Debbie Bliss Cable Sweater With Collar Knitting Pattern

Debbie Bliss Cable Sweater With Collar

What Is Being Made

This is an advanced-level knitted sweater featuring a distinctive collar, crafted using the Debbie Bliss British Wool Aran yarn. The garment is designed to fit chest measurements ranging from 81–86 cm (32–34 in) through 142–147 cm (56–58 in), with finished chest widths from 91 cm (36 in) to 156 cm (61¼ in). The sweater offers length options to the back neck ranging from 52 cm (20½ in) to 61 cm (24 in), with consistent sleeve seams of 15 cm (6 in) across all sizes.

Techniques Used

This sweater is constructed using seamed, worked-flat knitting techniques, meaning the main body pieces are knitted flat on straight needles and then sewn together. The pattern incorporates extensive cable work, which is a hallmark advanced knitting technique requiring the use of a cable needle to create twisted, rope-like texture effects throughout the garment. The collar is worked using double-pointed needles, indicating it is knitted in the round for a seamless finish at the neckline.

Stitches Used

The pattern employs several cable stitches of varying complexity:

• C2B (Cable 2 Back): Slip one stitch onto a cable needle, hold at back of work, knit one stitch, then knit one stitch from the cable needle
• C2F (Cable 2 Front): Slip one stitch onto a cable needle, hold to front of work, knit one stitch, then knit one stitch from the cable needle
• C4B (Cable 4 Back): Slip two stitches onto a cable needle, hold at back of work, knit two stitches, then knit two stitches from the cable needle
• C4F (Cable 4 Front): Slip two stitches onto a cable needle, hold to front of work, knit two stitches, then knit two stitches from the cable needle
• T3B (Twist 3 Back): Slip one stitch onto a cable needle, hold at back of work, knit two stitches, then purl one stitch from the cable needle
• T3F (Twist 3 Front): Slip two stitches onto a cable needle, hold to front of work, purl one stitch, then knit two stitches from the cable needle
• T5F (Twist 5 Front): Slip two stitches onto a cable needle, hold to front of work, knit two stitches, purl one stitch, then knit two stitches from the cable needle

The pattern also references Irish moss stitch (known as American moss stitch in US terminology), which creates a textured, bumpy fabric surface and provides visual contrast to the cable sections.

Materials Required

The sweater is made from Debbie Bliss British Wool Aran yarn in the Cream 01 colorway. Yarn quantities are approximate and based on average requirements, ranging from 9 balls (50g/1¾oz each) for the smallest size to 18 balls for the largest size.

The pattern requires three pairs of straight knitting needles in graduated sizes: 4mm (US 6), 4.5mm (US 7), and 5mm (US 8). Additionally, two sets of 4.5mm (US 7) and 5mm (US 8) double-pointed needles are needed for the collar work. A cable needle is essential for executing all the cable and twist stitches throughout the design.

Gauge and Tension

The pattern is worked to a gauge of 22 stitches and 24 rows over a 10 cm (4 in) square using 5mm (US 8) needles. Achieving the correct gauge is critical for this advanced project to ensure the finished sweater meets the specified measurements.