Shibui Knits Span Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Shibui Knits Span Cardigan

What is Being Made

Span is an innovative knitted accessory that transforms a traditional scarf into a fitted, multi-functional piece. The design features an expansive textural body that transitions into fitted armwarmers, creating a unique hybrid garment that can be layered over a tee or worn under a jacket. This clever construction combines the elegance of a scarf with the practicality of fingerless gloves, offering versatile styling options for various occasions and seasons.

Techniques Used

This pattern employs seamed construction and is worked flat on straight needles, with the piece knitted from cuff to cuff before being seamed along the sleeves. The design demonstrates thoughtful edge planning, utilizing different selvage techniques depending on which edges will be seamed. Edges designated for seaming (sleeves and fingerless glove sections) are worked with 2 selvage stitches per edge, while unsewn edges (thumb openings and scarf sections) feature 4 selvage stitches for a finished appearance. The pattern incorporates strategic increases and decreases to create the fitted armwarmer shaping within the larger scarf structure.

Stitches Used

• Broken Rib – The primary stitch pattern throughout the piece, worked over an odd number of stitches. The Broken Rib repeats across two rows: Row 1 (RS) is knit, and Row 2 (WS) alternates purl and knit stitches (P2, *K1, P1; repeat from * to last st, P1). This textural pattern creates visual interest while maintaining the flexibility needed for a fitted accessory.
• Selvage Stitches – Slip stitches worked at the beginning of rows to create clean edges. The 2-stitch selvage uses purl-wise slips with yarn in back on right-side rows and yarn in front on wrong-side rows.
• Increases and Decreases – M1L (make one left) increases and K2tog decreases are used to shape the armwarmer sections, allowing the piece to transition from the wider scarf body to the fitted sleeve circumference.

Materials and Tools

The pattern calls for 7 skeins of Shibui Staccato, a premium yarn blend consisting of 70% superwash merino and 30% silk. Each skein provides 191 yards and weighs 50 grams. The silk content is specifically highlighted for its contribution to the fabric's elegant drape and understated shine, making it ideal for this form-fitting piece. The yarn shown is in the colorway Caffeine.

Knitting is worked on two needle sizes: Size 4 (3.5 mm) needles for ribbed sections and Size 5 (3.75 mm) needles for other areas. The gauge is 30 stitches and 40 rows over 4 inches in Broken Rib pattern on the smaller needles after blocking, measured slightly stretched. Additional tools include removable markers, a stitch holder, and a tapestry needle for seaming.

Pattern Specifications

Span is designed as one size with finished dimensions of 11.25 inches sleeve circumference at the underarm. The pattern is rated as Intermediate skill level, making it suitable for knitters with foundational experience who are ready to tackle shaping and seaming techniques. The piece begins with a cast-on of 47 stitches and is worked in Broken Rib throughout, with increases and decreases worked strategically to create the armwarmer fit while maintaining the textural pattern integrity.