Shibui Knits Eclipse Jumper Knitting Pattern

Shibui Knits Eclipse Colorblock Tee

What is Being Made

The Eclipse Colorblock Tee is a reversible knit sweater designed by Shellie Anderson. This intermediate-level garment features a sophisticated colorblock design that allows for completely reversible wear, meaning either color can be worn as the primary front panel. The tee includes a distinctive funnel neck and contrasting color short sleeves, making it a versatile layering piece suitable for various seasons and styling preferences.

Techniques Used

This garment is constructed using several key knitting techniques that create its refined structure and reversible design:

• Bottom-Up Construction: The Eclipse is worked from the bottom up, allowing knitters to try on the garment as it progresses and adjust length as needed before completing the neckline.
• Worked Flat: All pieces are knitted flat on straight needles rather than in the round, which is then seamed together for a polished finish.
• Seamed Assembly: Individual pieces are carefully seamed together, with special attention paid to creating clean, minimal bulk seams through selective yarn choices.
• 3-Needle Bind-Off: Shoulder stitches are joined using the 3-needle bind-off technique, which creates a strong, neat shoulder seam without requiring grafting.
• Funnel Neck Construction: After shoulder seams are complete, live stitches are placed on holders and rejoined to knit the funnel neck in one continuous piece.
• Set-In Sleeves: Short sleeves are set into armholes with contrasting color, adding visual interest to the design.

Stitches Used

The Eclipse pattern relies primarily on fundamental stockinette stitch (St st) as the main fabric structure. Selvedge stitches are worked exclusively in Staccato yarn only to reduce bulk at seams, creating a more refined and less chunky seam line. This selective yarn pairing demonstrates advanced seaming technique awareness. The pattern also incorporates purl stitches for shaping and stitch manipulation, including double stitches worked together for decreases during the construction process.

Materials and Yarn

The Eclipse features a sophisticated two-yarn blend that creates its signature soft and tactile fabric. The pattern calls for Shibui Knits Staccato (70% Superwash Merino, 30% Silk, 191 yards per 50 gram skein) and Shibui Knits Linen (100% Linen, 246 yards per 50 gram skein). One strand of each yarn is held together throughout the garment, except at selvedge edges where only Staccato is used. This blending technique combines the elasticity and warmth of merino silk with the breathability and structure of pure linen, resulting in a garment that is both crisp and soft.

Yarn quantities vary by size, ranging from 2 to 4 skeins of each yarn in each colorway. The pattern is shown in Ash (Color A) and Velvet (Color B), demonstrating how the colorblock design creates striking visual contrast.

Needles and Tools

The Eclipse requires Size 6 (4 mm) needles for ribbing or edging and Size 8 (5 mm) needles for the main fabric. A spare size 8 needle is needed for the 3-needle bind-off technique used at the shoulders. Additional tools include stitch holders for managing live stitches during construction and a tapestry needle for seaming pieces together and weaving in ends.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern is worked to a gauge of 18 stitches and 26 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch after blocking, using one strand each of Staccato and Linen held together on size 8 needles. The Eclipse is available in seven sizes ranging from XS to XXL, with finished bust circumferences from 36.5 inches to 52.5 inches. Sizing accommodates a range of body types with approximately 3.5 inches of positive ease built into the design, making it a comfortable, relaxed-fit garment suitable for layering.