Debbie Bliss Alina Cable Sweater Knitting Pattern

Debbie Bliss Alina Cable Sweater

What Is Being Made

The Alina Cable Sweater is an advanced-level pullover sweater designed to fit chest sizes ranging from 81-86 cm (32-34 in) through 142-147 cm (56-58 in). The finished garment features a relaxed, oversized fit with chest measurements spanning from 120 cm (47¼ in) in the smallest size to 181 cm (71¼ in) in the largest size. Length to shoulder ranges from 60 cm (23¾ in) to 66 cm (26 in) depending on size, while sleeve length measures between 36-40 cm (14-15¾ in). This is a sophisticated knitwear project suitable for experienced knitters seeking to develop advanced cable-working skills.

Techniques Used

This sweater is constructed using bottom-up construction, meaning the body and sleeves are knitted from the lower edges upward toward the shoulders. The garment is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, requiring seamed finishing where the front, back, and sleeves are sewn together. This traditional approach allows for precise shaping and detailed cable patterning throughout the design.

The pattern incorporates multiple cable techniques of varying complexity. Knitters will work cable stitches including C3B (cable 3 back), C3F (cable 3 front), C4F (cable 4 front), and C8F (cable 8 front). These cables are created by slipping stitches onto cable needles, holding them at the front or back of the work as needed, and then working the held stitches in sequence to create the characteristic twisted rope effect. Additionally, the pattern includes Tw2L (twist 2 left) maneuvers, which involve knitting into the back of the second stitch and the front of the first stitch before slipping both stitches off the needle together, adding textural variation to the cable work.

Stitches Used

The Alina Cable Sweater employs three primary stitch patterns, each with distinct gauge requirements:

• Stocking Stitch (Stockinette Stitch): The foundational stitch pattern, worked by knitting on right-side rows and purling on wrong-side rows. This creates a smooth, classic fabric base that showcases the cable details. Tension gauge for stocking stitch is 22 stitches and 30 rows to 10 cm (4 in) using 4mm (US 6) needles.
• Cable Rib: A textured stitch pattern combining cables with ribbed sections. This stitch is worked at a gauge of 32 stitches to 10 cm (4 in) using 4mm (US 6) needles, creating a denser, more structured fabric ideal for fitted areas and pattern definition.
• Waffle Stitch: A textured stitch pattern that adds visual interest and dimension. The waffle stitch is worked at a gauge of 28 stitches to 10 cm (4 in) using 4mm (US 6) needles, providing a medium density between the other stitch patterns.

The combination of these three stitch patterns creates visual complexity and allows the cable motifs to stand out prominently against contrasting textured backgrounds.

Materials

The Alina Cable Sweater is knitted using Debbie Bliss Rialto DK yarn, a double-knit weight yarn available in the colorway Ecru 02 (A). Yarn requirements vary by size, with quantities ranging from 17 balls (50g/1¾oz each) for the smallest size to 31 balls for the largest size, making this an approximately 850g to 1550g project depending on the finished size selected. The pattern specifies 4mm (US 6) needles for all stitch patterns, along with a cable needle for executing the cable maneuvers. The yarn and needles are specifically chosen to achieve the precise gauge requirements essential for proper fit and cable definition in this advanced garment.