Shibui Knits Woolf Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Shibui Knits Woolf Crossover Pullover

What Is Being Made

The Woolf is a vented crossover pullover sweater designed by Shellie Anderson. This is not an average sweater—it features distinctive textural details in the cuffs and collar, along with strategic venting that adds visual interest and modern styling. The crossover design and refined construction make this an elevated wardrobe piece suitable for experienced knitters.

Knitting Techniques

This pattern employs several intermediate to advanced knitting techniques:

• Bottom-up construction: The body is worked flat from the bottom upward, allowing for easy adjustments and a traditional seaming approach
• Worked flat and in the round: The body and sleeves are worked flat with seaming, while certain sections utilize circular needles for efficiency
• Slipped stitch edging: A slipped stitch edge is used throughout for a polished, professional finish
• Seamed construction: Sleeves are worked flat from the cuff up and then set in and seamed to the body for a structured fit
• Reverse stockinette collar: The collar is worked in Reverse Stockinette Stitch and folded over so the stockinette side displays when worn, creating a sophisticated design detail
• Double stitch decreases: Decreases are worked by knitting or purling double stitches together, maintaining stitch definition

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Woolf primarily features Stockinette Stitch (St st) as the main fabric, which creates a smooth, classic knit surface. Reverse Stockinette Stitch is used for the collar detail. Textural elements appear in the cuffs and collar, adding visual depth to the otherwise clean stockinette body. The pattern uses standard decreases including knit and purl double stitches together, along with slipped stitches for edge definition.

Yarn and Materials

The Woolf is designed to be knit in two premium Shibui Knits yarns:

• Shibui Knits Echo: A luxurious blend of 52% Silk Noil and 48% Fine Merino, with 160 yards per 40-gram skein. The body is worked using 1 strand of Echo. Yardage required ranges from 9 to 13 skeins depending on size
• Shibui Knits Lunar: Composed of 60% Extra Fine Merino and 40% Mulberry Silk, with 401 yards per 50-gram skein. The hem is worked using 2 strands of Lunar held together. One skein is required

The combination of silk and merino creates a garment with excellent drape, subtle sheen, and breathability. The blend of these natural fibers produces a refined fabric suitable for a sophisticated pullover.

Needles and Tools

• Size 6 (4 mm) 32-inch or longer circular needle for the body
• Size 6 (4 mm) 16-inch circular needle for smaller circumferences
• Size 7 (4.5 mm) 32-inch or longer circular needle for the hem worked in Lunar
• Spare Size 6 needle for the 3-Needle Bind-Off
• Stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping
• Stitch holders for holding stitches during construction
• Tapestry needle for seaming and weaving in ends

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern is worked to a gauge of 19 stitches and 32 rows over 4 inches in Stockinette Stitch after blocking, measured using 1 strand of Echo on Size 6 needles. Seven sizes are offered, ranging from XS to XXL, with finished bust circumferences from 37 inches to 53 inches. The pattern is designed for an experienced skill level, reflecting the precision required for the textured details and seaming work.

Design Features

The Woolf showcases thoughtful design elements including vented sections that provide movement and visual interest, textural cuffs and collar that contrast with the smooth stockinette body, and a crossover silhouette that flatters multiple body types. The folded collar technique ensures that the