Shibui Knits Sontag Jumper Knitting Pattern

Shibui Knits Sontag Turtleneck Pullover

What Is Being Made

The Sontag is a relaxed cowl-neck tunic sweater designed for supremely soft comfort and tranquil ease. This pullover features a generous fit with well-defined style, offering a cozy layering piece that stays warm while maintaining an effortlessly elegant silhouette. The garment is available in three size ranges: XS/S, M/L, and XL/XXL, with finished bust circumferences of 58, 62, and 68 inches respectively, providing substantial ease for a relaxed, oversized wearing experience.

Techniques Used

Sontag employs a bottom-up construction method, meaning the sweater is knitted starting from the lower edge and progressing upward toward the shoulders. The garment is worked flat for the main body sections, which are then seamed together to create the finished piece. The collar and armhole details are worked in the round using circular needles, creating seamless ribbed finishes in these areas. This mixed construction approach combines the simplicity of flat knitting for the body with the refinement of circular knitting for neckline and armhole treatments.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch pattern is a Slipped stitch pattern, which creates the rich texture stippling throughout the body of the sweater. This textured pattern is worked at a gauge of 19 stitches and 32 rows over 4 inches when using the specified yarn combination and needles. The collar and armhole details feature a 1 x 1 ribbed stitch, which is worked in the round to create clean, elastic edges that frame the neckline and armholes. The pattern includes a 3-Needle Bind-Off technique for finishing shoulder seams, providing a professional and durable closure.

Materials and Yarn

Sontag is knitted using two complementary yarns held together throughout the project. The primary yarn is Shibui Knits Pebble, a luxurious blend of 48% Recycled Silk, 36% Fine Merino, and 16% Cashmere, offering 224 yards per 25-gram skein. Knitters will need 7, 7, or 8 skeins depending on size. This is paired with Shibui Knits Lunar, composed of 60% Extra Fine Merino and 40% Mulberry Silk, providing 401 yards per 50-gram skein, requiring 4, 4, or 5 skeins by size. Holding one strand of each yarn together creates a sophisticated, high-performance blend that delivers both softness and structure.

Needles and Tools

The pattern requires three different circular needle sizes to accommodate various stitch counts and techniques. A Size 5 (3.75 mm) 16-inch circular needle is used for the ribbed collar. A Size 6 (4 mm) 24 or 32-inch circular needle is employed for the initial cast-on and body sections. A Size 8 (5 mm) 24 or 32-inch circular needle is used for the main body knitting and serves as the working needle for the slipped stitch pattern. Additional tools include a spare size 8 needle for executing the 3-Needle Bind-Off, locking stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping points, stitch holders for securing stitches during construction, and a tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends and seaming sections together.

Finished Dimensions

• Bust circumference: 58 inches (XS/S), 62 inches (M/L), 68 inches (XL/XXL)
• Back length from shoulder: 28 inches (XS/S), 29 inches (M/L), 30 inches (XL/XXL)
• Designed with approximately 24 inches of positive ease for a relaxed fit

Skill Level

This pattern is rated for experienced knitters. The combination of flat and circular knitting, multiple needle sizes, the slipped stitch texture pattern, and techniques such as the 3-Needle Bind-Off require solid foundational skills and comfort with pattern reading and garment construction.