Debbie Bliss Gisela Knitting Pattern

Debbie Bliss Gisela Baby Cardigan

What is Being Made

The Gisela is a knitted baby cardigan designed by Debbie Bliss, suitable for infants aged 9 to 36 months. This garment is a classic buttoned cardigan with finished chest measurements ranging from 56cm (22 inches) for the smallest size to 67cm (26½ inches) for the largest size. The cardigan features a length to shoulder of 30cm to 37cm (11¾ to 14½ inches) depending on size, with sleeve lengths ranging from 19cm to 26cm (7½ to 10¼ inches). The design includes embroidered details worked in multiple colors, adding decorative interest to the finished piece.

Techniques Used

This intermediate-level cardigan is constructed using several key knitting techniques:

• Bottom-up construction: The cardigan is worked from the bottom edges upward, allowing for easy adjustments to length during the knitting process.
• Worked flat: All pieces are knitted flat on straight needles rather than in the round, creating seamed garment sections.
• Seamed assembly: Individual pieces (back, fronts, and sleeves) are knitted separately and then seamed together to form the finished cardigan.
• Buttonholes: The design incorporates buttonholes along the front opening to accommodate six buttons for closure.
• Embroidery embellishment: Multiple embroidery stitches are worked onto the finished knitted fabric using 4ply or double knitting yarn in various colors including ecru, yellow, green, red, blue, and purple.

Stitches Used

The Gisela cardigan employs a straightforward stitch repertoire suitable for intermediate knitters:

• Stockinette stitch (st st): The primary fabric stitch used throughout the body and sleeves of the cardigan, creating a smooth, classic knitted surface.
• Ribbing: Knit and purl ribbing is used for the cuff and hem edges, providing elasticity and a neat finish. The ribbing pattern alternates knit and purl stitches (k1, p1) and is repeated multiple times to create the edging.
• Decrease stitches: Slip, knit, pass slipped stitch over (skpo) is used for shaping, particularly at the neck edge and shoulder areas.
• Make one increase (m1): Used to add stitches where shaping requires increases.
• Embroidery stitches: Detached chain stitch, back stitch, straight stitch, and French knots in various colors are applied to the finished fabric for decorative detail.

Materials

The Gisela cardigan is knitted using premium materials specified by Debbie Bliss:

• Yarn: Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino in Dark Grey 58 is the main yarn. The yardage required is 4(4:5:5) balls of 50g each, depending on the size being knitted. Baby Cashmerino is a luxury blend yarn known for its softness and suitability for delicate baby garments.
• Embroidery yarn: Small amounts of 4ply or double knitting yarn in ecru, yellow, green, red, blue, and purple are needed for the embroidered embellishments.
• Needles: Two pairs of knitting needles are required—3mm (US 2) needles for the ribbed edges and 3.25mm (US 3) needles for the main stockinette stitch fabric.
• Notions: Six buttons are needed for the cardigan front closure.
• Gauge: The pattern is worked to a gauge of 25 stitches and 34 rows over a 10cm (4-inch) square using 3.25mm (US 3) needles in stockinette stitch.