Debbie Bliss Cropped Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Debbie Bliss Cropped Cardigan

What is Being Made

The Debbie Bliss Cropped Cardigan is a children's knitted cardigan designed to fit ages 2 to 6 years. This garment features a shortened body length, making it a cropped style suitable for young children. The cardigan is available in four size options with finished chest measurements ranging from 61cm to 72cm (23¾ to 28¼ inches) and corresponding length measurements from 26cm to 32cm (10¼ to 12½ inches). Sleeve lengths vary from 16cm to 22cm (6¼ to 8¾ inches) across the size range.

Techniques Used

This intermediate-level knitting project employs several essential cardigan construction techniques. The garment is worked flat on straight needles, meaning pieces are knitted in rows rather than in the round. The cardigan features a seamed construction, where individual pieces are sewn together upon completion. Buttonholes are incorporated into the design to accommodate closures, and the finished cardigan is fastened with four buttons. The pattern includes shaping at the shoulders to create a properly fitted garment for a child's proportions.

Stitches Used

The Debbie Bliss Cropped Cardigan primarily uses two fundamental knitting stitches. Stocking stitch (also known as stockinette stitch in US terminology) forms the main fabric of the body and sleeves, creating a smooth, classic knit appearance. Moss stitch is used for decorative borders and edgings, including the front bands and cuff areas. Moss stitch, created by alternating knit and purl stitches in a checkerboard pattern, provides a textured, non-rolling edge that is both functional and visually appealing on a children's garment.

Materials

This pattern requires Debbie Bliss Angel yarn, available exclusively through Lovecrafts. The yarn quantity varies by size: 2 balls for the smallest sizes (ages 2–3 and 3–4 years) and 3 balls for the larger sizes (ages 4–5 and 5–6 years), with each ball weighing 25g (7/8 oz). The cardigan is worked using two sizes of knitting needles: 3mm (US 2–3) needles for the ribbed edgings and moss stitch borders, and 3.25mm (US 3) needles for the main stocking stitch fabric. The pattern specifies a gauge of 22 stitches and 34 rows over a 10cm (4 inch) square in stocking stitch using the 3.25mm needles. Four buttons are required for fastening, along with 1 meter (1 yard) of 5mm (¼ inch) wide ribbon, which likely serves as a decorative or functional trim element.