The Cirrus showcases Shibui Knits yarns in a two-yarn combination held together throughout construction. Shibui Silk Cloud, composed of 60% kid mohair and 40% silk at 330 yards per 25-gram skein, provides a soft, ethereal quality. Shibui Pebble, made from 48% recycled silk, 36% fine merino, and 16% cashmere at 224 yards per 25-gram skein, contributes substantial drape and structure.

The pattern requires 4 (5) skeins of Silk Cloud and 5 (6) skeins of Pebble. Gauge is critical for proper fit: 20 stitches and 22 rows equal 4 inches in stockinette stitch after blocking when using one strand of Silk Cloud and one strand of Pebble held together on a size 8 (5 mm) needle. For the ribbed sections, 40 stitches and 30 rows equal 4 inches in 1×1 ribbing after blocking with the same yarn combination on a size 8 needle.

Needles required include a size 4 (3.5 mm) needle, size 7 (4.5 mm) circular needle at least 24 inches long, and a size 8 (5 mm) circular needle also 24 inches or longer. Additional tools include a stitch holder and tapestry needle for finishing.

Design Features

The curved hem and wide sleeves create a modern, flowing silhouette, while the cowl neck adds both comfort and visual interest. The combination of Silk Cloud and Pebble yarns produces a garment with a soft glow and elegant drape, making it suitable for a range of occasions. The pattern was designed by Nancy O′Connell and published by Shibui Knits in 2015.