Shibui Knits Layton Jumper Knitting Pattern

Shibui Knits Layton Pullover

What is Being Made

The Layton is a pullover sweater designed by Shibui Knits, available in eight sizes ranging from 38¾ inches to 68¼ inches finished bust circumference. This garment features a sophisticated stitch pattern called Wild Oats, which creates subtle textural interest throughout the body and sleeves. The pullover includes optional cuffs and is photographed in the colorways Glacier and Black Plum.

Construction Method

The Layton pullover is constructed using a bottom-up, seamed approach, meaning the knitter begins at the lower edge and works upward, then assembles the finished pieces together. The body and sleeves are worked flat on circular needles to accommodate the large number of stitches required for this garment, while the collar is worked in the round using circular needles or double-pointed needles. This hybrid construction method combines the ease of flat knitting for the main body pieces with the seamless finish of circular knitting for the neckline.

Stitch Pattern: Wild Oats

The Wild Oats stitch is the signature pattern element of the Layton pullover. This stitch pattern is worked over a 13-stitch panel and repeats every 6 rows (or 6 rounds when worked circularly). The pattern incorporates slip stitches worked purlwise with the yarn held in back on right-side rows and in front on wrong-side rows, creating a subtle visual texture. The pattern also features cable crossings—specifically 1/2 left cable (LC) and 1/2 right cable (RC) stitches—which appear on Row 5 (or Round 5) of each repeat. These small cable crosses add dimension to the fabric without overwhelming the design.

Flat Version (for body and sleeves): The Wild Oats stitch when worked flat begins with slip stitches and knit stitches on the right side, followed by corresponding purl stitches on the wrong side, with cable crosses on Row 5 and a plain purl row on Row 6.

Circular Version (for collar): When worked in the round, the pattern is adapted so that Rounds 1 through 4 consist of slip stitches and knits, Round 5 features the cable crosses, and Round 6 is a plain knit round. This circular adaptation maintains the visual integrity of the stitch pattern while accommodating the continuous nature of in-the-round knitting.

Techniques Used

• Slip stitches worked purlwise to create clean, vertical stitch definition
• Cable crosses (1/2 LC and 1/2 RC) for textural interest
• Gauge-critical knitting with yarn held double throughout
• Seaming to join flat-worked pieces
• Circular needle techniques for managing large stitch counts
• Magic Loop Method as an optional alternative for working small circumferences

Yarn and Materials

The Layton is designed to be knitted with Shibui Pebble, a luxury yarn blend composed of 48% recycled silk, 36% fine merino wool, and 16% cashmere. This fiber combination creates a soft, lustrous fabric with excellent drape and breathability. Each skein contains 224 yards (205 meters) and weighs 25 grams.

Yarn requirements vary by size: the smallest size (38¾ inches) requires 15 skeins (3255 yards total), while the largest size (68¼ inches) requires 28 skeins (6080 yards total). The pattern notes specify that yarn amounts include sufficient yardage for the optional cuffs. The yarn is held double throughout the entire project, meaning two strands are worked together simultaneously, which creates a denser, warmer fabric and affects the overall gauge and appearance of the stitch patterns.

Needles and Gauge

The Layton requires US 5 (3.75 mm) needles or the size needed to achieve the specified gauge. The needle kit includes one 16-inch circular needle, one 24-inch circular needle, and one set of double-pointed needles (DPNs), with the option to substitute a 32-inch circular needle if using the Magic Loop Method for smaller circumferences.

The pattern specifies a gauge of 23 stitches and 36 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch with yarn held double, after blocking. The 13-stitch Wild