Debbie Bliss Hanna Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Debbie Bliss Hanna Cardigan

What is Being Made

The Hanna Cardigan is a seamed knit cardigan designed by Debbie Bliss, available in seven size options ranging from chest 81-86cm (32-34 inches) to 142-147cm (56-58 inches). This intermediate-level project produces a finished cardigan with chest measurements from 109cm (43 inches) to 165cm (65 inches), with an approximate length ranging from 52cm to 63cm (20½ to 24¾ inches) depending on size selected. The cardigan features a classic button-front closure with five buttons and long sleeves measuring 45cm (17¾ inches).

Techniques Used

This cardigan employs seamed construction, meaning individual pieces are knitted separately and then joined together using a seaming technique. The pattern incorporates cable knitting as a decorative element, featuring cable panels that add visual interest and texture to the design. The construction involves working flat pieces on straight needles before assembly, with raglan shaping used for the sleeve cap decreases. Circular knitting needles are also required for working certain sections, indicating the pattern may use both flat and circular needle techniques depending on the construction method chosen.

Stitches Used

The Hanna Cardigan utilizes several fundamental and decorative stitches:

• Stocking stitch (st st) – the primary stitch used throughout the cardigan, creating a smooth, classic knit fabric
• Cable stitches – specifically C6B (cable 6 back: slip 3 stitches onto cable needle and hold at back of work, knit 3, then knit 3 from cable needle) and C6F (cable 6 front: slip 3 stitches onto cable needle and hold to front of work, knit 3, then knit 2 from cable needle)
• Knit and purl stitches – used in combination to create the cable panel pattern worked over 13 stitches
• Decreases – including k2tog (knit 2 together) and skpo (slip 1, knit 1, pass slipped stitch over) for shaping the raglan armholes
• Knit front and back (kfb) – for increasing stitches where needed

Materials and Yarn

The Hanna Cardigan is designed to be knitted in Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Chunky yarn in the colorway Pebble (8). Yarn quantities vary by size, ranging from 13 to 23 balls of 50g/1¾oz each, depending on the finished chest measurement selected.

Needles and Notions

The pattern requires a comprehensive needle collection to accommodate different sections:

• Pair of 5.5mm (US 9) knitting needles – for ribbed edges and initial cast-on
• Pair of 6mm (US 10) knitting needles – for main fabric in stocking stitch
• 5.5mm (US 9) circular knitting needles, minimum 100cm (39 inches) long
• 6mm (US 10) circular knitting needles, minimum 100cm (39 inches) long
• Pair of 5.5mm (US 9) double-pointed needles – for sleeve caps or small circumference sections
• Cable needle – essential for working the cable panel stitches
• 8 stitch markers – for tracking pattern repeats and shaping points
• 5 buttons, each 2cm (¾ inch) diameter – for the button-front closure

Gauge and Construction Details

The pattern is worked to a gauge of 15 stitches and 22 rows to 10cm (4 inches) over stocking stitch using 6mm (US 10) needles. This chunky-weight gauge creates a quick-knitting project suitable for intermediate knitters. The cardigan features raglan shaping for the armholes, achieved through strategic decreases worked on either side of stitch markers. The cable panel, worked over 13 stitches, provides a decorative vertical element that runs through the body of the cardigan