Herring Girl is a tribute to the women who worked in the herring fishing industry, especially from the 18th century until the mid 20th century. They were groups of women who would travel the East coast of the United Kingdom from far north to the far south, following herring as they migrated throughout the year. They worked extremely hard, using sharp knives to gut the fish, which could cause injuries, and combined with the salt and brine, the work could be very painful. Working fast was important to preserve the fish and to earn money. Some girls started work at sixteen. The women would often be away from home for months at a time. Some of the herring girls from the Scottish islands may not even have spoken English, only Gaelic. However, working in the herring industry gave these women huge amounts of freedom to travel and work, increasing their independence and confidence. Some crews travelled and lived together for a whole season, instilling a huge amount of camaraderie and community in the group. In their freetime, many of them knitted, even using bicycle spokes when knitting needles were not available to them. They knitted (and might have “invented”) the so-called Gansey sweaters for the fishermen.

When I read about those women some time ago, I wanted to create a comfortable, modern garment which uses some of their typical stitch patterns, imagining a time-traveling herring girl, having the chance to have a relaxed break in a small cafe at the sea, enjoying the moment.

Herring Girl is a sleeveless sweater with some of the typical Gansey sweater details - but it is different.
The piece is worked top down with a generous positive ease.
The sweater can be lengthened or shortened if desired by knitting a different length in the straight stockinette section. Obviously this will have an impact on the amount of yarn you need.
It can be worn with or without a shirt underneath which makes it a perfect garment for several seasons.

Pattern instructions are written with links to video tutorials for certain special techniques. The structured stitch patterns are made of knitted and purled stitches and simple cables and are provided in a chart bundle (not written). You should be able to read a knitting chart.

SIZES
Bust circumference
S: 83.5 (M: 94, L: 104, XL: 114) cm/ S: 32.75 (M: 37, L: 41, XL: 45) in
Bust circumference garment
106 (116, 126, 136) cm/ 41.5 (45.5, 49.5, 53.5) in

EASE
This sweater is designed to have a positive ease of approximately 22 cm / 8.75 in around bust, so the circumference is 22 cm / 8.75 in larger than your usual bust measurement. I recommend choosing the smaller size if you are between 2 sizes.

YARN
Julie Asselin Journey Sport ): 5 (5, 6, 7) skeins, 257 (290, 340, 385) g, 850 (960, 1123, 1272) m, (930 (1050, 1228, 1392) yards)

NEEDLES
Circular knitting needles size 3 mm (US 2.5), 40 cm (16 in) and 80 cm (32 in) length plus 100 cm (40 in) for sizes XL, 2XL
Circular knitting needle sizes 3.5 mm (US 4) or required needle sizes to obtain gauge, length: 40, 60, 80 cm (16, 24, 32 in) plus 100, 120 cm (40, 47 in) for size XL

NOTIONS
8 markers
Cable needle (optional)
Darning needle to weave in ends

GAUGES (3.5mm (US 4) needle:
24 sts / 34 rounds = 10 cm x 10 cm / 4 x 4 in, stockinette st (in the round)
24 sts / 36 rounds = 10 cm x 10 cm / 4 x 4 in, pattern D (in the round)
Please mind: Checking the gauge in the round.

***** Pattern is currently updated and tested for sizes 2XL-4XL *****