Shibui Knits Odessa Jumper Knitting Pattern

Shibui Knits Odessa Boxy Pullover

What Is Being Made

The Odessa Boxy Pullover is an oversize statement sweater designed by Shellie Anderson. This intermediate-level knitting project features a striking boxy silhouette with generous ease of approximately 19.5 inches, making it an easy-to-wear garment suitable for layering and contemporary styling. The finished bust circumference ranges from 52 to 68 inches across seven size options (XS through XXL), accommodating a wide range of body measurements from 32.5 to 48.5 inches.

Techniques Used

Odessa is constructed using a bottom-up approach with seamedworked in the round. The sweater begins at the hem with a rolled edge and progresses upward through the body. A defining design feature is the use of short-row shaping at the hem, which creates a curved hemline and provides definition to the oversize fit. At the armholes, the work is divided for front and back pieces and transitioned to flat knitting to the shoulders. Garter stitch armhole edgings are formed by casting on stitches at the armhole, which are subsequently turned in and seamed for a finished appearance. The collar is picked up and worked in the round to create a rolled finish.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette Stitch (St st): The primary stitch used throughout the body of the sweater
• Ribbing (k1, p1): Used for the ribbed section following the rolled hem
• Garter Stitch: Applied to the armhole edgings for textural contrast and structural definition
• Short-row shaping: Employed at the hem to create the curved hemline characteristic of this design

Materials and Tools

The Odessa Boxy Pullover is designed to be worked with two yarns held together throughout: one strand of Shibui Knits Birch and one strand of Shibui Knits Pebble. Shibui Knits Birch is composed of 100% Extra Fine Merino and provides 262 yards per 50-gram skein, requiring 4 to 5 skeins depending on size. Shibui Knits Pebble is a luxurious blend of 48% Recycled Silk, 36% Fine Merino, and 16% Cashmere, yielding 224 yards per 25-gram skein, with 4 to 6 skeins needed based on size selection.

The pattern calls for the following needles and notions: a size 6 (4 mm) 16-inch circular needle for the ribbed sections, a size 6 (4 mm) 24-inch or 32-inch circular needle for the body, and a size 8 (5 mm) 24-inch or 32-inch circular needle for the main stockinette fabric. A spare size 8 needle is required for the 3-Needle Bind-Off technique used to join shoulder seams. Additional tools include stitch markers, stitch holders, and a tapestry needle for seaming and finishing.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 18 stitches and 26 rounds over 4 inches in stockinette stitch after blocking, achieved when working with one strand of Birch and one strand of Pebble held together on size 8 needles. Accurate gauge is essential for achieving the intended finished dimensions. The back length from shoulder measures between 26.5 and 28.5 inches across the size range, with the model shown in Size S (to fit 34.5-inch bust) wearing the sweater with approximately 19.5 inches of positive ease.