Debbie Bliss Cable & Garter Sweater Knitting Pattern

Debbie Bliss Cable & Garter Sweater

What Is Being Made

The Debbie Bliss Cable & Garter Sweater is a classic knitted pullover designed for intermediate knitters. This seamed sweater features a striking combination of cable and garter stitch textures worked in a neutral Pebble colorway. The design is available in six sizes ranging from chest measurements of 81-86cm (32-34 inches) up to 132-137cm (52-54 inches), making it suitable for various body types and fit preferences.

Techniques Used

This sweater is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, meaning the front and back pieces are knitted separately and then seamed together at the sides and shoulders. This construction method is a traditional approach that allows for easier pattern management and shaping. The cable work requires the use of a cable needle to create the twisted rope-like texture that defines the sweater's visual interest. Knitters will practice cable techniques including C4B (Cable 4 Back) and C4F (Cable 4 Front) maneuvers, which involve slipping stitches onto a cable needle, leaving them at the back or front of the work, and then knitting across before returning to the held stitches.

Stitches Used

The primary stitches employed in this design are garter stitch and cable stitch. Garter stitch, created by knitting every row, forms the textured background and provides a sturdy, reversible fabric with horizontal ridges. The cable stitches create the decorative raised patterns that run vertically through the sweater. Additional standard knitting techniques include knit (k), purl (p), increases (inc), and decreases such as sk2po (slip 1, knit 2 together, pass slipped stitch over) and ssk (slip, slip, knit). These fundamental stitches work together to shape the garment at the armholes, neckline, and sleeve caps.

Materials and Tools

This pattern requires Debbie Bliss Dulcie yarn in the colorway Pebble 03. The yardage needed varies by size, ranging from 13 balls (50g/1¾oz each) for the smallest size up to 22 balls for the largest size. Knitters will need a pair of 7mm (US 10.5) knitting needles for the main fabric and a cable needle for managing cable stitches. The recommended tension is 15 stitches and 26 rows to 10cm/4in square over garter stitch using 7mm needles, with the cable repeat measuring 12 stitches to 6cm/2¼in and 8 rows to 4cm/1½in. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished measurements.

Finished Measurements

• Chest: 124cm to 185cm (49 to 73 inches) across six size options
• Back Length: 54cm to 66cm (21¼ to 26 inches)
• Sleeve Length: 28cm to 34cm (11 to 13½ inches)

This downloadable PDF pattern from Debbie Bliss provides a complete intermediate-level knitting project that combines classic cable and garter stitch techniques in a versatile, wearable sweater design.