Earnshaw

Earnshaw Knit Sweater by Melissa Schaschwary

What Is Being Made

The Earnshaw is an adult knit sweater designed by independent designer Melissa Schaschwary. This downloadable knitting pattern is available in five sizes ranging from XS to XL, with finished bust measurements of 28–30 inches (XS) up to 44–46 inches (XL). The sweater is constructed using bulky weight yarn, making it a quick and satisfying project for intermediate knitters.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

The Earnshaw sweater employs several intermediate-level knitting techniques. Cable knitting is a primary design element, requiring the use of a cable needle to create textured, twisted stitches throughout the garment. The pattern includes specific cable abbreviations such as CB6 (cable back 6), which involves slipping stitches onto a cable needle, holding them to the back of work, and knitting across before working the held stitches. Right-purl cable (RPC) techniques are also incorporated, adding dimensional interest to the design.

The sweater is worked in the round using circular knitting needles, a technique that eliminates the need for seaming and creates seamless, professional-looking garments. The pattern uses magic loop or double-pointed needles (dpns) for smaller circumferences, particularly when working the neckline and cuffs. Stitch markers are essential for tracking pattern repeats and cable placements throughout construction.

Stitches Used

The Earnshaw pattern incorporates fundamental knitting stitches combined with decorative cable work:

• Stockinette stitch – the primary stitch used for gauge measurement and the base fabric of the sweater
• Knit and purl stitches – the foundation of all cable and textured pattern work
• Cable stitches – including CB6 (6-stitch cable) and 4-stitch right-purl cables (RPC) that create the sweater's dimensional texture
• Slip stitches – used in cable techniques to temporarily hold stitches off the needle

Materials and Tools Required

The Earnshaw pattern calls for bulky weight wool yarn in quantities ranging from 410 yards (XS) to 610 yards (XL), depending on size. The bulky weight ensures the sweater knits up quickly while maintaining structure and drape.

Circular knitting needles in three sizes are required to accommodate different stitch counts throughout the garment:

• US size 10.5 (6.5 mm) circular needle, 24 inches, for ribbed sections and initial cast-on
• US size 11 (8 mm) circular needle, 24 inches, for the main body fabric
• US size 15 (10.0 mm) circular needle, 36 inches, for working larger circumferences
• Four US size 10.5 (6.5 mm) double-pointed needles or a 24-inch circular needle for magic loop technique when working smaller sections

Additional tools include a cable needle for manipulating cable stitches, stitch markers (the pattern recommends having more than the standard two for tracking cable pattern repeats), and a darning needle for weaving in yarn ends after completion.

Gauge and Sizing

The Earnshaw pattern is worked to a gauge of 12 stitches and 16 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished measurements. The sweater accommodates five distinct sizes with bust measurements ranging from 28–30 inches (XS) to 44–46 inches (XL), allowing for a customized fit across a wide range of body types.