Shibui Knits Le Guin Jumper Knitting Pattern

Shibui Knits Le Guin Garter Panel Pullover

What Is Being Made

The Le Guin is a sophisticated pullover sweater designed by Shellie Anderson. This garment features a striking garter stitch panel at the center front that serves as the focal point, complemented by a dramatic rise in the hem created through short row shaping. The pullover is available in seven sizes ranging from XS to XXL, with finished bust circumferences from 38 inches to 54 inches, making it suitable for a wide range of body types.

Construction Techniques

Le Guin employs a bottom-up construction method, beginning at the lower edge and working upward. The body is worked in the round using circular needles until the armholes, where the work is then divided and worked flat for the front and back pieces. This hybrid approach combines the efficiency of circular knitting with the control of flat knitting where shaping is needed.

The sweater incorporates short row shaping at the hem, which lengthens the back and creates a rounded, dramatic bottom edge—a signature design element of this pattern. Slipped stitches frame each side of the center front garter stitch panel, adding visual definition and structure. Sleeves are worked flat from the cuff upward, then set in and seamed to the body using the three-needle bind-off technique for a finished appearance.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch used throughout most of the garment is Stockinette Stitch (St st), which creates a smooth, classic knit fabric. The focal point of the design is the Garter Stitch panel at center front, which creates horizontal ridges and provides textural contrast against the stockinette background. Slipped stitches are strategically used to frame the edges of this panel, creating clean, defined borders.

Materials and Yarn

Le Guin is designed to be worked with two yarns held together throughout the entire project. The pattern calls for Shibui Knits Maai and Shibui Knits Lunar held as a single strand.

Shibui Knits Maai is a luxury chainette yarn composed of 70% Superbaby Alpaca and 30% Fine Merino. It is supplied at 175 yards per 50-gram skein. Due to the chainette structure of this yarn, it relaxes after washing, requiring that gauge swatches be washed and blocked to accurately measure gauge before beginning the project. The pattern requires 6 to 8 skeins depending on size.

Shibui Knits Lunar is an exceptionally fine yarn containing 60% Extra Fine Merino and 40% Mulberry Silk, supplied at 401 yards per 50-gram skein. This yarn adds sheen and drape to the blend. The pattern requires 3 to 4 skeins depending on size.

Needles and Tools

The pattern requires US Size 6 (4 mm) and Size 7 (4.5 mm) needles. Specifically, knitters will need a Size 6 circular needle in 16-inch length for the ribbed cuff, and Size 6 circular needles in 24-inch or 32-inch lengths for the body. Size 7 circular needles in 24-inch or 32-inch lengths are used for the main body knitting, with a spare Size 7 needle reserved for the three-needle bind-off. Additional tools include waste yarn, stitch markers, stitch holders, and a tapestry needle for seaming and finishing.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern is worked at a gauge of 19 stitches and 28 rounds per 4 inches in Stockinette Stitch after blocking, using one strand of Lunar and one strand of Maai held together on Size 7 needles. The pattern is rated for experienced knitters due to the complexity of short row shaping, working in the round transitioning to flat, and the precision required for set-in sleeves. The model shown is 5 feet 9 inches tall, wearing Size S with approximately 6 inches of positive ease.