Shibui Knits Mix No. 27 Scarf Knitting Pattern

Shibui Knits Mix No. 27: Sleeveless Linen Shell with Garter Stripe Pattern

What Is Being Made

This collection features a striped, sleeveless shell designed by Lori Versaci from the S/S 2014 Shibui Knits Mix No. 27 line. The garment is a structured, breathable vest-style piece knit in 100% pure Linen that combines a solid front with a slightly-sheer back. The design reinvigorates simple stitches through an innovative garter stripe pattern that creates an inside-out appearance on the right side of the front, giving the illusion of marled fabric while maintaining elegant, casual drape.

Techniques Used

The garment is worked flat in pieces from the bottom up, with each section constructed separately before being seamed together. Armholes are shaped on the back piece only, allowing the front to remain uninterrupted. A key design feature involves color changes that occur at the beginning of wrong-side rows to blend the colors of garter ridges, creating the distinctive inside-out visual effect on the right side of the front. The front and upper back sections are knit with two strands of Linen held together for added substance, while the lower back uses a single strand for a lighter, more breathable construction. The finished piece incorporates overlapping front and back edges finished with a three-stitch I-cord bind-off.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

• Garter Stitch: The foundation of the garter stripe pattern, creating horizontal ridges throughout the piece
• Stockinette Stitch: Used as the gauge measurement reference (20 sts & 30 rows = 4 inches after blocking with two strands; 22 sts & 30 rows = 4 inches with one strand)
• Garter Stripe Pattern with I-Cord Edging: A structured pattern where color changes occur at the beginning of wrong-side rows, with slip stitches worked purlwise throughout. The pattern includes a three-stitch I-cord edge maintained on both sides of the work
• 3-Stitch I-Cord Bind-Off: A decorative finishing technique using the backward loop cast-on method, where three stitches are maintained on the left needle and worked together with garment stitches to create a finished edge
• Slip Stitches: All stitches are slipped purlwise unless otherwise directed, contributing to the refined appearance of the edges

Materials

This pattern calls for Shibui Linen, a 100% linen yarn available in 246-yard skeins weighing 50 grams each. The project requires 4 to 6 skeins of Color A and 2 skeins of Color B, depending on the finished size. The sample shown uses Caffeine (Color A) and Graphite (Color B). Knitters will need needles appropriate for the gauge specified in the pattern, with smaller needles used for the stockinette stitch gauge swatch.

Finished Dimensions and Sizing

Available in sizes XS through XL, with finished bust circumferences ranging from 30.5 inches (XS) to 40.5 inches (XL) after seaming. The model pictured is 5 feet 9 inches tall wearing size Small with 0.5 inches of ease. This is an intermediate-level knitting project suitable for knitters with experience in flat construction, seaming, and color work.