Debbie Bliss Berwick Knitting Pattern

Debbie Bliss Berwick Sweater

What is Being Made

The Debbie Bliss Berwick Sweater is an advanced-level knitted pullover jumper designed to fit bust sizes ranging from 81-86 cm (32-34 in) through to 122-127 cm (48-50 in). The finished garment features a classic raglan sleeve construction with finished bust measurements spanning from 112 cm (44 in) to 152 cm (60 in), and length to shoulder measurements from 45 cm (17¾ in) to 53 cm (20¾ in). Sleeve length remains consistent at 45-46 cm (17¾-18 in) across all sizes.

Techniques Used

The Berwick Sweater employs several intermediate to advanced knitting techniques that contribute to its sophisticated construction:

• Bottom-up construction: The sweater is knitted from the bottom upward, allowing for straightforward measurement and fitting adjustments as the garment progresses.
• Worked flat: The main body pieces are worked on straight needles in flat rows rather than in the round, with seaming used to join the finished pieces together.
• Seamed construction: Back and front panels, along with sleeves, are individually knitted and then seamed together to create the final garment shape.
• Raglan shaping: The sleeves are set using raglan armhole decreases, which create diagonal seam lines running from the underarm to the neckline, a hallmark of classic sweater design.
• Cable work: The pattern incorporates cable stitches as a decorative and textural element throughout the design.

Stitches Used

The Berwick Sweater utilizes a range of fundamental and decorative knitting stitches:

• Knit and purl stitches: Form the foundation of the pattern work and stockinette sections.
• Cable stitches (C4B and C4F): Cable 4 back (C4B) involves slipping 2 stitches onto a cable needle and holding at the back of work, knitting the next 2 stitches, then knitting the 2 stitches from the cable needle. Cable 4 front (C4F) follows the same principle but holds the cable needle at the front of work. These techniques create the twisted, rope-like texture characteristic of cable knitting.
• Decreases: The pattern employs p2tog (purl 2 together), p2tog tbl (purl 2 together through back of loops), and skpo (slip 1, knit 1, pass slipped stitch over) to shape the raglan armholes and create fitted shaping.
• Increases: Make one (m1) increases are used to add stitches where needed for shaping and pattern continuity.
• Slip stitches: Used in decrease techniques and pattern work.

Materials

The Berwick Sweater pattern calls for specific materials to achieve the intended fabric characteristics and finished garment quality:

• Yarn: Debbie Bliss Iris in the Flamingo colorway, requiring 8 to 12 balls of 50g weight depending on the chosen size. The Iris yarn is a premium fiber choice from the Debbie Bliss collection.
• Needles: A pair each of 5mm (US 8) and 5.5mm (US 9) straight knitting needles for working the flat pieces. A 5mm (US 8) circular needle, 40cm/16in long, is also required, likely for neckline finishing or ribbing.
• Additional tools: A cable needle is essential for executing the cable stitches, and a stitch holder is needed for holding stitches during construction, particularly at the neckline.
• Gauge: The pattern specifies 17 stitches and 32 rows to a 10cm/4in square over pattern using 5.5mm (US 9) needles, which is critical for achieving the correct finished measurements.

Pattern Characteristics

The Berwick Sweater is classified as an advanced knitting project, reflecting the complexity of cable work integration, raglan shaping, and the precision required for seaming multiple pieces. The pattern provides five size options with detailed stitch counts and row instructions for each, demonstrating the comprehensive nature of this Debbie Bliss design from the