Shibui Knits Varna Jumper Knitting Pattern

Shibui Knits Varna Cropped Pullover

What is Being Made

The Varna is a contemporary cropped pullover sweater designed by Shellie Anderson. This garment features a modern, tailored silhouette with a distinctive mock turtleneck collar and a cropped length that sits above the natural waistline. The design emphasizes elegant simplicity and wearability, offering a sophisticated everyday piece suitable for intermediate knitters. Available in seven sizes ranging from XS to XXL, with finished bust circumferences from 37 to 52 inches, the Varna accommodates various body types with approximately 4 inches of positive ease.

Knitting Techniques Used

The Varna employs a combination of flat and circular knitting techniques to construct different garment sections. The body and sleeves are worked flat using straight needles in a bottom-up construction method, which allows knitters to try on the garment as they progress and make adjustments to the finished length. The sleeves are knitted separately and then seamed into the armholes for a polished, tailored finish. The collar is worked in the round using a circular needle after stitches are picked up from the neckline, creating the characteristic mock turtleneck shape. The shoulders are finished using a 3-Needle Bind-Off technique, which joins two sets of live stitches together while binding off, creating a strong, neat seam.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Varna is primarily constructed in stockinette stitch (St st), the foundational stitch pattern that creates the smooth, classic fabric characteristic of this pullover. The pattern instructions reference knit and purl stitches as the basic building blocks, with additional techniques including yarn overs (yo) for shaping and decreasing stitches together for tailoring. The mock turtleneck collar is also worked in stockinette stitch when worked in the round, maintaining visual continuity throughout the garment.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Varna calls for two premium yarns held together as a single strand throughout construction:

• Shibui Knits Maai: A luxurious blend of 70% Superbaby Alpaca and 30% Fine Merino, offering softness and breathability. This yarn provides 175 yards per 50-gram skein. Knitters require 5 to 7 skeins depending on size.
• Shibui Knits Pebble: A sophisticated blend of 48% Recycled Silk, 36% Fine Merino, and 16% Cashmere, contributing sheen, durability, and luxury hand-feel. This yarn provides 224 yards per 25-gram skein. Knitters require 5 to 7 skeins depending on size.

The combination of these two yarns creates a lux fabric with excellent drape and a refined appearance. The pattern requires three sizes of needles: Size 7 (4.5 mm) for initial cast-on, Size 8 (5 mm) for a 16-inch circular needle used for the collar, and Size 9 (5.5 mm) for the main body and sleeves. A spare Size 9 needle is needed for the 3-Needle Bind-Off technique. Additional tools include waste yarn for provisional cast-on, stitch holders, a stitch marker, and a tapestry needle for seaming and weaving in ends.

Gauge and Finished Dimensions

The pattern specifies a gauge of 18 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch after blocking, achieved with one strand each of Maai and Pebble held together on Size 9 needles. This gauge is essential for achieving the intended finished dimensions. The back length from shoulder ranges from 16 to 17.75 inches depending on size, creating the cropped silhouette. The model, standing 5 feet 9 inches tall, wears a Size S with approximately 4 inches of positive ease for comfortable wear.

Skill Level and Construction Notes

Designated as an Intermediate level pattern, the Varna requires knitters to be comfortable with fundamental techniques including casting on, working in stockinette stitch, increasing and decreasing stitches, picking up stitches, seaming, and the 3-Needle Bind-Off. The pattern uses a provisional cast-on with waste yarn, allowing the knitter to later graft or bind off live stitches at the shoulders for a seamless finish. The two-yarn construction held together throughout adds visual interest and textural depth while requiring careful tension