Debbie Bliss Kentwell Sweater Knitting Pattern

Debbie Bliss Kentwell Sweater

What Is Being Made

The Kentwell Sweater is an advanced-level knitted pullover sweater designed to fit chest sizes from 92–127 cm (36–50 inches). This seamed garment is worked flat on needles and features a sophisticated cable pattern throughout. The finished sweater offers four size options with chest measurements ranging from 112 to 146 cm (44 to 57½ inches) and length to shoulder measurements from 66 to 72 cm (26 to 28¼ inches). Sleeve length measures approximately 54–55 cm (21¼–21¾ inches) across all sizes.

Techniques Used

The Kentwell Sweater employs several intermediate to advanced knitting techniques. The primary construction method is seamed knitting worked flat, meaning the front, back, and sleeves are knitted as separate pieces on straight needles and then sewn together. The sweater features prominent cable work as its signature design element, created using a cable needle to manipulate stitches and produce the characteristic twisted rope-like texture. Additional shaping techniques include increasing stitches (using the make one method by picking up and working into the loop between stitches) and decreasing stitches for armhole and neckline shaping. The pattern also incorporates ribbed edging for structure and fit at the cuffs, hem, and neckline.

Stitches Used

The Kentwell Sweater pattern relies on fundamental knitting stitches combined to create its textured cable design. The primary stitches include:

• Knit stitch (k) – the basic stitch forming the foundation of the fabric
• Purl stitch (p) – used to create reverse texture and define the cable pattern
• Cable 6 Front (C6F) – the signature cable stitch that forms the sweater's decorative pattern, created by slipping three stitches onto a cable needle, holding them to the front of the work, knitting three stitches, then knitting the three stitches from the cable needle
• Ribbing – alternating knit and purl stitches (k2, p4 or k4, p2 sequences) used for fitted edges
• Make one (m1) – an increase technique for shaping

The pattern repeats over 12 rows, with cable twists occurring on the 5th row of each repeat, creating a regular, rhythmic texture throughout the sweater body.

Materials

The Kentwell Sweater is knitted using Debbie Bliss Rialto DK yarn, a double-knit weight yarn. The main color is Teal (color 20), requiring 18–22 balls of 50g weight depending on size selected. A contrasting accent color, White (color 01), is also needed in a quantity of two 50g balls, likely for ribbed edging or trim details.

Needles required include a 3.25mm (US 3) circular needle for initial ribbed sections, a pair of 3.75mm (US 5) knitting needles for ribbed edging, and a pair of 4mm (US 6) knitting needles for the main cable pattern work. A cable needle is essential for executing the C6F cable stitches throughout the design. The pattern specifies a gauge of 26 stitches and 31 rows to 10 cm (4 inches) over the cable pattern when slightly stretched using 4mm (US 6) needles, making accurate gauge checking critical for proper fit.