Shibui Knits Virga Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Shibui Knits Virga Lightweight Cardigan

What is Being Made

The Shibui Knits Virga is a fitted lightweight cardigan designed by Jennifer Miller. This airy layering piece features fitted cuffs that add gentle geometric detail to the garment. The cardigan is available in three sizes to fit bust measurements of 32.5–34.5 inches (XS/S), 36.5–40.5 inches (M/L), and 44.5–48.5 inches (XL), with finished dimensions ranging from 48 to 56 inches at the lower edge and back lengths from 18 to 21.25 inches depending on size.

Techniques and Construction Method

The Virga cardigan employs a seamless construction worked primarily in the round with select flat sections. The garment is constructed in two distinct pieces, beginning at the cuffs and working toward the center back. The cuffs are knit flat using two strands of yarn held together, establishing the fitted geometry that characterizes the design. The sleeves are then knit in the round, after which they are split to form the body of the cardigan. The two halves are joined at the center back using a three-needle bind-off technique, and the front edges are continued on the remaining stitches to complete the garment.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Virga cardigan is primarily constructed using Stockinette Stitch (St st), which creates a smooth, classic fabric ideal for showcasing the lustrous qualities of the yarn blend. The pattern includes a p3tog (purl three together) decrease detail worked into the construction. The fitted cuffs are established through the stitch count and shaping rather than complex stitch patterns, allowing the elegant yarn to remain the focal point of the design.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Virga cardigan showcases a sophisticated three-yarn blend that combines luxury fibers for both aesthetic and functional qualities. The construction uses two distinct Shibui Knits yarns held together in specific combinations:

• Shibui Knits Tweed Silk Cloud: A blend of 65% Silk and 35% Kid Mohair, providing 190 yards per 25-gram skein. Five to six skeins are required depending on size, contributing lustrous sheen and warmth to the finished garment.
• Shibui Knits Lunar: Composed of 60% Extra Fine Merino and 40% Mulberry Silk, offering 401 yards per 50-gram skein. Three to four skeins are needed based on size, adding softness and breathability.

The cuffs are knit using two strands of Lunar held together, creating a denser, more structured fabric for the fitted detail. The remainder of the cardigan is knit with one strand of Lunar and one strand of Tweed Silk Cloud held together, creating a lighter, more ethereal fabric that balances the warmth of merino and mohair with the lustrous drape of silk.

Tools and Needles

The Virga cardigan requires the following knitting needles and accessories:

• Size 4 (3.5 mm) double-pointed needles (dpns): Used for casting on and knitting the fitted cuffs with two strands of yarn.
• Size 9 (5.5 mm) double-pointed needles: Used for knitting the sleeves in the round.
• Size 9 (5.5 mm) circular needle in 24-inch or 36-inch length: Used for the main body construction and flat sections.
• Spare size 9 circular needle: Held in reserve for the three-needle bind-off technique that joins the two halves at the center back.
• Stitch markers: Essential for tracking pattern repeats and construction sections.
• Large stitch holder: Used to hold stitches for the collar and other sections during construction.
• Tapestry needle: Required for weaving in yarn ends and finishing.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern is worked to a gauge of 15 stitches and 20 rows over 4 inches in Stockin