Debbie Bliss Connie Knitting Pattern

Debbie Bliss Connie Cardigan

What is Being Made

The Debbie Bliss Connie is a children's cardigan designed to fit ages 3–4 through 11–12 years. This garment features a colorblock construction using multiple coordinating yarn colors, with finished chest measurements ranging from 75cm (29½ inches) for the smallest size to 94cm (37 inches) for the largest size. The cardigan is worked in a classic button-front style with raglan armholes and includes functional patch pockets.

Techniques Used

This intermediate-level knitting project employs several key construction techniques:

• Bottom-up construction: The cardigan is knitted from the lower edge upward, allowing for easy adjustments to length during the knitting process.
• Worked flat: All pieces are worked on straight needles in flat rows rather than in the round, making this an accessible project for knitters comfortable with traditional flat knitting.
• Seamed assembly: Individual pieces (back, fronts, sleeves, and neckband) are knitted separately and then seamed together to create the finished garment.
• Raglan shaping: The armholes are shaped using raglan decreases, which create diagonal seam lines from the underarm to the neckline for a comfortable, contemporary fit.
• Buttonhole placement: Button bands are incorporated with strategically placed buttonholes for secure closure.
• Pocket integration: The design includes two patch pockets created from separate pocket linings that are worked in a contrasting yarn color.

Stitches Used

The Connie cardigan is constructed primarily using fundamental knitting stitches suitable for an intermediate maker:

• Stocking stitch (stockinette stitch): The main fabric throughout the garment, created by alternating knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side, producing a smooth, classic appearance.
• Knit and purl stitches: Basic stitches that form the foundation of the stocking stitch pattern.
• Increase stitches (m1): Make-one increases worked by picking up and working into the back of the loop lying between the stitch just worked and the next stitch, used for shaping.
• Decrease stitches (k2tog, skpo): Knit two together and slip-knit-pass-over decreases used to shape the raglan armholes and create the tapered sleeve cap.
• Slip stitches: Used in decrease sequences and for edge finishing.

Materials

The Connie cardigan is designed to be made using Debbie Bliss Eco Baby yarn, an environmentally conscious choice for children's garments. The yarn requirements vary by size but include:

• 2 to 3 balls (50g each) of Debbie Bliss Eco Baby in Petal 53 (color A)
• 2 to 3 balls (50g each) of Debbie Bliss Eco Baby in Teal 56 (color B)
• 2 balls (50g each) of Debbie Bliss Eco Baby in Rose 12 (color C)
• 2 balls (50g each) of Debbie Bliss Eco Baby in Duck Egg 08 (color D)
• 2 balls (50g each) of Debbie Bliss Eco Baby in Citrus 57 (color E)
• One pair each of 3mm (US 2–3) and 3.25mm (US 3) knitting needles for working the main fabric and ribbed edgings
• 5 to 7 buttons (quantity depends on size) for front closure

Gauge and Finished Dimensions

The pattern is worked to a gauge of 25 stitches and 34 rows over a 10cm (4-inch) square in stocking stitch using 3.25mm (US 3) needles. This gauge is essential for achieving the correct finished measurements. Sleeve length ranges from 26cm (10¼ inches) for the smallest size to 42cm (16½ inches) for the largest, with length to shoulder measurements ranging from 36cm (14¼ inches) to 54cm (21¼ inches).

Pattern Format

This pattern is provided