Shibui Knits Mirage Jumper Knitting Pattern

Shibui Knits Mirage Sheer Panel Top

What is Being Made

The Mirage Sheer Panel Top is a modern knit shell designed by Shellie Anderson featuring elegant sheer panels that flutter at the hem. This contemporary garment combines classic A-line shaping with lightweight construction, offering versatility through two distinct finishing options: a sleeveless shell version or a short-sleeved tee version. The design is suitable for intermediate knitters and comes in seven sizes ranging from XS to XXL, with finished bust circumferences from 36 inches to 52 inches.

Techniques Used

Mirage is constructed using bottom-up knitting, meaning the garment is worked from the hem upward toward the shoulders. The pattern employs flat knitting throughout, with pieces worked back and forth on straight needles rather than in the round. The garment is seamed together, requiring assembly of multiple knit components. The sheer panel sections utilize a distinct yarn composition to create visual and textural contrast with the body of the garment. For the sleeveless shell version, slipped stitch edging is incorporated at the armholes for a refined finish. When short sleeves are included, they are knit flat and then set in before being seamed to the body, a technique that creates tailored sleeve caps.

Stitches and Stitch Techniques

The primary stitch used throughout Mirage is Stockinette stitch (St st), which creates the smooth, classic fabric base for this design. The pattern incorporates slipped stitches for decorative edging on the armholes of the shell version, adding a subtle design detail. The construction also involves a 3-Needle Bind-Off, a joining technique that creates a seamless connection between two sets of live stitches, contributing to the garment's polished appearance.

Materials and Tools

Mirage requires two distinct yarns to achieve its signature design. The body of the garment is knit with Shibui Knits Fern, a 100% Organic Brushed Cotton yarn available in 232-yard skeins of 50 grams each. The sheer panels are created using Shibui Knits Silk Cloud, a luxurious blend of 60% Kid Mohair and 40% Silk in 330-yard skeins of 25 grams each. Yarn requirements vary by size and version: the sleeveless shell requires 3 to 4 skeins of Fern and 1 skein of Silk Cloud, while the short-sleeved tee version requires 4 to 5 skeins of Fern and 1 skein of Silk Cloud.

Essential tools include Size 5 (3.75 mm) needles for working the Fern yarn and Size 6 (4 mm) needles for the Silk Cloud sections, ensuring proper gauge for each yarn's weight and fiber content. A spare Size 6 needle is needed for the 3-Needle Bind-Off technique. Additional supplies include stitch holders for managing live stitches during construction and a tapestry needle for seaming and finishing.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern specifies different gauges for each yarn: 22 stitches and 32 rows equal 4 inches in Stockinette stitch when blocked using one strand of Fern on Size 5 needles, and the same gauge applies to Silk Cloud worked on Size 6 needles. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the intended finished dimensions. The pattern is graded across seven sizes with finished bust circumferences of 36, 38.25, 40, 42.25, 44, 48, and 52 inches, accommodating a wide range of body measurements. Back length from shoulder remains consistent at approximately 25.25 to 26.75 inches depending on size.

Design Features

The Mirage features an elegant A-line silhouette that skims the body while providing comfortable ease. The signature element is the sheer panel detail at the hem, created by substituting the delicate Silk Cloud yarn for the cotton body yarn in select areas, producing a striking visual and tactile contrast. The optional short sleeves provide styling flexibility, allowing the same pattern to function as either a sleeveless shell or a short-sleeved tee. The shell version includes refined slipped stitch armhole edging, while the tee version features set-in sleeves for a more structured fit. The pattern notes indicate approximately 3.5 inches of