Debbie Bliss Lourdes Rib Sweater Knitting Pattern

Debbie Bliss Lourdes Rib Sweater

What is Being Made

The Debbie Bliss Lourdes Rib Sweater is a knitted pullover garment designed for everyday wear. This piece features a classic rib pattern construction and is available in seven size options, ranging from chest measurements of 81–86 cm (32–34 inches) up to 142–147 cm (56–58 inches). The finished sweater offers generous ease, with chest measurements ranging from 118 cm (46½ inches) in the smallest size to 178 cm (70 inches) in the largest size. Back length measurements vary from 48 cm (19 inches) to 59 cm (23¼ inches) depending on size, while front length ranges from 40 cm (15¾ inches) to 51 cm (20 inches). All sizes feature consistent sleeve length of 20 cm (8 inches).

Techniques Used

This sweater is constructed using seamed and worked flat techniques, making it an ideal project for knitters developing their fundamental skills. The garment is worked in separate flat pieces—back, front, and sleeves—which are then seamed together to create the finished sweater. This construction method is characteristic of beginner-friendly patterns, as it avoids the complexity of working in the round and allows knitters to easily manage their stitches and monitor their progress on straight needles.

Stitches Used

The Lourdes Rib Sweater employs a fundamental two-row rib pattern that forms the basis of the entire garment. The pattern is established as follows: the first row (right side) consists of P1, [k1, p1] to end, alternating single purl stitches with single knit stitches across the row. The second row is worked entirely in purl. These two rows are repeated throughout the garment to create the characteristic ribbed texture. Additional stitches used in shaping include k2tog (knit two stitches together) for decreases and skpo (slip one stitch, knit one stitch, pass slipped stitch over) for alternative decreasing methods. Shoulder shaping is accomplished through strategic cast off (bind off) sequences worked at the beginning of rows.

Materials

The Debbie Bliss Lourdes Rib Sweater is worked using Debbie Bliss Saphia yarn in the colorway Leaf 02. Yarn requirements are approximate and based on average needs, ranging from 7 hanks (100g/3½oz each) for the smallest sizes to 10 hanks for the largest size. The pattern requires a pair of 8mm (US 11) knitting needles for the main body and sleeves. Additionally, two circular knitting needles are specified: a 7mm (US 10½) circular needle measuring 40 cm (16 inches) in length and an 8mm (US 11) circular needle of the same length, though these appear to be used for finishing details. The recommended tension is 12 stitches and 17 rows to 10 cm (4 inch) square measured over the rib pattern using 8mm (US 11) needles.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is classified as beginner level, making it an excellent choice for knitters new to garment construction. The straightforward two-row rib pattern, combined with the flat construction method and seaming finish, provides an accessible introduction to sweater making without overwhelming complexity.