Debbie Bliss Cable Eyelet Jumper Knitting Pattern

Debbie Bliss Cable Eyelet Jumper

Project Overview

The Debbie Bliss Cable Eyelet Jumper is a classic knitted sweater designed to fit bust sizes 32–34 inches (81–86 cm) through 40–42 inches (102–107 cm). This garment combines traditional cable techniques with delicate eyelet detailing, creating an elegant piece suitable for various occasions. The finished bust measurements range from 94 cm (37 inches) to 114 cm (45 inches), with length to shoulder varying from 55 cm (21¾ inches) to 60 cm (23½ inches). All sleeve lengths are a consistent 44 cm (17¼ inches) across sizes.

Knitting Techniques

This jumper is constructed using a bottom-up, seamed approach, meaning the back and front pieces are knitted separately from the bottom edge upward, then joined together with seams. The garment is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, allowing for straightforward pattern management and shaping.

The design features two primary techniques that define its aesthetic:

• Cable Work: Cable stitches are created using a cable needle to manipulate stitch positions, producing raised, twisted columns of fabric. The pattern includes C4B (cable 4 back) and C4F (cable 4 front) abbreviations, which involve slipping stitches onto a cable needle, holding them either at the back or front of the work, knitting the next stitches, then knitting the held stitches. These techniques create the dimensional texture characteristic of cable-knit sweaters.
• Eyelet Details: Eyelets are small decorative holes formed using yarn forward (yf) and yarn round needle (yrn) increases paired with decreases like k2tog (knit two together) and p2tog (purl two together). These create an openwork pattern that adds visual interest and allows fabric drape.

Stitches and Pattern Construction

The jumper begins with a ribbed cuff worked over 6 rows using a combination of knit and purl stitches with integrated eyelets. The rib pattern alternates between rows of [K3, yf, k2tog] repeats and [P3, yrn, p2tog] repeats, establishing both elasticity and the eyelet motif from the garment's lower edge.

Foundation rows follow the ribbing, introducing increases created by m1 (make one) stitches, which are formed by picking up and working into the back of the loop lying between the stitch just worked and the next stitch. These increases shape the garment and prepare the stitch count for the main cable and eyelet pattern.

The main pattern section combines cable stitches with eyelet repeats across the back and front pieces. Stocking stitch (stockinette stitch) forms the base fabric, with cables and eyelets integrated throughout. The pattern is worked over multiple rows, with right-side and wrong-side rows coordinating to maintain pattern integrity.

Materials and Gauge

This pattern calls for 14–17 balls of Debbie Bliss Mia yarn in White 01, depending on size. Debbie Bliss Mia is a smooth, versatile yarn that showcases cable and eyelet detail beautifully.

Knitting needles required include a pair each of 3.75mm (US 5) and 4mm (US 6) needles, plus a cable needle for manipulating cable stitches. The 3.75mm needles are used for the ribbed cuff, while the 4mm needles are used for the main body.

The specified tension is 22 stitches and 30 rows to 10 cm (4 inches) over stocking stitch using 4mm (US 6) needles. Achieving this gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished measurements. The pattern notes that if tension over stocking stitch is correct, the tension over the cable and eyelet pattern should also be accurate.

Construction Details

The back and front pieces are worked identically, simplifying the knitting process. Cast-on stitches range from 128 stitches (smallest size) to 188 stitches (largest size), providing the foundation for the finished bust width. The garment is seamed together after all pieces are complete, creating clean, professional-looking side seams that integrate the cable and eyelet patterns seamlessly.