Shibui Knits Equinox Jumper Knitting Pattern

Shibui Knits Equinox Two Tone V-Neck Sweater

What is Being Made

The Equinox is a light and airy women's pullover sweater featuring a relaxed, swingy silhouette. Designed by Shellie Anderson, this garment showcases a distinctive two-tone color blocking created by combining four separate fabric panels. The sweater includes a V-neckline and side vents that enhance its relaxed aesthetic. The finished bust circumference ranges from 36 to 52 inches, accommodating sizes XS through XXL, with back length from shoulder measuring approximately 25.5 to 27.5 inches depending on size.

Techniques Used

This sweater is constructed using a bottom-up, seamed approach worked flat on straight needles. The garment is built from four distinct panels that are individually knitted and then seamed together. A notable design feature is the use of exposed seams at the center front and back, which become a visual element of the finished piece rather than being hidden. The shoulders are joined using the 3-Needle Bind-Off technique, a method that creates a strong, seamless connection between two sets of live stitches. This construction method allows for precise shaping and fit while creating intentional design details through visible seaming.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch used throughout the Equinox is Stockinette Stitch (St st), which creates a smooth, classic knit fabric with a refined appearance. The pattern includes slipped stitches at the beginning of rows, a technique that creates neater, more finished edges on seamed pieces. The gauge is 22 stitches and 34 rows over 4 inches in Stockinette Stitch after blocking, worked on size 6 needles.

Materials and Fiber Content

The Equinox offers flexibility in fiber choice through multiple options, allowing knitters to select based on preference and availability:

• Option A: Combines Shibui Knits Rain (100% Cotton, 135 yards per 50g skein) with Shibui Knits Linen (100% Linen, 246 yards per 50g skein). This option requires 4, 4, 4, 4, 4, 5, or 5 skeins of Rain and 2, 2, 3, 3, 3, 3, or 3 skeins of Linen depending on size.
• Option B: Combines Shibui Knits Twig (46% Linen, 42% Recycled Silk, 12% Wool, 190 yards per 50g skein) with Shibui Knits Linen (100% Linen, 246 yards per 50g skein). This option requires 3, 3, 3, 3, 3, 4, or 4 skeins of Twig and 2, 2, 3, 3, 3, 3, or 3 skeins of Linen depending on size.

The two-tone effect is achieved by working two panels with one yarn type and two panels with a contrasting yarn type. Knitters are instructed to make one gauge swatch for each yarn used to ensure proper tension and fabric characteristics.

Tools Required

The pattern calls for size 6 (4 mm) needles as the primary tool, with a spare size 6 needle needed for executing the 3-Needle Bind-Off at the shoulders. Additional notions include stitch holders for securing live stitches and a tapestry needle for seaming the panels together and weaving in yarn ends.

Skill Level and Design Notes

The Equinox is rated as an Intermediate level pattern, suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle multi-panel construction and seaming techniques. The pattern emphasizes that the piece is worked in four separate panels from the bottom up, with the distinctive exposed seams at the center front and back serving as intentional design features. The model pictured is 5 feet 7 inches tall wearing size Small with 3.5 inches of positive ease, providing a reference for how the finished garment drapes and fits.