Shibui Knits Trace Jumper Knitting Pattern

Shibui Knits Trace Side Rib Pullover

What is Being Made

The Trace is a symmetrical side rib pullover sweater designed by Shellie Anderson for Shibui Knits. This pullover features a classic crew neck construction with a modern twist—unexpected vent details at the sides that add visual interest and movement to the garment. The sweater is available in five sizes, ranging from XS to XL, with finished bust circumferences from 40.5 to 52.5 inches.

Knitting Techniques

The Trace employs a bottom-up, seamed construction with flat knitting throughout. The garment is built in distinct sections that are later joined together. The front, back, and sleeves are worked flat using size 6 needles with Baby Alpaca held single strand. After the main body pieces are completed, the shoulders are joined using a 3-Needle Bind-Off, which creates a strong, neat seam at the shoulder line.

The signature design element involves stripe work and ribbing created through strategic yarn pairing. Side ribbing is picked up along each side edge and worked using one strand of Cima held together with one strand of Pebble. Similarly, lower edge ribbing is picked up and worked with the same yarn combination. Sleeves are picked up at the armhole edge and worked from the top down, creating seamless sleeve caps.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette Stitch (St st) – Forms the main fabric of the front, back, and sleeves
• Ribbing – Creates the symmetrical side ribs and lower edge detail using combined yarns for visual contrast and texture
• 3-Needle Bind-Off – Joins shoulder seams with a secure, professional finish

Materials and Yarn

The Trace requires three distinct Shibui Knits yarns, each chosen for specific qualities:

• Shibui Baby Alpaca – 100% baby alpaca, 255 yards per 100 grams. The primary yarn for the body, front, back, and sleeves. Baby alpaca provides exceptional softness and ease of wear. Knitters will need 4 to 5 skeins depending on size.
• Shibui Pebble – A blend of 48% recycled silk, 36% fine merino, and 16% cashmere, with 224 yards per 25 grams. This yarn is held together with Cima for the side ribbing and lower edge details, adding luxury fiber content and subtle sheen. One to two skeins are required.
• Shibui Cima – Composed of 70% superbaby alpaca and 30% fine merino, with 328 yards per 50 grams. Paired with Pebble for ribbing sections, Cima contributes softness and warmth. One to two skeins are needed.

Tools and Equipment

Successful completion of the Trace requires the following needles and notions:

• Size 3 (3.25 mm) 16-inch circular needle
• Size 3 (3.25 mm) 32-inch circular needle
• Size 6 (4 mm) needles for the main body
• Spare size 6 needle for the 3-Needle Bind-Off
• Stitch holders for holding stitches during construction
• Stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping
• Tapestry needle for weaving in ends and seaming

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern calls for a gauge of 23 stitches and 29 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch after blocking, using one strand of Baby Alpaca on size 6 needles. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished dimensions. The sweater is designed to fit bust sizes from 32.5 inches (XS) to 44.5 inches (XL), with the model shown in size S, which features 9 inches of positive ease.

Skill Level

This pattern is rated as Intermediate, making it suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle multi-piece garment construction, seaming techniques, and yarn management with multiple strands held together.