Shibui Knits Monochrome Aperture Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Shibui Knits Monochrome Aperture Cardigan by Kirsten Johnstone

What Is Being Made

The Aperture is a sophisticated, modern cardigan designed by Kirsten Johnstone for Shibui Knits. This garment features a versatile design that can be worn open to showcase clean I-cord edges that undulate softly along the front, or wrapped and fastened into a sleek, structured shape complete with an asymmetrical collar. The cardigan combines crisp and draping qualities through the pairing of two distinct fibers, making it a refined piece suitable for intermediate knitters.

Techniques Used

The Aperture cardigan employs several advanced construction techniques. The garment is worked top-down with raglan shaping, beginning with a crochet provisional cast-on at the neck edge. The yoke is worked in one piece to the underarms, after which the body is continued flat, creating a seamless construction through the upper portion. The sleeves are worked in the round, and all edges are finished with applied I-cord for a polished, refined look. The asymmetrical collar features short row shaping to create its distinctive modern silhouette.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette Stitch (St st) — forms the primary fabric of the cardigan
• Modified Fisherman's Rib — used for the asymmetrical collar and creates textural interest with contrasting characteristics
• I-cord — applied to all edges for a clean, refined finish that allows for soft undulation

Materials and Specifications

The Aperture is designed to be worked with two yarns held together throughout the entire project. Shibui Cima, a luxurious blend of 70% superbaby alpaca and 30% fine merino (328 yards per 50 grams), is held together with Shibui Linen, a 100% linen yarn (246 yards per 50 grams). This combination of fibers creates a fabric with contrasting characteristics — the alpaca-merino blend provides softness and warmth, while the linen contributes crispness and structure. Yardage requirements range from 5 to 9 skeins of Cima and 7 to 9 skeins of Linen, depending on size.

The pattern is available in five sizes: XS, S, M, L, and XL, with finished bust circumferences ranging from 32 to 42 inches and back neck lengths from 20 to 21 inches. The model, standing 5′10", wears a Size M with 4 inches of positive ease.

Tools and Notions Required

• Size 4 (3.5 mm) circular needle, 32 inches long
• Size 4 (3.5 mm) double-pointed needles
• Size 5 (3.75 mm) needle — either one straight needle or double-pointed needle, 20 inches long
• Size 1 (2.25 mm) circular needle, 24 inches long
• Crochet hook — for the provisional cast-on
• Waste yarn
• Stitch markers
• Tapestry needle for finishing
• 2 slim toggle buttons, approximately 0.75 inches
• 2 clear backer buttons, approximately 0.5 inches

Gauge and Skill Level

This pattern is rated for intermediate knitters. The gauge is 24 stitches and 32 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch when worked with one strand of Cima and one strand of Linen held together on size 4 needles, after blocking. The Modified Fisherman's Rib sections are worked at a gauge of 22 stitches and 56 rows over 4 inches, also after blocking. Accurate gauge is essential for achieving the intended finished dimensions.