Shibui Knits Joplin Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Shibui Knits Joplin Cascading Cardigan and Vest

What is Being Made

The Joplin is a generously shaped waterfall cardigan or vest designed as an essential layering piece suitable for versatile occasions, from professional settings to evening wear. The design features a cascading silhouette with a wide ribbing at the hem and a subtly undulating reversible texture at the side edges and collar. The pattern includes optional full-length sleeves that can be worked and set in, or the design can be created as a sleeveless vest version.

Knitting Techniques

Joplin is worked using a bottom-up construction method, meaning knitting begins at the lower edge and progresses upward. The garment is worked flat on circular needles rather than in the round, allowing for traditional seaming. The piece is knit as one continuous piece from the bottom up, then strategically split at the armholes to allow separate shaping of the back and front sections. The wide collar is worked over the joined fronts and back pieces. For the cardigan version, optional sleeves are worked flat from the cuff upward and then set in and seamed to the body. The pattern notes that fabric may bias while knitting but will block square to the intended measurements.

Stitches and Stitch Details

The primary stitch used throughout Joplin is stockinette stitch (St st), which creates a smooth, classic fabric. The garment features a wide ribbing at the hem for structure and definition. The design incorporates a subtly undulating reversible texture at side edges and collar, adding visual interest and dimension to the finished piece while maintaining the reversible quality of the design.

Materials and Tools

Joplin is designed to be knit in Shibui Knits Twig, a premium yarn blend composed of 46% linen, 42% recycled silk, and 12% wool. This fiber composition creates a sophisticated, breathable fabric ideal for layering. The yarn is worked at a gauge of 20 stitches and 32 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch after blocking using size 6 (4 mm) needles for the main fabric and size 7 (4.5 mm) needles as needed.

Yardage requirements vary by finished garment type and size:

• Cardigan: 7 (7, 8, 8, 9, 9, 10) skeins of Twig, with each skein containing 190 yards per 50 grams
• Vest: 5 (6, 6, 6, 7, 7, 8) skeins of Twig

Essential tools include a size 6 (4 mm) circular needle measuring 24 inches or longer for accommodating the cast-on edge and working the body, size 7 (4.5 mm) needles for ribbing or other sections as specified, stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping points, stitch holders for temporarily securing stitches during construction, and a tapestry needle for seaming and weaving in ends.

Sizing and Finished Dimensions

Joplin is available in seven sizes ranging from extra-small to double extra-large: XS (S, M, M/L, L, XL, XXL). The pattern is designed to fit bust sizes from 32.5 inches (XS) to 48.5 inches (XXL), with finished circumferences ranging from 50.25 inches to 64.5 inches, providing approximately 4 inches of positive ease for comfortable wear. Back length from shoulder ranges from 23 inches to 27.75 inches depending on size.

Skill Level and Pattern Notes

Joplin is rated as an intermediate skill level project, suitable for knitters with foundational experience in flat knitting, shaping, and seaming techniques. The pattern emphasizes that fabric may bias during the knitting process but will block square to the intended measurements, making proper blocking essential for achieving the designed finished dimensions.