Debbie Bliss Manon Knitting Pattern

Debbie Bliss Manon Sweater

What is Being Made

The Manon is a knitted sweater designed by Debbie Bliss, available in three sizes to fit bust measurements of 81-86 cm (32-34 in), 92-97 cm (36-38 in), and 102-107 cm (40-42 in). The finished garment features bust measurements of 84 cm (33 in), 93 cm (36½ in), and 102 cm (40¼ in) respectively. The sweater is worked to a length to shoulder of 63-65 cm (24¾-25½ in) with sleeve length of 44 cm (17¼ in) across all sizes.

Techniques and Construction

The Manon sweater is constructed using seamed construction with pieces worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round. This classic approach allows for precise shaping and finishing. The garment features prominent cable work throughout, with multiple cable crossing techniques integrated into the stitch pattern panels. The cable crossings include C4B (cable 4 back), C3F (cable 3 front), and C3B (cable 3 back) maneuvers, which create textured vertical lines and twisted rope effects characteristic of advanced cable knit design. The back and front pieces are worked identically, and the pattern includes a repeating cable panel worked over 18, 20, or 22 stitches depending on size.

Stitches Used

The Manon pattern employs a range of fundamental and decorative stitches to create its textured appearance. Stocking stitch (knit on right-side rows, purl on wrong-side rows) forms the base fabric. Reverse stocking stitch (purl on right-side rows, knit on wrong-side rows) provides contrast and frames the cable panels. The pattern incorporates cable stitches using a cable needle to manipulate stitch order, creating the twisted rope effects. Additional shaping techniques include make one (m1) increases worked by picking up and working into the back loop between stitches, slip, slip, knit through back loops (s2kpo) decreases, and slip, knit, pass slipped stitch over (skpo) decreases. The pattern also uses standard knit and purl stitches arranged in specific sequences to build the textured panels.

Materials and Tools

The Manon sweater is knitted using Debbie Bliss Rialto DK yarn in Mallard 82, requiring 11, 12, or 14 balls of 50g each depending on size. The yarn weight is DK (double knitting), a medium weight suitable for garments with good drape and stitch definition. The pattern calls for three pairs of knitting needles in different sizes: 3.25mm (US 3), 3.75mm (US 5), and 4mm (US 6), allowing for gauge control and ribbed edgings worked at a tighter gauge than the main fabric. A 4mm (US 6) circular knitting needle is also required, likely for working edgings or neckline finishing. A cable needle is essential for executing the cable crossings throughout the pattern. The recommended gauge is 22 stitches and 30 rows to 10 cm (4 in) square measured over stocking stitch using 4mm (US 6) needles.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as advanced, reflecting the complexity of the cable work and the precision required in seaming and finishing. Knitters undertaking this project should be comfortable with cable techniques, reading detailed stitch patterns, managing multiple needle sizes, and executing seamed construction with professional results.