Debbie Bliss Lace & Garter Stitch Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Debbie Bliss Lace & Garter Stitch Cardigan

What Is Being Made

The Debbie Bliss Lace & Garter Stitch Cardigan is a seamed knit cardigan designed to fit chest measurements from 81–96 cm (32–38 in) through to 122–137 cm (48–54 in). The finished garment features three size options with chest measurements of 111 cm (43¾ in), 149 cm (58¾ in), and 186 cm (73¼ in) respectively. The cardigan offers a finished length of 54–60 cm (21¼–23½ in) depending on size, with sleeve lengths ranging from 45–49 cm (17¾–19¼ in). This intermediate-level project combines decorative lace patterning with practical garter stitch sections for a sophisticated, wearable design.

Techniques Used

This cardigan is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, meaning the front and back pieces are constructed separately and then seamed together. The seamed construction allows for precise shaping and finishing details. The pattern integrates two distinct knitting techniques: lace work featuring yarn-over increases and double decreases that create openwork motifs, and garter stitch sections that provide textural contrast and structural stability. The lace pattern repeats over 10 rows, creating a rhythmic visual design across the garment.

Stitches Used

The cardigan employs a variety of fundamental and intermediate knitting stitches to achieve its aesthetic and structural qualities. Core stitches include knit (k) and purl (p) stitches, which form the foundation of both lace and garter stitch sections. Shaping and lace creation rely on yarn forward (yfwd), yarn forward and round needle (yfrn), and yarn over (yon) techniques to create intentional holes and increases. Decreasing stitches for lace shaping uses slip, slip, knit (ssk) and knit two together (k2tog) for right-leaning decreases, as well as slip 1, knit 2 together, pass slipped stitch over (sl 1, k2tog, psso) for centered double decreases. The pattern also incorporates slip 1 (sl 1) stitches to maintain stitch definition and pass slipped stitch over (psso) techniques. Garter stitch sections, created by knitting every row, provide visual and textural breaks from the lace patterning.

Materials

The Debbie Bliss Lace & Garter Stitch Cardigan is worked in Debbie Bliss Dulcie yarn in the colorway Heather 08. Yarn quantities vary by size: the smallest size requires 12 balls of 50g (1¾ oz) each, the medium size requires 15 balls, and the largest size requires 19 balls. Construction requires a pair of 7mm (US 10.5) knitting needles for the main fabric and a 7mm (US 10.5) circular knitting needle, 16 inches long, likely for finishing details such as neckbands or button bands. The tension specifications indicate 16 stitches and 19 rows to 10 cm (4 in) over lace pattern and 15 stitches and 26 rows to 10 cm (4 in) over garter stitch, both measured using 7mm (US 10.5) needles.