Shibui Knits Truss Jumper Knitting Pattern

Shibui Knits Truss Ribbed Tunic

What is Being Made

The Shibui Knits Truss is a ribbed tunic sweater designed as an everyday versatile garment. This intermediate-level knitting project features a soft, structured silhouette with a low funnel neck, high side vents, and ribbed detailing throughout. The tunic is available in two length options—Short Version and Long Version—accommodating various style preferences and body proportions.

Design and Finished Dimensions

Truss is tailored to fit bust sizes ranging from 32.5 inches (XS) to 44.5 inches (XL), with finished bust circumferences of 40 to 52 inches depending on size. The Short Version features a back length from shoulder of 21.5 to 23.5 inches, while the Long Version extends to 29.5 to 31.5 inches from shoulder. The pattern accommodates positive ease, with the model wearing a Size S Long Version with 9 inches of ease for a comfortable, relaxed fit.

Techniques Used

This tunic is worked flat from the bottom up using a seamed construction method. The bottom-up approach allows knitters to begin at the lower edge and work upward toward the neckline, making it easy to try on and adjust length as needed. Seaming is used to join the various pieces together, creating clean, finished edges throughout the garment. This method provides excellent stitch definition and allows for precise shaping at the underarms and shoulders.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch used in Truss is stockinette stitch (St st), which creates the smooth, classic fabric base of the tunic. Ribbing is featured prominently as a design element, providing structure and visual interest. The ribbing pattern uses alternating knit and purl stitches—specifically (k1, p2) ribbing sequences—which add elasticity and definition to the garment. This combination of stockinette and ribbed sections creates the "structured silhouette" characteristic of the design.

Yarn Materials

Truss showcases a sophisticated two-yarn construction, combining two distinct Shibui Knits yarns held together throughout the project. The primary yarn is Shibui Maai, a luxurious blend of 70% superbaby alpaca and 30% fine merino, offered at 175 yards per 50-gram skein. The secondary yarn is Shibui Pebble, composed of 48% recycled silk, 36% fine merino, and 16% cashmere, available at 224 yards per 25-gram skein. This pairing creates depth and complexity in the finished fabric.

Yarn quantities vary by version and size. The Short Version requires 4 to 6 skeins of Maai and 4 to 5 skeins of Pebble, depending on size. The Long Version calls for 5 to 8 skeins of Maai and 5 to 7 skeins of Pebble. The combination of alpaca, merino, silk, and cashmere creates a soft, luxurious hand with excellent drape and warmth.

Needles and Tools

Knitters will need US Size 7 (4.5 mm) circular needles in 16-inch length for ribbing and initial setup, and US Size 9 (5.5 mm) needles for the main fabric. A spare size 9 needle is recommended for managing stitches during construction. Additional tools include stitch holders for securing stitches between sections, stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping points, and a tapestry needle for seaming and weaving in ends.

Gauge and Blocking

The pattern specifies a gauge of 18 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch after blocking, worked with one strand each of Maai and Pebble held together on size 9 needles. Due to the chainette structure of Maai yarn, which relaxes after washing, swatches must be washed and blocked to accurately measure gauge before beginning the project. This step is essential for ensuring proper fit and finished dimensions.

Skill Level and Construction Notes

Truss is rated as an intermediate-level knitting pattern, suitable for knitters with foundational skills in flat knitting, ribbing, and seaming. The pattern employs a straightforward bottom-up, flat construction that builds confidence while creating a polished, professional-looking garment. The combination of two yarns held together adds visual interest and texture without significantly increasing construction complexity.