Debbie Bliss Lottie Knitting Pattern

Debbie Bliss Lottie Sweater

What Is Being Made

The Debbie Bliss Lottie Sweater is a classic knitted pullover jumper designed to fit bust sizes ranging from 81–127 cm (32–50 inches). This intermediate-level garment features a sophisticated cable pattern and is available in five different size options, with finished bust measurements from 97 cm to 137 cm (38¼ to 54 inches). The sweater has a length to shoulder of 53–58 cm (21–22¾ inches) and standard sleeve length of 46 cm (18 inches).

Techniques Used

The Lottie Sweater is constructed using bottom-up seamed construction, meaning the back, front, and sleeves are knitted separately from the cast-on edge upward, then sewn together. The garment is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, allowing for traditional seaming techniques. The pattern incorporates cable work as a central design feature, with cables crossed at regular intervals throughout the body of the sweater to create visual texture and interest.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Lottie Sweater employs several key stitches and techniques:

• Moss Stitch (Seed Stitch): The main fabric pattern is worked in moss stitch, created by alternating knit and purl stitches in a checkerboard formation. This creates a dense, textured fabric with excellent drape and structure.
• Ribbed Edging: The cast-on edge begins with a knit-one, purl-one (K1, P1) ribbed section worked over 8 rows. This elastic rib helps the sweater fit snugly at the hem and prevents curling.
• Cable Stitches: The pattern features C4B (cable 4 back) and C4F (cable 4 front) stitches. These are worked by slipping 2 stitches onto a cable needle, holding it to the back (or front) of the work, knitting the next 2 stitches, then knitting the 2 stitches from the cable needle. This creates the characteristic twisted rope effect of cables.
• Increases and Decreases: The pattern uses standard increases (M1—make one stitch by picking up the horizontal loop before the next stitch and working into the back of it) and decreases to shape the armholes and shoulders.

Materials and Gauge

The Lottie Sweater requires 8 to 12 balls of 100g Debbie Bliss Merion yarn in Lilac, depending on the size being knitted. The yarn is worked on two pairs of needles: 7mm (US 10.5) and 8mm (US 11). A cable needle is also essential for crossing the cable stitches. The pattern specifies a gauge of 12 stitches and 17 rows to 10 cm (4 inches) over moss stitch using the 8mm (US 11) needles, which is critical for achieving the correct finished measurements.

Construction Details

The back panel is cast on with 68–92 stitches (depending on size) using the smaller 7mm needles. After working the ribbed cuff, the needles are changed to 8mm, and the main moss stitch and cable pattern is established. The pattern repeats over 8 rows, with cables crossed on the 7th row. The body is worked straight until it reaches the desired length, at which point armholes are shaped by casting off stitches at the beginning of rows. Shoulders are then shaped with further cast-offs, and the remaining stitches are bound off for the neckline. The front follows a similar construction, and sleeves are worked separately before being sewn into place.