Debbie Bliss Harper Knitting Pattern

Debbie Bliss Harper Knitted Cardigan

What is Being Made

The Debbie Bliss Harper is an intermediate-level knitted cardigan designed to fit bust sizes from 76-81 cm (30-32 inches) through 107-112 cm (42-44 inches). The finished garment features bust measurements ranging from 92 cm (36¼ inches) to 131 cm (51¾ inches), with length to shoulder measurements between 71-78 cm (28-30¾ inches) and sleeve lengths from 44-48 cm (17¼-19 inches). The cardigan is fastened with 6 buttons and is suitable for knitters with intermediate experience.

Techniques Used

The Harper cardigan is constructed using several key knitting techniques that create visual interest and structure:

• Bottom-up construction: The cardigan is worked from the lower edge upward, allowing for easier fitting adjustments and a natural progression through the pattern.
• Worked flat: Rather than in the round, this cardigan is knitted flat on straight needles, which is then seamed together. This technique provides greater control over shaping and stitch placement.
• Seamed construction: Pieces are individually worked flat and then carefully seamed together, creating clean, professional-looking seams that contribute to the garment's structure and fit.
• Cable work: The pattern incorporates cable stitches, specifically C10B (cable 10 back) and C10F (cable 10 front) techniques, which involve slipping stitches onto a cable needle and crossing them over working stitches to create dimensional twisted rope effects.

Stitches Used

The Harper cardigan employs a range of fundamental and decorative knitting stitches:

• Stocking stitch (st st): The primary stitch used throughout the garment, creating a smooth, classic knit fabric with a flat appearance on the right side.
• Garter stitch elements: Purl stitches are strategically placed to create textured panels and definition between cable sections.
• Cable stitches: C10B and C10F crosses create prominent twisted cable motifs that run vertically down the front and body of the cardigan, adding visual depth and texture.
• Increases: The pattern uses m1 (make one) increases, created by picking up and working into the back of the loop lying between stitches, to add stitches gradually for shaping.
• Decreases: Skpo (slip, knit, pass slipped stitch over) decreases are used for shaping the armholes and neckline.
• Yarn overs: Y2rn (yarn twice round needle) creates decorative eyelets or lace effects within the pattern structure.

Materials

The Harper cardigan requires specific yarn and needle specifications for proper gauge and finished appearance:

• Yarn: The pattern calls for 8 to 11 balls of 100g Debbie Bliss Piper yarn in Blush (the main color), depending on size, plus one 50g ball of Debbie Bliss Piper in Snow 01 (contrast color). This yarn choice provides the appropriate weight and texture for the cable-detailed design.
• Needles: The project requires both 3.75mm (US 5) and 4mm (US 6) knitting needles. The 3.75mm needles are used for ribbed edgings and initial rows to create a tighter gauge, while the 4mm needles are used for the main body. Additionally, an 80cm/32-inch circular needle in 3.75mm is specified, and a cable needle is essential for managing the cable stitches.
• Gauge: The pattern is worked to a gauge of 22 stitches and 30 rows over 10cm (4 inches) in stocking stitch using 4mm (US 6) needles, which is critical for achieving the correct finished measurements.
• Notions: Six buttons are required to complete the cardigan front closure.

Pattern Structure and Design Details

The Harper cardigan features a well-organized pattern structure that balances ease of construction with visual appeal. The garment begins with ribbed edging worked on smaller needles, followed by an increase row that establishes the stitch pattern. The main pattern alternates between rows of purl stitches and knit sections, with cable crosses occurring at regular intervals