Debbie Bliss Larissa Knitting Pattern

Debbie Bliss Larissa Knitted Sweater

What Is Being Made

The Larissa is an advanced-level knitted sweater designed to fit bust measurements from 81-86 cm (32-34 inches) up to 112-117 cm (44-46 inches). This seamed, worked-flat garment features a finished bust measurement ranging from 120 cm to 150 cm (47¼ to 59 inches) depending on size, with length to shoulder measurements between 60 cm and 66 cm (23¾ to 26 inches). The sweater includes long sleeves measuring 46 cm (18 inches) in length.

Techniques Used

The Larissa employs several advanced knitting techniques that make it suitable for experienced knitters. The primary construction method is worked flat, meaning the garment pieces are knitted in flat rows rather than in the round, then seamed together to create the finished sweater. The most prominent design feature involves extensive cable work, which creates raised, twisted stitch patterns across the fabric. Cable stitches featured in this pattern include C4F (cable 4 front), C4B (cable 4 back), C8F (cable 8 front), and C8B (cable 8 back), indicating cables of varying complexity and visual impact.

Stitches Used

The pattern incorporates several fundamental and decorative stitches. Stocking stitch (stockinette stitch) forms the main fabric base, created by alternating knit and purl rows. Honeycomb stitch is used in specific sections, creating a textured, dimensional surface. Ribbing appears throughout the pattern, particularly in the waistband and cuff areas, providing elasticity and a fitted finish. The cable stitches mentioned above—C4F, C4B, C8F, and C8B—are worked by slipping stitches onto a cable needle, holding them to the front or back of the work, then knitting stitches in a specific sequence to create the characteristic twisted cable effect. Additional shaping techniques include make one (m1) increases for adding stitches and standard decreases for shaping.

Materials

The Larissa is knitted using Debbie Bliss Rialto DK yarn in three colorways. The main color is White 01 (abbreviated as M), requiring 9 to 13 balls of 50g each depending on size. Scarlet 12 (abbreviated as A) is used as a secondary color, requiring 4 to 5 balls of 50g each. Black 03 (abbreviated as B) is the third color, requiring 3 to 4 balls of 50g each. The pattern calls for two pairs of needles: 3.75mm (US 5) needles and 4mm (US 6) needles, allowing for gauge control between the ribbed and main fabric sections. A cable needle is essential for managing the cable stitches throughout the design. Gauge is specified as 22 stitches and 30 rows to 10 cm (4 inches) over stocking stitch using 4mm needles, and 26 stitches and 36 rows to 10 cm over honeycomb stitch using 4mm needles.

Pattern Overview

The Larissa pattern begins with ribbed sections worked on smaller needles to create a fitted edge, then transitions to larger needles for the main body. The design incorporates strategic increases to shape the sweater and establish stitch counts for the cable and texture sections. The pattern uses a combination of cable panels and textured stitches to create visual interest across the front and back pieces, with the cable work being the defining characteristic of this advanced design.