Debbie Bliss Catriona Knitting Pattern

Debbie Bliss Catriona Cardigan

What Is Being Made

The Catriona is an advanced-level knitted cardigan designed by Debbie Bliss, available in five size options to fit chest measurements from 82-87cm (32-34 inches) up to 122-127cm (48-50 inches). The finished cardigan features a chest width ranging from 95cm to 140cm depending on size selected, with a length to shoulder between 55cm and 63cm. The cardigan includes a fixed sleeve length of 45cm (17¾ inches) and is fastened with nine buttons.

Techniques Used

This cardigan employs several advanced knitting techniques that contribute to its sophisticated construction. The primary technique featured throughout is stranded colorwork, also known as Fair Isle patterning, which involves working with multiple yarn colors simultaneously to create intricate geometric designs. The garment is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, allowing for traditional seaming construction. Buttonholes are incorporated into the front bands to accommodate the nine button closures. The cardigan is finished using seamed construction, where individual pieces are sewn together to create the final garment. Button placement and finishing details complete the structured design.

Stitches Used

The pattern utilizes fundamental knitting stitches combined with colorwork techniques. Knit and purl stitches form the base structure, while the Fair Isle patterning is created by carrying yarn colors across the back of the work. Make one increases are used for shaping, created by picking up and working into the back of the loop lying between stitches. Decreases are worked at strategic points to shape the armholes and sleeve caps. The pattern includes cast off (bind off in US terminology) techniques for finishing edges. Yarn forward movements create texture variation where needed in the design.

Materials

The Catriona cardigan is knitted using Debbie Bliss Erin Tweed yarn, a premium wool blend available through LoveCrafts. The yarn is worked at a tension gauge of 25 stitches and 28 rows to a 10cm square using 3.75mm (US 5) needles over the Fair Isle pattern. The colorway palette consists of six distinct colors: Camel 05 (A), Blueberry 014 (B), Peat 07 (C), Wing 03 (D), Damson 018 (E), and Poppy 08 (F). Yardage requirements vary by size, ranging from 3 balls in Camel for the smallest size up to 5 balls for the largest size, with smaller quantities of the accent colors. The pattern requires a pair of 3.25mm (US 3) knitting needles for ribbed edgings and a pair of 3.75mm (US 5) needles for the main body. Nine buttons are required to complete the cardigan closure.