Debbie Bliss Katie Shawl Collar Sweater Knitting Pattern

Debbie Bliss Katie Shawl Collar Sweater

What Is Being Made

The Katie Shawl Collar Sweater is a knitted pullover garment featuring a distinctive shawl collar design. This intermediate-level project is worked in seven different sizes to fit chest measurements ranging from 81–86 cm (32–34 inches) up to 142–147 cm (56–58 inches). The finished garment offers a relaxed fit with back length measurements varying from 55 cm (21¾ inches) in the smallest size to 66 cm (26 inches) in the largest size. Sleeves are a consistent length of 45 cm (17¾ inches) across all sizes.

Techniques Used

The Katie Shawl Collar Sweater employs several key knitting techniques to create its structure and visual interest. The garment is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, meaning pieces are constructed individually and then joined together. The construction method is seamed, with separate back, front, and sleeve pieces assembled using seaming techniques to create the finished sweater.

Cable work is a primary design element in this pattern, adding textural depth and visual appeal to the sweater. The pattern also incorporates wrap stitches, which are used to create smooth shaping on right side and wrong side rows. These wrapping techniques involve slipping stitches and manipulating yarn position (bringing yarn to front or taking yarn to back of work) to create neat, professional-looking decreases and shaping details.

Stitches Used

The pattern utilizes fundamental knitting stitches combined with more advanced techniques. Core stitches include knit and purl stitches, which form the foundation of the fabric. The pattern employs cable stitches to create the textured cable design elements throughout the sweater. Additionally, the pattern uses k1b (knit next stitch through the centre of the next stitch one row below), which creates a decorative or structural effect. Wrap stitches are worked on both right side and wrong side rows to achieve shaping without visible decreases.

Materials

The Katie Shawl Collar Sweater is designed to be made with Debbie Bliss Saphia yarn in the colorway Peat 03. Yarn quantities are approximate and based on average requirements, ranging from 10 hanks (100g/3½oz per hank) for the smallest size up to 14 hanks for the largest size, providing flexibility for different gauges and knitting styles.

The pattern requires two pairs of knitting needles in different sizes to achieve proper gauge and fabric characteristics. 6mm (US 10) knitting needles are used for ribbing or edging sections, while 7mm (US 10½) knitting needles are used for the main pattern work. A cable needle is essential for working the cable stitches that form the decorative elements of the design. The recommended tension is 11 stitches and 26 rows to a 10 cm (4 inch) square when measured over pattern using the 7mm needles.