Debbie Bliss Margreet Knitting Pattern

Debbie Bliss Margreet Sweater

What is Being Made

The Margreet is a stranded colorwork sweater designed by Debbie Bliss, crafted in Cashmerino Aran yarn. This garment features a sophisticated Fair Isle or jacquard-style pattern worked across the body and sleeves. The sweater is available in eight sizes, ranging from 81–86cm (32–34in) to 142–147cm (56–58in) chest fit, with finished chest measurements from 120cm (47¼in) to 180cm (71in). The finished length varies from 59cm to 67cm (23¼in to 26¼in), and sleeves measure 44cm (17¼in) in length.

Construction Technique

The Margreet is constructed using a top-down, worked-in-the-round method, which allows for seamless construction and the ability to try on the garment as you progress. All rounds are knit, eliminating the need for purl rows in the main fabric. This approach is particularly advantageous for stranded colorwork, as it keeps the pattern facing outward throughout the knitting process. The sweater begins at the neckline and expands outward, with sleeves picked up and worked downward after the body is complete.

Stranded Colorwork Technique

The pattern employs stranded colorwork (also called Fair Isle knitting), where two colors are worked simultaneously in each round. When working stranded colorwork, yarn not in use is carried loosely across the wrong side of the fabric to maintain elasticity and prevent the fabric from becoming too tight. This technique creates a double-layered fabric with excellent insulation properties, making it ideal for a sweater in a luxury yarn like Cashmerino Aran.

Stitches Used

The Margreet is primarily constructed in stocking stitch (stockinette stitch), the fundamental stitch for most sweater construction. The pattern incorporates standard knitting abbreviations including knit (k), purl (p), make one stitch (m1) for increases, slip, knit, pass slipped stitch over (skpo) for decreases, and slip stitch (sl) for edge stitches. The garment uses a chart-based pattern system, which is typical for stranded colorwork designs and provides visual guidance for color placement throughout the sweater.

Materials and Yarn

The Margreet is designed to be worked in Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran, a premium blend yarn available in 50g (1¾oz) balls. The pattern requires four colors:

• Sky 83 (A) – the primary color, requiring 11–20 balls depending on size
• Black 300 (B) – a contrast color, requiring 2–3 balls
• Mustard 66 (C) – an accent color, requiring 1–2 balls
• Ecru 101 (D) – a secondary accent, requiring 1–2 balls

The yarn is worked at a gauge of 18 stitches and 24 rows to 10cm (4in) square over stocking stitch using 5mm (US 8) needles. Achieving correct gauge is essential for proper fit and drape in this stranded colorwork sweater.

Needles Required

The pattern calls for multiple circular needles and double-pointed needles in two sizes to accommodate different sections of the garment:

• 4.5mm (US 7) circular needles: 40cm (16in) length and 25cm (10in) length
• 4.5mm (US 7) double-pointed needles (alternative to 25cm circular needles)
• 5mm (US 8) circular needles: 40cm (16in) length, 25cm (10in) length, and at least 80cm (32in) length
• 5mm (US 8) double-pointed needles (alternative to 25cm circular needles)
• Two stitch holders for managing stitches during construction

The 4.5mm needles are used for ribbed edgings, while the 5mm needles are used for the main body and sleeves. The longer circular needle accommodates the full circumference of the body in the round.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as advanced beginner,