Shibui Knits Eames Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Shibui Knits Eames Cardigan

What Is Being Made

The Eames Cardigan is a modern, tailored cardigan designed by Shellie Anderson for Shibui Knits. This versatile garment features two sleeve length options—short or long—making it adaptable for various seasons and occasions. The cardigan is designed to fit bust sizes from 32.5" to 48.5" (finished bust circumference 36.5" to 52.5"), with seven size options ranging from XS to XXL. The garment offers thoughtful shaping details that create a refined, contemporary silhouette suitable for any situation.

Knitting Techniques

The Eames Cardigan is constructed using several key knitting techniques that contribute to its polished finish:

• Bottom-Up Construction: The cardigan is worked flat from the bottom up, beginning with the back piece and progressing upward toward the shoulders. This method allows knitters to try on the garment as it develops and make adjustments to length before completing the shaping.
• Flat Knitting: All pieces—back, fronts, and sleeves—are worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, which is typical for seamed garment construction.
• Seamed Assembly: Sleeve pieces are worked flat and then set into the armholes before being seamed. The 3-Needle Bind-Off technique is used to create secure, professional seams.
• Shaping Details: The pattern includes deliberate shaping to create a tailored fit. Decreases are worked at strategic points to define the garment's silhouette, with front edge shaping beginning at 3.75" from the cast-on edge.

Stitches Used

The Eames Cardigan primarily features Stockinette Stitch (St st), which creates the smooth, classic fabric that defines this modern design. The pattern also incorporates Garter Stitch Ridges (GSR) as structural and decorative elements. Additional stitch techniques include slip stitches for edge definition, knit and purl combinations for textured edges, and decreases (such as slip, slip, knit—ssk) for shaping. The Double Long-Tail Cast-On method is specified for the initial stitches, ensuring a secure and elastic foundation edge.

Materials and Tools

The Eames Cardigan is designed to be worked with Shibui Knits Rain, a 100% cotton yarn that offers a lightweight, breathable fabric ideal for a modern cardigan. Yardage requirements vary by size and sleeve length: the short sleeve version requires 8 to 11 skeins (depending on size), while the long sleeve version requires 10 to 13 skeins. Each skein contains 135 yards and weighs 50 grams. The pattern shown is worked in the colorway Ash.

The recommended tools include Size 7 (4.5 mm) needles for the main fabric, with a spare size 7 needle reserved for the 3-Needle Bind-Off technique. Additional notions include stitch holders for managing stitches during construction and a tapestry needle for seaming and weaving in ends.

Gauge and Skill Level

The pattern specifies a gauge of 21 stitches and 30 rows over 4 inches in Stockinette Stitch after blocking, using one strand of Rain on size 7 needles. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the finished dimensions. The Eames Cardigan is rated for Experienced knitters, reflecting the techniques required for seaming, shaping, and managing multiple pieces. The pattern notes that customizations for lengthening or shortening must be completed before shaping begins, and pattern measurements should be adjusted accordingly.