Shibui Knits Zephyr Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Shibui Knits Zephyr Cardigan

What is Being Made

The Shibui Knits Zephyr Cardigan is an oversized, fashion-forward summer cardigan designed by Shellie Anderson. This elegant garment features dramatic styling and innovative construction techniques to achieve a refined fit despite its generous proportions. The cardigan is available in three sizes: XS/S (to fit bust 32.5–34.5"), M/L (to fit bust 36.5–40.5"), and XL/XXL (to fit bust 44.5–48.5"), with finished bust circumferences of 72", 76.25", and 80" respectively, offering approximately 37" of positive ease for a distinctly oversized silhouette.

Techniques Used

The Zephyr Cardigan employs several advanced knitting techniques to create its elegant structure:

• Bottom-Up Construction: The cardigan is worked flat from the bottom upward, allowing for strategic shaping and seamless integration of design elements.
• German Short Rows: Used at the hem of the fronts to create shaped, contoured edges. This technique involves strategic yarn overs and decreases that add dimension and ensure proper drape without adding bulk.
• 3-Needle Bind-Off: Sleeves are worked flat in two separate pieces from cuff to center back, then joined using this professional finishing technique, which creates a strong, invisible seam.
• Seaming: The body is seamed to the sleeves with a folded front edge for a polished, finished appearance.
• German Twisted Cast-On: Used to begin the body with a secure, elastic foundation suitable for the garment's oversized fit.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch throughout the Zephyr Cardigan is Stockinette Stitch (St st), which creates a smooth, classic fabric with excellent drape. This fundamental knit stitch is ideal for showcasing the luxurious fiber content and allows the innovative shaping techniques—particularly the German Short Rows—to create subtle, elegant contouring at the hem without disrupting the visual continuity of the fabric.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Zephyr Cardigan is designed to be worked with two distinct yarns in different sections:

• Shibui Knits Twig: A blend of 46% Linen, 42% Recycled Silk, and 12% Wool, with 190 yards per 50-gram skein. The body is worked with one strand of Twig, requiring 5 (6, 6) skeins depending on size. This luxurious blend creates a sophisticated drape and breathable fabric ideal for summer wear.
• Shibui Knits Fern: 100% Organic Brushed Cotton with 232 yards per 50-gram skein. The sleeves are worked with one strand of Fern, requiring 3 (4, 4) skeins depending on size. The brushed cotton provides a soft, tactile surface and excellent breathability for the arm sections.

Needles and Tools

The pattern requires the following needles and notions:

• Size 5 (3.75 mm) Circular Needles: Used for working the body with Twig yarn to achieve the specified gauge of 22 stitches and 32 rows over 4 inches in Stockinette Stitch after blocking.
• Size 6 (4 mm) Circular Needles: A 32" or longer circular needle is used for working the sleeves with Fern yarn to achieve a gauge of 22 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches in Stockinette Stitch after blocking.
• Additional Tools: A spare size 5 needle for the 3-Needle Bind-Off, locking stitch markers for tracking side seams and shaping points, stitch holders for managing live stitches, and a tapestry needle for seaming and finishing.

Skill Level and Construction Notes

The Zephyr Cardigan is rated for Experienced knitters due to its advanced techniques including German Short Rows, 3-Needle Bind-Offs, and the precision required for working with multiple yarns and needle sizes. The pattern includes specific instructions for all three sizes, with detailed row-by-row directions for shaping. The garment is designed to be blocked after completion to achieve the