Schieffelin

Schieffelin Sweater by Martha Wissing Designs

What is Being Made

The Schieffelin is a women's pullover sweater designed by Martha Wissing. This intermediate-level knitting project offers versatile construction options, allowing knitters to choose between two distinct silhouettes: a slight A-line body with three-quarter length sleeves, or a straight body with full-length sleeves. The sweater is designed with positive ease, ranging from approximately 1 to 4 inches, providing a comfortable, relaxed fit. Finished bust measurements span from 32 inches to 56 inches, accommodating a wide range of sizes.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

This sweater employs modern circular knitting construction techniques, allowing knitters to work seamlessly from the bottom up. The pattern accommodates multiple methods for working small circumferences in the sleeves, giving crafters flexibility based on their preferences and skill level. Knitters may choose between the two-circulars technique, Magic Loop technique, or traditional double-pointed needles (DPNs) for sleeve shaping and finishing. The design incorporates color work elements, utilizing two distinct yarn colors to create visual interest and design definition throughout the garment.

Stitches and Stitch Techniques

While specific stitch abbreviations are not detailed in the provided pattern excerpt, the intermediate skill level indicates the use of fundamental knitting stitches combined with shaping techniques. The construction likely includes stockinette stitch as the primary fabric, with increases and decreases for shaping the A-line silhouette or maintaining the straight body option. Color changes between the primary and accent yarn colors suggest stranded colorwork or color blocking sections within the design.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

Yarn: The Schieffelin is designed to be worked in Berroco Ultra Wool, a worsted-weight yarn offering 100 grams per skein with 219 yards of yardage. Two colorways are specified: Black Pepper (color #33113) serves as the dominant color, while Kohlrabi (color #33117) provides accent color work.

• A-line with three-quarter sleeves option: 4 to 7 skeins of Black Pepper and 1 to 2 skeins of Kohlrabi, depending on size
• Straight body with full-length sleeves option: 4 to 8 skeins of Black Pepper and 1 to 2 skeins of Kohlrabi, depending on size

Needles: The pattern requires size 7 (4.5 mm) circular needles in 16, 24, and 32-inch lengths for the main body construction. Smaller size 5 (3.75 mm) needles in DPN or circular formats are needed for ribbed edgings and cuff work. Circular needle options for sleeve work include 24-inch needles for two-circulars technique, 32-inch or longer needles for Magic Loop technique, or traditional DPNs. All needle sizes are specified as "or size to obtain gauge," allowing knitters to adjust based on their individual gauge swatch results.

Design Features and Sizing

The pattern sample shown measures 40 inches in the bust with 2 inches of positive ease, demonstrating the comfortable, non-fitted aesthetic of the design. The range of finished measurements—from 32 inches through 56 inches—accommodates petite through plus-size proportions. The choice between two distinct silhouettes makes this pattern adaptable to personal style preferences and seasonal dressing needs.