Shibui Knits Terra Jumper Knitting Pattern

Shibui Knits Terra Tank: Lightweight Spring Knit

What is Being Made

The Terra Tank is a sleeveless knit garment designed as a lighter-than-air spring classic. This intermediate-level tank top features delicate texture throughout and is available in nine sizes, ranging from 30–32" bust circumference up to 62–64" bust circumference. The finished bust circumference ranges from 34.25" to 66", with the garment intended to be worn with 2–4" of positive ease for a comfortable, relaxed fit.

Knitting Techniques Used

The Terra Tank employs several key knitting techniques to create its refined construction. The garment is worked in the round from the bottom up, beginning with a stockinette stitch hem for a clean foundation. The body features a textured stitch pattern called the Terra Stitch, which provides visual interest and depth to the finished piece. Double decreases are strategically used to shape both the neckline and armholes, creating a tailored silhouette. The shoulders and neckline extensions are seamed together using the 3-Needle Bind-Off Method, a technique that creates a strong, invisible seam. Additionally, the neckline and armhole edges are finished with I-Cord edging, which provides a refined, professional edge detail. Flat pieces are incorporated into the design, with a 4-stitch selvedge maintained throughout for clean finishing edges.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The pattern utilizes several essential stitches and stitch patterns. Stockinette stitch forms the foundation hem at the bottom of the tank. The primary textured element is the Terra Stitch pattern, which is worked in the round and creates the delicate texture characteristic of the design. Double decreases, including techniques such as sssk (slip, slip, slip, knit) and k3tog (knit three together), are used for shaping the neckline and armholes. The pattern also incorporates I-Cord edging for finishing the neckline and armhole openings, adding a refined detail to the garment.

Materials and Tools

The Terra Tank is knit using Shibui Knits Pure Cashmere, a luxury 100% cashmere yarn. The pattern requires 4–8 skeins depending on size, with each skein containing 220 yards and weighing 25 grams. This premium yarn creates the lightweight, airy quality characteristic of the design.

Essential knitting tools include US Size 3 (3.25 mm) circular needles in both 32" and 16" lengths, along with double-pointed needles (DPNs) for working small circumferences. Additional supplies needed are stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats, a tapestry needle for weaving in ends and seaming, blocking wires and T-pins for shaping the finished garment, and scissors for cutting yarn.

Gauge and Finished Dimensions

The pattern specifies a gauge of 34 stitches and 44 rounds over 4 inches in the Terra Stitch pattern when worked in the round with one strand of Pure Cashmere on US 3 needles, after blocking. Back length ranges from 20.5" in the smallest size to 25.25" in the largest size, providing options for different proportions and preferences.

Skill Level and Construction Summary

Rated as an intermediate skill level project, the Terra Tank requires familiarity with circular knitting, stitch pattern reading, and seaming techniques. The construction method—working in the round from the bottom up with subsequent flat pieces seamed together—provides a logical workflow that builds the garment systematically. The combination of circular and flat knitting, along with specialty finishing techniques like the 3-Needle Bind-Off and I-Cord edging, makes this an excellent project for knitters looking to expand their technical skills while creating a sophisticated, wearable garment.