Debbie Bliss Dominique Knitting Pattern

Debbie Bliss Dominique Cardigan

What is Being Made

The Debbie Bliss Dominique is a knitted cardigan designed to fit bust sizes ranging from 76-81cm (30-32 inches) through 117-122cm (46-48 inches). The finished cardigan features a classic button-front closure with six buttons and is available in five size options. The garment is worked from the bottom up and finished with seamed construction, creating a polished, tailored appearance suitable for intermediate-level knitters.

Techniques Used

This cardigan employs several key knitting techniques that add visual interest and texture. The bottom-up construction method allows knitters to try on the garment as it progresses and adjust length as needed. The pattern uses seamed construction, which means individual pieces are knitted separately and then sewn together for a professional finish. The design incorporates horizontal stripes created by alternating between two yarn colors throughout the pattern. The cardigan is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, making it accessible for knitters who prefer traditional flat knitting methods.

Stitches Used

The Dominique features a decorative slip-stitch pattern that creates visual texture and interest. The stitch pattern repeats over four rows and uses fundamental knitting stitches including knit and purl combined with yarn overs and slip stitches. Specifically, the pattern alternates between rows using yarn to front (ytf) and yarn to back (ytb) positions with slipped stitches to create the textured effect. The pattern also incorporates standard shaping techniques such as increases and decreases for armholes and neckline shaping. Ribbed edgings worked in knit and purl provide structure at cuffs and hems.

Materials and Specifications

The Dominique is knitted using Debbie Bliss Piper yarn, a 100g ball weight. The pattern requires two coordinating colorways: Blush 01 (A) and Snow 01 (B). Yardage requirements vary by size, with smaller sizes requiring 4 balls of the main color and 3 balls of the contrast color, while larger sizes need 5 balls of main color and 4 balls of contrast color.

Three sizes of knitting needles are used throughout the construction to create subtle gauge changes and shaping:

• 3.25mm (US 3) needles for a section of the garment
• 3.75mm (US 5) needles for ribbing and transitional sections
• 4mm (US 6) needles for the main pattern sections

The gauge is 24 stitches and 46 rows to 10cm (4 inches) over the pattern using 4mm (US 6) needles. Six buttons are required to complete the button-front closure.

Finished Measurements

The cardigan is designed with the following finished bust measurements across its five size range: 83cm (32¾ inches), 93cm (36½ inches), 103cm (40½ inches), 113cm (44½ inches), and 123cm (48½ inches). The length to shoulder ranges from 60cm to 68cm (23½ to 26¾ inches) depending on size, while the sleeve length is consistent at 44cm (17¼ inches) across all sizes.