Shibui Knits Volute Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Shibui Knits Volute Shrug

What is Being Made

The Volute is a shrug cardigan designed by Shellie Anderson for Shibui Knits. This garment features a voluminous, nearly weightless body paired with fitted sleeves, creating dramatic contrast through strategic yarn choices and construction. The shrug is available in three sizes to fit bust circumferences of 66, 72, or 78 inches, with a back length from shoulder measuring 43, 44, or 45.5 inches respectively. The design showcases the luxurious drape of premium fibers in a sophisticated silhouette suitable for intermediate-level knitters.

Techniques Used

The Volute employs a combination of flat and circular knitting techniques. The body is worked flat on straight or circular needles, then seamed to create clean finished edges. Sleeves are picked up at the armhole opening and worked in the round using either double-pointed needles or the magic loop method on a circular needle. A rolled front edging is picked up after the body seaming is complete. This mixed-construction approach allows for precise shaping in the body while creating seamless, stretchy sleeves.

Stitches Used

The Volute is primarily constructed using stockinette stitch (St st), the fundamental stitch that creates the smooth, elegant fabric showcasing the yarn's natural sheen and drape. Increases are strategically placed throughout the pattern to create the voluminous silhouette, with the pattern noting increases worked as "inc 1" at regular intervals. The construction includes picking up stitches at designated points and working them together with existing stitches, a technique essential for seamless transitions between sections.

Materials and Yarn

The Volute offers two distinct yarn options, each creating a different aesthetic:

• Option A (Voluminous Body): Shibui Silk Cloud, composed of 60% kid mohair and 40% silk, providing 330 yards per 25-gram skein. This exceptionally lightweight yarn creates the airy, draping quality of the shrug body. The pattern requires 3 skeins for size S, 4 skeins for sizes M and L.
• Option B (Contrasting Sleeves and Alternative): Shibui Pebble, a blend of 48% recycled silk, 36% fine merino, and 16% cashmere, yielding 224 yards per 25-gram skein. This yarn provides structure and warmth. For the body, 5 skeins are needed for size S, and 6 skeins for sizes M and L.
• Sleeves: Shibui Cima, composed of 70% superbaby alpaca and 30% fine merino, providing 328 yards per 50-gram skein. Only 1 skein is required for all sizes, as the fitted sleeves use minimal yardage. This yarn creates the dramatic contrast with its structure and subtle texture.

Needles and Tools

The pattern requires multiple needle sizes to accommodate the different gauges of the yarn options:

• Size 1 (2.25 mm) double-pointed needles or 32-inch circular needle for magic loop construction of Cima sleeves
• Size 3 (3.25 mm) circular needle, 32 inches or longer, for edging work or alternative sleeve construction
• Size 6 (4 mm) needles for working the body in Silk Cloud or Pebble
• Locking stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and construction points
• Tapestry needle for seaming and finishing

Gauge and Sizing

Achieving proper gauge is essential for this pattern's success. When working with Silk Cloud or Pebble on size 6 needles, the gauge is 20 stitches and 32 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch after blocking. When working with Cima on size 3 needles, the gauge is 27 stitches and 36 rounds over 4 inches in stockinette stitch after blocking. The pattern is graded for three sizes, with the model shown in size M at 5 feet 4 inches tall, providing a reference for fit and proportions.

Skill Level

This pattern is rated as Intermediate, suitable for knitters with experience in basic construction techniques including working flat, seaming, picking up