Debbie Bliss Gabriel Sheep Jacket Knitting Pattern

Debbie Bliss Gabriel Sheep Jacket

What Is Being Made

The Gabriel Sheep Jacket is a children's knitted cardigan designed to fit ages 12, 24, and 36 months. This garment features decorative sheep motifs and is constructed as a full-zip jacket with long sleeves. The finished measurements range from 72cm (28¼ in) chest for the 12-month size to 80cm (31½ in) for the 36-month size, with corresponding length and sleeve adjustments across the three size options.

Techniques Used

This intermediate-level knitting project employs multiple advanced colorwork techniques to create visual interest and the signature sheep design. The primary techniques include:

• Intarsia: Used for the sheep motif sections, where separate small balls of yarn are worked for each distinct color area. The pattern requires twisting yarns on the wrong side at color changes to prevent holes and maintain fabric integrity.
• Stranded colorwork: Incorporated throughout the patterned sections to add decorative detail and create the sheep imagery.
• Worked flat: The jacket pieces are knitted flat on straight needles rather than in the round, allowing for easier construction of the front opening and zipper application.
• Zipper insertion: An open-ended zip is sewn into the center front opening, with sizes ranging from 25cm (10 in) for the smallest size to 35cm (14 in) for the largest, creating a functional and secure closure.

Stitches Used

The Gabriel Sheep Jacket utilizes fundamental knitting stitches combined in specific sequences:

• Ribbing: The cuffs and waistband are worked in a 2x2 rib pattern (knit 2, purl 2) using the smaller 3¾mm (US 5) needles. This ribbing is worked in multiple colors, including 2 rows in Black and 4 rows in Mint, creating a striped effect at the garment edges.
• Stocking stitch: The main fabric is worked in stocking stitch (knit on right-side rows, purl on wrong-side rows), providing a smooth, classic stockinette surface ideal for displaying the colorwork motifs.
• Pattern rows: The sheep motifs are introduced after the initial ribbed section and worked from a provided chart across 12 rows, with the colorwork pattern repeated as specified in the instructions.

Materials

The Gabriel Sheep Jacket is knitted using Debbie Bliss Rialto DK, a double-knit weight yarn available exclusively through Lovecrafts. The yarn requirements vary by size:

• 4(5:6) balls of Debbie Bliss Rialto DK in Mint 54 (M) for the main color
• Two balls in Ecru 02 (A) for secondary colorwork
• One ball in Bark 87 (B) for accent details
• One ball in Black 03 (C) for contrast elements and ribbing

The pattern requires two pairs of knitting needles: 3¾mm (US 5) needles for the ribbed sections and 4mm (US 6) needles for the main fabric. An open-ended zip in the appropriate size for each garment size (25cm, 30cm, or 35cm) completes the closure.

Gauge and Construction Notes

The tension for this project is 22 stitches and 30 rows to a 10cm (4 in) square worked in stocking stitch using 4mm (US 6) needles. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for proper fit across the three size options. The pattern includes separate schematic measurements for the back, front, and sleeves, with the back and front pieces measuring 37.5cm (14¾ in) to 41cm (16 in) wide depending on size.