Sturgeon

Sturgeon Knit Sweater by Melissa Schaschwary

What Is Being Made

Sturgeon is a knitted sweater pattern designed by independent knitwear designer Melissa Schaschwary. This is a pullover-style garment suitable for intermediate knitters, available as a downloadable PDF pattern. The sweater is designed to fit multiple bust sizes ranging from 30 inches to 50 inches, making it an adaptable project for various body measurements.

Knitting Techniques Used

The Sturgeon pattern incorporates several intermediate-level knitting techniques that add visual interest and shaping to the finished garment. The pattern includes neckline shaping worked using increases strategically placed around the neck opening. Marker placement is essential throughout the construction, with the pattern requiring five stitch markers to track different sections of the sweater as you work. The sweater is constructed using circular knitting needles, which allows for seamless or nearly seamless construction depending on the designer's approach. The pattern also features increases such as m1l (make one left) and m1r (make one right), as well as kfb (knit front and back), which are common techniques for creating shaping and decorative increases in intermediate patterns.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch used throughout Sturgeon is stockinette stitch, which creates a smooth, classic fabric with a flat face and is the foundation of this sweater's construction. The pattern is worked primarily in stockinette stitch over the body and sleeves, providing a clean canvas that showcases the yarn's texture and color. Shaping is accomplished through strategic increases and decreases rather than complex stitch patterns, keeping the focus on garment construction techniques suitable for intermediate knitters.

Yarn and Materials

Sturgeon is designed to work with Aran weight yarn (also called 10 ply), which creates a substantial, warm fabric ideal for a sweater. The pattern recommends two yarn options:

• Eco Wool by Cascade Yarns in Bulky/12 ply weight, offering 478 yards (437 meters) per skein
• Rich Aran by Augustbird Yarns in Aran/10 ply weight, offering 180 yards (165 meters) per skein

Total yardage requirements vary by size, ranging from 550 yards (503 meters) for the smallest size to 850 yards (777 meters) for the largest size. The recommended gauge is 12 stitches and 16 rows over 4 inches (10 centimeters) in stockinette stitch, which is typical for Aran-weight yarns and helps determine the final drape and fit of the garment.

Needles and Notions

The pattern requires US 13/9mm circular knitting needles in two lengths: a 36-inch needle for the body and a 48-inch needle for larger sections. Optional 4 double-pointed needles (dpns) in the same size are included for working smaller circumferences such as sleeves or the neckline. Additionally, US 10/6mm needles in both 48-inch circular and 4 dpn formats are listed, suggesting these may be used for ribbing or other sections requiring a tighter gauge. Essential notions include 5 stitch markers for tracking pattern sections and a darning needle for weaving in ends and seaming if needed.