Staithes

Staithes Knitted Sweater by Pat Menchini

What Is Being Made

Staithes is an intermediate-level knitted sweater designed by Pat Menchini. This pullover sweater is available in six sizes, ranging from bust measurements of 81-86 cm (32-34 inches) up to 129-134 cm (51-53 inches), making it suitable for a wide range of body sizes. The sweater features a finished underarm measurement of 94 to 145 cm depending on size selection, with a length to shoulder shaping of approximately 61 to 65 cm. The sleeves are a consistent 48 cm in length across all sizes.

Craft and Primary Technique

Staithes is created using the knitting craft. This is a downloadable PDF pattern suitable for knitters with intermediate-level experience. The sweater is constructed using fundamental knitting techniques combined with textured stitch patterns to create visual interest and depth in the finished garment.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns Used

The pattern incorporates two primary stitch techniques:

• Stocking stitch – The main stitch used throughout much of the garment construction, providing a smooth, classic knit fabric
• Box pattern – A textured stitch pattern that adds visual dimension to specific sections of the sweater

The pattern also employs cable techniques, as indicated by the inclusion of a cable needle in the materials list, suggesting decorative cable details are incorporated into the design.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Staithes pattern is designed to be worked in King Cole Majestic DK yarn, a double knit weight yarn that offers versatility and excellent stitch definition. The yarn is specified at 121 metres (131 yards) per 50-gram ball. The total yardage requirement is approximately 10 to 12 balls of 50g (totaling roughly 1,210 to 1,452 metres or 1,310 to 1,572 yards depending on size), worked in Grey 2649, a sophisticated neutral colorway.

Needles and Tools Required

Three different needle sizes are required to achieve proper tension and construction throughout the sweater:

• 3 mm needles (UK size 11, US size 2½) – typically used for ribbed edgings and cuffs
• 3.25 mm needles (UK size 10, US size 3) – a transitional needle size for specific pattern sections
• 4 mm needles (UK size 8, US 6) – the main needles used for the body and sleeves

Additional tools include one cable needle for working cable stitches and two stitch holders for managing stitches during construction, particularly during shoulder shaping and neckline finishing.

Tension and Gauge Information

Achieving proper tension is critical for this pattern. The specified tension is 22 stitches and 28 rows to 10 centimetres (4 inches) over stocking stitch using 4 mm needles. For sections worked in the Box pattern using 4 mm needles, the tension is 25 stitches and 30.5 rows to 10 centimetres (4 inches). Knitters are strongly advised to test their tension before beginning the project to ensure the finished sweater achieves the intended measurements and drape.