Shibui Knits Sitka Jumper Knitting Pattern

Shibui Knits Sitka Ribbed Pullover

What is Being Made

The Sitka Ribbed Pullover is a lightweight knit sweater designed as a versatile layering piece for winter wardrobes. This pullover features clean lines and distinctive dolman sleeves that create an elegant silhouette. The garment is available in seven sizes ranging from XS to XXL, with finished bust circumferences from 38.75 inches to 54.75 inches, making it suitable for a wide range of body types.

Construction Techniques

Sitka is constructed using a bottom-up approach with a combination of worked in the round and worked flat methods. The body is initially worked in the round from the bottom up using circular needles, creating a seamless construction for the lower portion. At the armholes, the work is divided and switched to flat knitting to work the front and back pieces separately to the shoulders. The sleeves are formed by casting on stitches directly at the armhole, and the collar is picked up and worked in the round to complete the neckline. The garment is finished with seamed construction where necessary and uses the 3-Needle Bind-Off technique for joining shoulder seams.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch pattern throughout Sitka is (k1, p1) ribbing, which creates vertical lines of knit and purl stitches that alternate across every row and round. This ribbing pattern is both decorative and functional, providing stretch and recovery to the finished garment. The ribbing is worked consistently across the body, sleeves, and collar, creating a cohesive and refined appearance. The gauge for this ribbed pattern is 18 stitches and 24 rounds per 4 inches when worked on size 9 needles after blocking.

Materials and Tools

Sitka is knit with Shibui Knits Drift, a luxurious yarn blend consisting of 85% Extra Fine Merino and 15% Cashmere. This fiber composition creates a soft, lightweight fabric ideal for layering. The yarn is worked at 110 yards per 50 grams. Depending on size, the pattern requires between 7 and 11 skeins of Drift to complete the pullover.

The pattern calls for multiple circular needles in different sizes to achieve proper gauge and construction:

• Size 7 (4.5 mm) 16-inch circular needle
• Size 8 (5 mm) 24-inch or 32-inch circular needle
• Size 9 (5.5 mm) 24-inch or 32-inch circular needle
• Spare size 9 needle for 3-Needle Bind-Off

Additional tools include stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats, stitch holders for managing live stitches at the armholes and shoulders, waste yarn for the provisional cast-on, and a tapestry needle for finishing and weaving in ends.

Skill Level and Pattern Details

This pattern is rated at Intermediate skill level, making it suitable for knitters with foundational knowledge of circular needle techniques, increases and decreases, and garment construction. The pattern was designed by Shellie Anderson and is presented with comprehensive pattern text, imagery, and illustrations to guide knitters through each step of construction.