Shibui Knits Mix No. 22 Jumper Knitting Pattern

Shibui Knits Mix No. 22 Tunic-Length Pullover Sweater

What is Being Made

Shibui Knits Mix No. 22 is an oversized, tunic-length pullover sweater designed by Lidia Tsymbal. This comfort sweater features a V-neck with subtle shaping and slightly cropped sleeves that add refined details to the relaxed silhouette. The design is intended to skim curves while providing an elegant drape, making it an ideal go-to garment for chilly days.

Garment Specifications

• Sizes: XS through 3X, fitting bust measurements from 32 to 48 inches
• Finished Dimensions: Bust circumference ranges from 41 to 56 inches depending on size
• Fit: Oversized with approximately 9 inches of positive ease
• Skill Level: Intermediate

Knitting Techniques

This sweater employs a combination of construction methods to achieve its seamless design. The body is worked in the round from the bottom edge up to the armholes using a longer circular needle, creating a seamless tube. Once the armholes are reached, the work is divided into separate front and back pieces, which are then worked flat to the shoulders. This hybrid approach combines the advantages of circular knitting for the body with flat knitting for the upper sections.

The two shoulders are joined using a 3-needle bind-off technique, which creates a strong, professional seam by binding off stitches from two needles simultaneously with a third needle. After the shoulders are secured, sleeves are picked up around the armholes and worked in the round to the cuffs, maintaining the seamless aesthetic throughout the garment.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch throughout this sweater is garter stitch, which is created by knitting every row when working flat or alternating knit and purl rounds when working in the round. Garter stitch produces a plush, textured fabric with excellent drape and warmth, making it ideal for a comfort sweater. The pattern incorporates short rows with wrap and turn (w&t) shaping to create the V-neck and other contoured areas. Short rows allow the knitter to add rows in specific sections without working across the entire width, enabling sophisticated shaping techniques. The pattern notes that when picking up wraps in garter stitch, this step is optional; knitters may choose to leave the wrap around the neck of the stitch for a simplified approach.

Materials and Tools

This pattern calls for Shibui Baby Alpaca yarn, a luxurious 100% baby alpaca fiber. The yarn is held in two strands throughout the entire project, which creates a thicker, warmer fabric and contributes to the plush quality of the finished sweater. Yardage requirements range from 7 to 13 skeins depending on size, with each skein providing 255 yards at a weight of 100 grams. The colorway shown in the pattern is Caffeine.

Essential tools include Size 9 (5.5 mm) circular needles in both 16-inch and 32-inch lengths to accommodate working in the round for different sections of the garment. Size 9 double-pointed needles (dpns) are also required for working the sleeves in the round. Additional tools include a cable needle for managing stitches during construction and a tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends.

Gauge and Finishing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 15 stitches and 24 rows equaling 4 inches in garter stitch when using two strands of Baby Alpaca held together, measured after washing and blocking. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for obtaining the intended finished dimensions and ensuring the sweater drapes properly. The emphasis on measuring after blocking reflects the importance of finishing techniques in achieving the final appearance and fit of this garment.