Debbie Bliss Gudrun Sweater Knitting Pattern

Debbie Bliss Gudrun Sweater

What is Being Made

The Gudrun Sweater is a sophisticated knitted pullover designed by Debbie Bliss, available in four sizes to fit bust measurements from 82-87 cm (32-34 inches) through 112-117 cm (44-46 inches). The finished garment features a back neck length ranging from 72 to 78 cm (28¼ to 30¾ inches) depending on size, with consistent sleeve length of 37 cm (14½ inches) across all sizes. This is an advanced-level knitting project that showcases cable work and color work techniques.

Techniques Used

The Gudrun Sweater employs several key knitting techniques that define its advanced difficulty level:

• Cable knitting: The pattern features prominent cable stitches worked using a cable needle, including variations such as C4F (cable 4 front), C4B (cable 4 back), C12F (cable 12 front), and C12B (cable 12 back). These cable crosses are worked at different intervals throughout the pattern to create textured panels.
• Worked flat: The sweater is constructed by working back and forth on needles rather than in the round, with pieces later seamed together.
• Seamed construction: The back and front panels are worked separately and identically, then joined using seaming techniques to create the finished garment.
• Two-color knitting: The design incorporates colorwork using two distinct yarn colors: Stone 27 (main color) and Charcoal 28 (contrast color), allowing for visual interest and design definition.
• Decreasing and shaping: The pattern includes techniques such as p2tog (purl two together) and k2tog (knit two together) for shaping the garment, as well as m1 (make one) increases for adding stitches where needed.

Stitches Used

The Gudrun Sweater pattern utilizes fundamental and intermediate knitting stitches combined with advanced cable work:

• Stockinette stitch (st st): The primary fabric stitch, created by alternating knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side, providing a smooth, classic finish.
• Garter stitch elements: Knit and purl stitches are combined in ribbed sections, particularly in the cuff and waistband areas using [k2, p2] repeats.
• Cable stitches: Multiple cable variations including C4F, C4B, C12F, and C12B create the textured, dimensional pattern throughout the sweater body.
• Decreases: p2tog (purl two together) and k2tog (knit two together) are used strategically for shaping.
• Increases: m1 (make one stitch) technique is employed where the pattern requires additional stitches.

Materials

The Gudrun Sweater is designed to be worked in Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran, a luxury yarn blend combining cashmere, merino wool, and microfiber for softness and durability. Yarn requirements vary by size:

• Main color (Stone 27): 15 to 21 balls of 50g each, depending on size
• Contrast color (Charcoal 28): 6 to 8 balls of 50g each, depending on size

The pattern calls for specific needle sizes to achieve proper gauge and fabric characteristics:

• 4.5mm (US 7) knitting needles: Used for ribbed cuff and waistband sections
• 5mm (US 8) knitting needles: The primary needle size for working the main body of the sweater in stockinette and patterned stitches
• 5mm (US 8) circular needle: Used for casting on and working the back and front panels
• Cable needle: Essential for manipulating stitches when working the cable pattern repeats

Gauge and Pattern Tension

Achieving proper gauge is critical for the Gudrun Sweater to fit correctly. The pattern specifies two different gauges depending on the stitch being worked:

• Stockinette stitch gauge: