Debbie Bliss Brae Knitting Pattern

Debbie Bliss Brae Sweater

What is Being Made

The Debbie Bliss Brae is an advanced-level knitted sweater designed for a close-fitting bust measurement. This garment is available in four sizes to fit bust measurements ranging from 86-97 cm (32-34 inches) up to 112-117 cm (44-46 inches), with corresponding finished bust measurements of 94 cm to 130 cm (37 inches to 51¼ inches). The sweater features a length to shoulder ranging from 44 to 50 cm (17¼ to 19¾ inches) depending on size, with sleeve lengths of 44-45 cm (17¼ to 17¾ inches). This is a classic pullover-style sweater suitable for everyday wear.

Techniques Used

The Brae sweater employs several intermediate to advanced knitting techniques that contribute to its sophisticated construction. The garment is worked flat, meaning it is knitted in separate pieces rather than in the round. The pieces are then seamed together to create the finished sweater. The most prominent technique featured in this design is stranded colorwork, also known as fair isle patterning. This traditional method involves carrying yarn colors not currently in use across the wrong side of the work, creating an elastic, textured fabric. The pattern instructions emphasize that yarns should be stranded loosely across the wrong side to maintain fabric elasticity and prevent puckering. The sweater is constructed using a bottom-up approach, meaning knitting begins at the lower edge and progresses upward toward the shoulders and neckline.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch structure used throughout the Brae sweater is stocking stitch, which creates the smooth, classic knit fabric base. The colorwork pattern is worked using the fundamental knit and purl stitches as indicated by the fair isle chart provided in the pattern. Additional shaping techniques include make one (m1) increases, created by picking up and working into the back of the loop lying between the stitch just worked and the next stitch, and slip, knit, pass slipped stitch over (skpo) decreases, which are used to shape the armholes, neckline, and sleeve caps. These stitch techniques are essential for achieving the precise fit and professional finish characteristic of this advanced pattern.

Materials and Yarn

The Brae sweater is knitted using Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino, a luxury yarn blend that provides softness and drape. The pattern requires multiple colors to create the stranded fair isle design. The primary colors needed are Camel 102 (A) and Indigo 207 (B), with quantities ranging from 2-3 balls and 1-2 balls respectively depending on size. Additional accent colors include Sienna 67 (two 50g balls) and one 50g ball each of Flame 306, Olive 312, Lagoon 310, Drake 302, Kingfisher 72, Acid Yellow 91, Mustard 316, Teddy 308, Rose Pink 94, Lipstick Pink 78, Chocolate 11, and Mouse 309. This extensive color palette creates a rich, complex fair isle pattern.

Needles and Gauge

The Brae pattern requires two pairs of knitting needles: one pair of 3mm (US 2/3) needles and one pair of 3.25mm (US 3) needles. The 3mm needles are typically used for ribbed edgings, while the 3.25mm needles are used for the main body and fair isle pattern work. The pattern is worked to a gauge of 27 stitches and 34 rows to a 10cm (4 inch) square over the fair isle pattern using 3.25mm (US 3) needles. Achieving the correct gauge is critical for this advanced project, as it ensures the sweater will fit properly and the fair isle pattern will display at the intended scale.